Reserves Officer
Durham Wildlife Trust
Reserves Officer
Location: Rainton Meadows, DH4 6PU
Salary: £30,633
Term: Full time for 24 months, potential for extension subject to funding.
Closing Date: 30th July, 2026
This role is central to us delivering our commitment to nature’s recovery and showcasing the highest standards of site-based management. Working closely with the Reserves Manager and as part of a team, you will be responsible for practical habitat and site infrastructure delivery across our sites. In addition to delivering practical management work, you will play an essential role in making everyone feel valued and welcome, engaging with the public, volunteers and stakeholders on a daily basis, and leading groups to deliver practical works to the highest standard.
Main responsibilities
Practical Nature Reserve Management
- Deliver practical habitat and site infrastructure work on the estate.
- Work closely with the Reserves Manager to ensure the regular monitoring of sites.
- Contribute to the monitoring of species and habitats.
- Support the production of Management Plans.
- Commission and manage (as necessary) small scale contractual work to deliver repairs and maintenance across the estate.
- Respect and conserve the heritage assets and features of historical, cultural and community interest across the Trust reserves.
Public, Volunteers and Trainees
- Support, develop and lead a diverse range of activities, including regular practical volunteer tasks.
- Be a great advocate for DWT, inspiring greater connection with nature, helping people to feel welcome and encouraging active participation within the reserves.
- Support the recruitment and induction of new volunteers, offering a safe and welcoming environment where people feel valued and empowered to act.
- Manage and mentor trainees and support their development of knowledge and skills.
Benefits
- Competitive salary.
- Pension: Minimum employee contribution 3% of salary, employer contribution 6% of qualifying salary (Employees can decide to opt out).
- Employee support package – on line GP appointments, access to helplines.
- Holidays: 25 days (for full time) plus Bank and Statutory Holidays. After two years continuous employment, entitled to one extra paid day of leave per year worked up to a maximum of five extra days per year.
- Years of service in another role at DWT, or any other member organisation of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, will count towards holiday entitlement.
- Hybrid-working arrangements, with a mix of site, office-based and working from home as set out in a rota.
About Durham Wildlife Trust
Durham Wildlife Trust is a charity that was established in 1971 and operates across the area of the old County Durham, which today includes Darlington, Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland.
It owns and manages more than 50 nature reserves located between the Tees and the Tyne, providing special places for people, for wildlife and for future generations. From ancient woodland and heathland to meadows, wetlands and more, the Trust looks after some of the North East’s most special places.
Today Durham Wildlife Trust continues to acquire new reserves, helping nature to recover across the landscape and bringing wildlife into the heart of our towns and cities.
Durham Wildlife Trust is a charity that was established in 1971 and operates across the area of the old County Durham, which today includes Darlington, Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland. It owns and manages more than 50 nature reserves located between the Tees and the Tyne, providing special places for people, for wildlife and for future generations. From ancient woodland and heathland to meadows, wetlands and more, the Trust looks after some of the North East’s most special places. Today Durham Wildlife Trust continues to acquire new reserves, helping nature to recover across the landscape and bringing wildlife into the heart of our towns and cities.
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