Flexible daily working hours

Paid volunteer days

1 wellbeing hour per week

Salary £24,479 pro rata PA + Bothy accommodation

Location Dunkeld - Loch of the Lowes

Mergefield Title {Mergefield Value}

Mergefield Title {Mergefield Value}

This is a Temporary, Part Time vacancy that will close in a day at 12:00 GMT.

The vacancy

Status: April 2026 – June 2026.  

17.5 hours per week 

Closing Date: 21st January – 12 noon 

Interviews will take place – W/C 16th February 

Scotland’s leading nature conservation charity is looking for enthusiastic individuals to undertake the role of Wildlife Protection Officer (WPO) based at Loch of the Lowes. This paid role includes free accommodation, invaluable training and the opportunity to develop experience in species protection, working with volunteers and public engagement.

Based at Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve, this 8-week role will focus on providing osprey and other wildlife, species protection during the sensitive period of the breeding season. The role will require working closely with the Perthshire Ranger, the Volunteer Nest Protection Team and Visitor Centre staff.

Successful candidates will be housed on-site, in a lochside, wooden eco-bothy for the duration of the role.

Duties include:

· Monitoring and recording breeding ospreys’ behaviour

· Providing protection for the resident ospreys, and other species, including their nest, eggs, and chicks during the critical part of the breeding season

· Engaging with members of the public, both in the hides and on regular patrols around the reserve

· Intervening and taking appropriate action in incidents of disturbance

· Monitoring additional webcams for beaver activity and other wildlife footage

· Working closely with Visitor Centre staff and volunteers

· Managing observational data and producing an end of season summary report

Training and Support:

The candidate will have the fantastic opportunity to gain experience in;

· Species ID

· Use of webcam and security camera software

· Working with volunteers

· Public engagement

The successful candidate will ideally have:

· An interest and passion in nature conservation

· Good knowledge of natural history, species ID and surveying skills

· Experience of bird monitoring or species protection work

· Experience of living in shared accommodation with colleagues and willingness to contribute to a positive living environment

· The ability to work unsociable hours

· A reasonable standard of physical fitness and personal resilience to working in cold conditions

· A positive and flexible approach to work and other team members

· The ability to communicate with volunteers, staff and members of the public in an approachable and confident manner

· Experience of conflict resolution

· A high level of self-motivation, personal responsibility and organisational skills

· Good computer literacy skills, including Excel

· Understanding of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code

· Driver’s License (highly desirable)

· First Aid Qualification

Please note the Wildlife Protection Officer role is dependent on the return of breeding ospreys. Covid-19 precautions will be applied as appropriate, particularly with regards to the bothy accommodation.

To apply, please click the green “apply now” button which will take you to our application pages.

Scottish Wildlife Trust are an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and welcome applications from diverse groups. If you require more information, please contact recruitment@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk. 

About us

For more than 60 years, the Scottish Wildlife Trust has worked with its members, partners and supporters in pursuit of its vision of healthy, resilient ecosystems across Scotland’s land and seas.

The Trust successfully champions the cause of wildlife through policy and campaigning work, demonstrates best practice through practical conservation and innovative partnerships, and inspires people to take positive action through its education and engagement ac...

Wildlife Protection Officer - Loch of the Lowes x 4

Closing date:

Salary: £24,479 pro rata PA + Bothy accommodatiom

Location:

110 Commercial Street, Edinburgh, EH6 6NF

Title: Wildlife Protection Officer (x 4 posts)
Status: April 2026 – June 2026; 17.5 hours per week
Salary: £24,479 pro rata per annum tbc
Location: Loch of the Lowes, Dunkeld
Closing date: Friday 30th January – 12 noon

Status: April 2026 – June 2026; 17.5 hours per week

Salary: £24,479 pro rata per annum tbc

Location: Loch of the Lowes, Dunkeld

Closing date: Friday 30th January – 12 noon

Contact details

Job reference: SWT1163838

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is one of the UK’s fastest growing nature conservation organisations and we’re seeking to appoint an experienced Nature Reserves Manager for West Yorkshire.

This is an exciting, regionally based position, responsible for ensuring that our nature reserves in the area are managed to a high standard and that enables nature’s recovery and inspires our visitors with accessible and exciting wildlife experiences.

Working with an enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff team, experienced volunteers and a range of committed partners, you will help to recover and protect individual species and habitats across West Yorkshire, helping us to achieve an overall wilder Yorkshire!

You will join an established regional operations team and be responsible for managing and leading a staff and volunteer team, supporting our conservation grazing programme, undertaking ecological surveys and utilising technology to produce effective site management plans and mapping. In addition, you will support project fundraising and grant applications, maintain nature reserve infrastructure, assist with visitor engagement and lead on species recovery project work in the area.

We’d love to hear from you if you have experience of developing and undertaking nature conservation tasks and project work in the UK, possess up to date ecological knowledge, an awareness of the challenges faced by wildlife in the UK and have experience of managing staff teams and volunteers.

How to apply:

Please submit an up-to-date CV and supporting statement. When writing your supporting statement, please ensure you describe your relevant knowledge, skills and experience aligned to the Person Specification within the Job Description. Please be aware that if you only submit a CV, your application may not be considered.

Please DO NOT include any personal details (name, address etc) on your supporting statement.

Closing date: Wednesday 4 th February 2026 (midnight)

Interview date: 13 th February 2026

Please note that applications received after the closing deadline may not be considered. The Trust regrets that it is unable to give feedback on unsuccessful applications.

We are committed to creating a Movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone is able to be themselves and to reach their full potential. We want our people to flourish, just like nature.

Nature Reserves Manager (West Yorkshire)

Contact details

Please contact  recruitment@ywt.org.uk for any enquiries.

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is one of the UK’s fastest growing nature conservation organisations and we’re seeking to appoint an experienced Nature Reserves Manager for West Yorkshire.

This is an exciting, regionally based position, responsible for ensuring that our nature reserves in the area are managed to a high standard and that enables nature’s recovery and inspires our visitors with accessible and exciting wildlife experiences.

Working with an enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff team, experienced volunteers and a range of committed partners, you will help to recover and protect individual species and habitats across West Yorkshire, helping us to achieve an overall wilder Yorkshire!

You will join an established regional operations team and be responsible for managing and leading a staff and volunteer team, supporting our conservation grazing programme, undertaking ecological surveys and utilising technology to produce effective site management plans and mapping. In addition, you will support project fundraising and grant applications, maintain nature reserve infrastructure, assist with visitor engagement and lead on species recovery project work in the area.

We’d love to hear from you if you have experience of developing and undertaking nature conservation tasks and project work in the UK, possess up to date ecological knowledge, an awareness of the challenges faced by wildlife in the UK and have experience of managing staff teams and volunteers.

How to apply:

Please submit an up-to-date CV and supporting statement. When writing your supporting statement, please ensure you describe your relevant knowledge, skills and experience aligned to the Person Specification within the Job Description. Please be aware that if you only submit a CV, your application may not be considered.

Please DO NOT include any personal details (name, address etc) on your supporting statement.

Closing date: Wednesday 4 th February (midnight)

Interview date: 13 th February

Please note that applications received after the closing deadline may not be considered. The Trust regrets that it is unable to give feedback on unsuccessful applications.

We are committed to creating a Movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone is able to be themselves and to reach their full potential. We want our people to flourish, just like nature.

Seasonal Animal Keeper

Paultons Park

Closing date for applications is: 30th Jan 2026

We're looking for someone to provide support to our team of keepers on a regular basis. This is a practical ‘hands on’ role where you will need to have previous experience in the care of animals.

What we offer:

• Branded Uniform (varies by job role / department).
• Employee Card providing you with unlimited Park access and in Park discounts
• Complimentary staff tickets
• Staff Discount Scheme
• Free Parking
• Auto enrolment to a pension (subject to qualifying criteria)
• Subsidised food and free drinks
• Hourly wage paid monthly

Hours of work

This is a seasonal position that will predominately involve weekends, school and bank holidays with some additional weekday work available to help cover holidays.

Shifts will be rostered in advance and timings vary dependent on the time of year. Flexibility is required in order to meet the peak and off-peak demands of the business.

Apply for this job:

Please apply directly on the Paultons Park website:

Conservation traineeship (voluntary) 2026

Lower Smite Farm,

Hindlip

, Worcester & Droitwich, Worcestershire, WR3 8SZ

Contact details

For any questions, please email andy.bucklitch@worcestershirewildlifetrust.org

• Five x 12-month, part-time placements from early April 2026 – late March 2027
• Three days/week. Core hours of 8.30am-4.30pm Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
• Based at Lower Smite Farm, Hindlip, Worcester and working on nature reserves across Worcestershire

As part of a team of five trainees, you will assist in reserve management across a variety of habitats including heathlands, meadows, woodlands and wetlands. The role will involve habitat management using a variety of tools and equipment, installing and repairing reserve infrastructure such as boardwalks and bird hides and working with and supervising volunteers in a variety of tasks.

A structured training programme is offered with the opportunity to tailor training towards individual aims. Trainees will gain nationally-recognised qualifications including first aid, chainsaw and brush-cutter operation and maintenance with the opportunity to train for other certifications in related countryside management skills.

This is a rolling programme and we will be regularly recruiting for trainees to start in April each year.

A role description and application form can be downloaded below. For more information, you can read blogs by current and previous trainees. 

Completed applications must be made using the Trust’s application form below and sent to enquiries@worcestershirewildlifetrust.org. CVs alone will not be accepted.

Deadline: midnight Sunday 1st February 2026Interviews: Thursday 26^th or Friday 27^th February 2026

Animal keeper

Manor Wildlife Park

Closing date for applications is: 31st Jan 2026

Key Responsibilities 

• Provide high standard of animal husbandry.

• Prepare and distribute species-appropriate diets according to established nutrition plans

• Observe animals for signs of illness, injury, or behavioral changes and report concerns prompt

• Design and implement enrichment activities to promote natural behaviors and mental stimulation

• Maintain accurate daily records of animal health, diet, and behaviour

• Ensure enclosures meet safety, cleanliness, and animal welfare standards

• Follow all zoo safety protocols and animal handling guidelines

• Interact with visitors through informal education, talks, or demonstrations when required. Be comfotable using public address systems and engaging with large and small groups of guests of varying ages and abilities.

• Support conservation, breeding, and research programs as assigned

Qualifications/ requirements:

• High school diploma required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, animal science, or a related field preferred.

• 2 years experience working with in a zoological collection.

• Knowledge of animal behavior, nutrition, and husbandry practices

• Ability to follow detailed protocols and work independently and as part of a as part of a team

Skills & Abilities

• Strong observational and problem-solving skills

• Physical ability to perform demanding tasks (lifting, cleaning, working outdoors in all weather conditions)

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills

• Commitment to animal welfare, safety, and conservation

• Willingness to work weekends, holidays, and on a rolling rota.

• Friendly, hard working and able to use initiative

Apply for this job:

Please send your covering letter and CV (no longer than 1 side of A4) to kim@manorwildlifepark.co.uk

Animal Keeper

Exmoor Zoological Park

Closing date for applications is: 12th Feb 2026

Exmoor Zoo is looking to take on a Keeper/animal experience facilitator working within the Mammal Department, who will be an experienced, enthusiastic and self-motivated individual. 

The duties will be to assist the mammal team in the running of that section to ensure high standards of welfare and husbandry for the animals and to provide clients with animal experiences. You will be a good team worker, able to motivate others, as well as show initiative, have a positive outlook and be responsible for suggesting work routines for keepers occasionally. Ideally, you will have a proven record of working with catgeory 1 species and be able to work alone in compliance with the zoo’s lone working policy. You will also play an integral role in training and enrichment of the animals, as well as maintenance of their enclosures.

You will be required to have a minimum of 12 months full time employment in a recognised Zoo environment. It will be expected that you have experience with both carnivores & primates (particularly category 1 animals) and some working skills with “other” animals. Some of this “other” experience can be given here.

You should have passed the DMZAA or equivalent or be prepared to gain those qualifications. Hold a full U.K. driving licence and have your own vehicle due to the zoo's rural location. Be up to date with current practices in animal husbandry and welfare and have a working knowledge of the Conservation and Education roles within modern Zoos.

You will need to be able to keep calm in stressful situations, be able to handle and manage animals during certain procedures and have a basic understanding of D.I.Y as well as an outgoing personality to help facilitate the zoo's client animal experiences. You will be required to work Bank Holidays and weekends, with two fixed days off per week and in exchange 28 days holiday are offered as part of the contract. 
 

Apply for this job:

Please register your interest by sending an email with an enclosed cover letter and your current C.V. to Danny Reynolds, Animal collection Manager, info@exmoorzoo.co.uk.  Closing day for applications 12.02.26. Interviews will be held until the position is filled.

Nature Recovery Manager

North East England

Job details

Location

North East England

Salary

£40,388 - £43,482

Hours of work

Full Time

Contract

Permanent

Closing date

January 25, 2026

About the Job

The Nature Recovery Manager will oversee the strategic development and delivery of a suite of wild area and species recovery projects in North District under the Forest Wilding Programme. This will include overseeing existing projects and developing new ones, ensuring that these progress through the project lifecycle to effective delivery on the ground, reporting on progress to project and programme boards, and managing dedicated project officer staff.

The post holder will be a skilled project manager, bringing ecological experience and insight, developing and maintaining standards to deliver projects on time and on budget. You will have a strong track record of implementing nature-based projects using your land management expertise, collaborative working skills, and team leadership experience. Managing internal and external stakeholders and developing partnerships with stakeholders, landowners and funders will be a key part of this role, alongside the successful implementation of a robust communications plan. You will be willing to challenge established norms on management for nature and help drive nature recovery at scale and pace.

Job Description

1)      Detailed project planning, control and implementation, including:

• Manage district-based forest wilding projects, applying appropriate project management frameworks in accordance with Forest Wilding Programme guidance and principles, to ensure effective and timely project implementation
• Developing and maintaining appropriate project documentation, including project management plans, land management plans, stakeholder management plans, and communications plans
• Managing the delegated forest wilding budget, as a component of the wider Forest Wilding Programme budget
• Procuring, commissioning and managing contracts and contractors, especially for practical land management, feasibility studies, and ecological survey and monitoring
• Identifying and managing project risks and issues, managing project scope, overseeing change control, and escalating where necessary with Senior Responsible Owners and the Forest Wilding Programme Manager
• Ensuring projects integrates Forestry England’s principal functions of timber production, nature recovery and engagement with visitors, resolving cross-functional issues at project and district levels
• Ensuring forest wilding projects meet the defined project objectives, outcomes and benefits
• Monitoring project progress and performance, including through milestones and gateway reviews, and reporting on these to Project Boards and the Forest Wilding Programme

 2)    Provide strong technical leadership in ecology and nature-focussed land management, and its integration with forestry, especially through:

• Leading and managing district-based forest wilding officers, responsible for delivering wild area and species recovery projects, providing line-management, coaching and mentoring, supporting personal and professional development, and promoting a positive and inclusive culture
• Initiate and support the development of appropriate project initiatives, such as strategic land management plans, feasibility studies, and implementation plans, to produce a workable programme of nature-focussed land management
• Working with technical experts, contractors and colleagues to implement the strategic land management priorities on the ground
• Using best practice, technical knowledge and scientific evidence to contribute to the meeting Forestry England’s strategic ambition for nature recovery and resilience in the Nation’s Forests
• Working with the Forest Wilding Programme team to support the implementation of a coherent evidence framework, which both supports our decision making and monitors the outcomes of our land management

 3)    Develop and manage strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including:

• Supporting the district senior leadership team and relevant project boards, in providing confident and coherent leadership and governance to nature recovery projects
• Managing the engagement and communications with colleagues and internal stakeholders of forest wilding across the Forestry Commission family
• Managing the engagement and communications with external partners and stakeholders on district-based projects, especially those with a high-risk factor and high influence on the outcomes of the projects, through effe...

Please click here to download the full job description.

Salary: £25,397 (FTE)

Part-time: 20 hours per week to cover the hours of 8am to 5pm (shifts mainly consist of 8am to 12pm), worked on a rolling four week rota, including weekend work.

Permanent

Location: Bristol Animal Rescue Centre, 48-50 Albert Road, Bristol, BS2 0XA

About Us

Our mission is to ensure that animals in need within our community receive the compassion, care and respect they deserve. We are committed to helping, healing and homing animals for as long as they need us.

About the role

In this role you will provide a high standard of cleanliness and maintenance of animal accommodation and surrounding areas for all animals resident at Bristol Animal Rescue Centre.

Bristol A.R.C. employs around 50 people with over 20 of those working directly within the Rehoming Centre. Our Rehoming Centre is staffed 7 days per week caring for Bristol’s animals in most need.

We’re here for the animals who are most in need, including those who arrive with the RSPCA Inspectors, and we hold the stray dog contract for Bristol City Council. Our team works in often very challenging situations to ensure the best outcomes and give as many animals as possible a second chance at a happy life. We’re here for people, for pets and for Bristol.

About you:

To succeed in this role you will have:

● Previous experience in a cleaning role, preferably in an animal care or healthcare environment.
● Basic understanding of hygiene practices and the importance of maintaining a clean environment.
● Experience working in a team-oriented environment.
● A personal commitment to the aims and values of the charity

● Strong attention to detail and thoroughness in completing tasks.
● Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
● Physical stamina to perform manual cleaning tasks, including lifting and carrying.
● Compassionate and respectful attitude towards animals.
● Ability to follow instructions and work according to a schedule.

If this role sounds like the perfect opportunity for you, please read the full job description here to find out more.

To apply for this position please complete the online application form which includes a supporting statement. Please outline in the supporting statement how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role. Please do not send a CV as this will not be considered.

Application deadline: We are keen to fill this vacancy ASAP so reserve the right to close the vacancy if we receive suitable applications. As such applicants will be considered on a rolling basis.

Bristol Animal Rescue Centre and Bristol A.R.C. are the working names for RSPCA Bristol & District Branch (a charity registered in England & Wales 205858) and the linked charity the Bristol Dogs and Cats Home (a charity registered in England & Wales 205858-1)

Please note that we request no enquiries from agencies.

As a charity we try to minimise recruitment costs; if you have not heard from us within three weeks from the closing date of applications please assume that, on this occasion, your application has not been successful.

Job application form (INFO)

ABOUT SHEFFIELD & ROTHERHAM WILDLIFE TRUST

Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust (SRWT) is an independent, local, environmental
charity governed by a Board of Trustees drawn from our local community.  We are one
of 46 Wildlife Trusts working across the UK for nature and people.

We are working towards an exciting and ambitious Strategy2030 which is summarised
below:

Our Vision
Throughout Sheffield & Rotherham, from our streets & neighbourhoods to the wider
countryside, there will be an abundance of nature that is protected, cared for and
experienced by everyone.

Our Ambitions

●  30% of land and water is great for nature by 2030 and an abundance of wildlife

everywhere

●  1 in 4 people taking action for nature
●  5 minutes to nature for everyone

Our teams protect important wildlife, habitats and green spaces that matter to local
people. We directly manage 15 Nature Reserves, thanks to our many volunteers and
dedicated staff, including the internationally important moorland at Blacka Moor, the
much-loved Wyming Brook, the beautiful woodlands at Greno Woods and the locally
important ‘space to breathe’ at Sunnybank.

Recent projects to support nature recovery include the delivery of natural flood risk
management schemes with the Environment Agency on the Rother, recording the
return of the otter along the River Don and producing the first ever State of Nature
report for Sheffield. We are the lead partner for the successful Sheffield Lakeland £4
million Heritage Fund landscape partnership.  We are working with others to ensure that
tree planting and woodland creation is coordinated through the South Yorkshire
Woodland Partnership.

Every year we engage with thousands of people of all ages, and have over 6,000
subscribing members and a rapidly growing social media following. We support our
local community to take action for nature, campaigning on local issues that threaten

2

our natural environment and wildlife.  Recent campaigns include saving Owlthorpe
Fields, which faced the threat of development but has now been partly designated as
a Local Wildlife Site. We also support the Sheffield Swift Network helping to address the
decline in swift populations and we set up and support the Sheffield Street Tree
Partnership.

Working with our local communities is central to what we do, helping people to better
connect with nature. Projects such as Nextdoor Nature empowers people to take
action in their local green spaces. Our Outdoor Learning team provides opportunities
for children and young people of all ages and abilities to enjoy and appreciate nature.
For older, vulnerable, and isolated adults, our Wild@Heart nature programme provides
dedicated activities to enjoy nature and nature’s benefits.

Wildscapes Consultancy (both a CIC and part of the Trust) works to improve places for
people and wildlife by providing a range of land management and ecology services.
Profit generated by the social enterprise is reinvested back into the Trust’s charitable
activities - into our Nature Reserves, wildlife and habitat conservation, community
engagement and campaign work.

To find out more about our work please take a look at our website here:
https://www.wildsheffield.com

ABOUT THE ROLE

This nature recovery role is an exciting opportunity to lead on management of the
Trust’s 15 nature reserves including a number of SSSIs and  ancient woodlands including
the award-winning Centenary Riverside Local Nature Reserve:  Centenary Riverside

and the stunning Wyming Brook (SSSI): Wyming Brook

You will need to be passionate about nature recovery with a good practical
understanding of species and habitat conservation and how to deliver it.  Qualified to
at least degree level with over 5-years relevant experience you will lead, manage and
develop the nature reserves team.  This will include day-to-day responsibility for seven of
the Trust’s reserves, including liaison with our land management and evidence teams
and community wildlife rangers.

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JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Senior Nature Recovery Manager

JOB NUMBER: SNRM-26

RESPONSIBLE TO: Head of Nature Recovery

RESPONSIBLE FOR:  Nature Recovery Managers (x2)

OVERALL PURPOSE

The Senior Nature Recovery Manager is responsible for directly managing a suite of seven
nature reserves and two nature recovery managers.  There is a wide range of technical
nature recovery work to manage, with a substantial degree of autonomy.  The wider team
includes land management team officers (x2), community wildlife rangers (x2), an
ecological monitoring officer and a large number of volunteers.

MAIN DUTIES

●  Lead  the  wider  nature  reserves  team  including  direct  line  management  of  two

nature recovery managers.

●  Responsibility  for  practical  management  of SRWT nature reserves, including project
management  of  agri-environment  and  grant-funded  work  at  Wyming  Brook  (part
SSSI),  Fox  Hagg  LNR,  Hammond’s  Field  (SSSI),  Salmon  Pastures  LNR,  Centenary
Riverside ...