Volunteer Trainee Project Assistant
Queenswood Country Park
Vacancy listed 10/06/2025
Application deadline 30/06/2025
Details
Job Title:  Volunteer Trainee Project Assistant 
 
Main Job Purpose: 
 
An opportunity to gain work experience and training in practical and applied conservation work to support the Restoring Bartonsham Meadows’ Project a national Lottery Heritage Funded project run by Herefordshire Wildlife Trust. 
 
Training will be provided in many aspects of reserve management and community engagement and can include the gaining of qualifications in relevant skills according to the candidate’s background.  
 
For maximum benefit to both the trainee and Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, a consistent commitment to the programme is expected, and the trainee is required to adhere to the terms in the Trust’s volunteer policy as applicable.  

Term:  6 months Placement 3 days a week Ideally Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 

This is not a salaried role however there is a budget of £1600 for training and expenses, of which at least half will be available for training and is based on the relevant applicants needs for externally accredited training. Reasonable expenses are paid which include travel expenses to work.  

Reports to:  Bartonsham Project Manager/ Community Officer 


Location: Queenswood Country Park, HR6 0PY and Bartonsham Meadows,  Hereford HR1 2RB 

Management Responsibility: None 


Liaison with:  The Bartonsham Project team, Community Groups, Volunteers and the public 


Key Responsibilities: 

The Volunteer Trainee Project Assistant will support the Project Team with their work, which through the year will include assisting, planning and running volunteer surveys and work parties at Barton sham Meadows.  
 
There will be opportunities to undertake species surveys, GIS mapping, supporting with school visits, youth groups and wider community groups and events.  
 
  • To undertake duties and training as outlined in the trainee programme (to be agreed with the postholder) and to record training and experience gained.  
 
  • To participate in practical activities required to manage the Restoring Bartonsham Meadows Project.  
 
  • To help maintain vehicles, machinery, equipment and tools in a safe and effective condition and to ensure that they are used in an appropriate manner.  
 
  • To help promote the Trust and its work by supporting the provision of guided walks, presentations, the preparation of interpretative materials, and through participation in events and activities.  
 
  • To deal with enquiries from the public, members and other interested parties in a timely, polite and effective manner and to be a regular presence at Bartonsham Meadows.  
  
  •  To carry out any other duties as required by the Project Staff.  
 
Other duties 
 
  • Undertake Health and Safety duties commensurate with the post and as detailed in the Trust's Health and Safety policy;  
  • Comply with all other organisational policies and relevant legislation e.g. Equal Opportunities – it being the responsibility of the post holder to make themselves aware of such items  
  • Take advantage of formal and informal opportunities for personal and professional development, participate in appropriate training activities in consultation with your line manager  
  • Act as an ambassador for Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, constructing and maintaining positive relationships with volunteers, visitors and other organisations  
  • Actively encourage those who you with and whom you come into professional contact to become members of HWT (all staff are regarded as membership recruiters)  
  • Undertake any other work that might be deemed necessary by HWT commensurate with the level of responsibility of this post. Work with the broader HWT team on any other activities that match your skills and abilities as agreed with your line-manager  
 
 
Person specification 

Qualifications 

No Formal Qualification are required, experience and a commitment to a career in nature conservation is essential  

 Essential Knowledge and Experience 

  • A demonstrable commitment to a career in nature conservation is essential.  
  • Basic knowledge of habitat management principles  
  • Experience of working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds (in a paid or voluntary capacity)  
 
Desirable  
 
  • Some experience of practical conservation (all necessary training will be given).  
 
Skills Essential 

  • Good written and oral communication skills 
  • Literate with Microsoft office, web and email 
  • Excellent organisational and time management skills 
  • Excellent interpersonal skills 
Other Essential  

  • A full UK-valid driving licence but the role is possible without this.  
  • A Clean DBS check 
 
Personal Attributes  
 
  • Demonstrable interest in UK wildlife and nature conservation.  
  • Willingness to learn and take responsibility for own professional development.  
  • Willingness to work outdoors in all weathers.  
  • A reasonable level of fitness  
  • A positive “can do” attitude  
  • A desire to make a difference  
  • Willingness to share knowledge of wildlife with others, both informally and formally  
  • A commitment to equal opportunities.  
Benefits

• Flexible working
• Free parking
• Training and Travel Budget

Notes

This is a part time permanent role, 22.5 hours per week.

Further details with full job description and an application form are available to download below.

To apply:
> please download the Job Description, Application Form and Diversity Monitoring Form
> complete and save both forms on your device
> upload these forms when you make your full application here by clicking on the Apply button below.

We hope that you will tell us in your supporting statement, how your skills and experience relate to the Job Spec. and make you a suitable candidate for this role.

PLEASE NOTE: We do NOT accept CVs as a form of application - only applications received on our application form below will be considered.

The closing date for applications is 30th June 2025 Interviews are likely to be held in early July

We look forward to hearing from you!

Attached documents
Title File
Application Form 04_HWT_new_application_form_(7).doc
Diversity Form 05_New_Diversity_Monitoring_Form_(7).xlsx
Equal Opportunities HWT_EQUAL_OPPORTUNITIES_AND_DIVERSITY_POLICY_(2).pdf
Recruitment of Ex Offenders Recruitment_of_ex_offenders_policy_statement_(2).pdf
Volunteer Project Assistant Role_description_Volunteer_Trainee_Project_Assistant.pdf
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