Reserve Warden

About the role

WWT is entering an exciting new phase at WWT Castle Espie, repositioning the site as a dedicated hub for wetland nature conservation on Strangford Lough, one of the UK’s most important wetland landscapes. As part of this transformation, we are looking for an enthusiastic and practical part-time Reserve Warden to help care for internationally significant habitats and wildlife while inspiring visitors and volunteers to connect with nature.

Working as part of the reserve team, you will support the day-to-day management of the reserve through habitat management, species monitoring, estate maintenance, and visitor engagement activities. This is a hands-on role that offers an excellent opportunity to develop your conservation career while contributing to meaningful environmental outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Assist in delivering the reserve management plan across wetland habitats and the shoreline of Strangford Lough.
• Undertake ecological monitoring, including breeding bird surveys, WeBS counts, and other wildlife surveys.
• Support habitat management, estate maintenance and infrastructure upkeep across the reserve.
• Safely operate and maintain machinery, tools, and equipment.
• Work alongside volunteers, contractors and work experience placements, helping to create a positive and rewarding experience.
• Deliver guided walks and engage visitors in understanding wetlands and wildlife conservation.
• Support visitor centre operations when required and contribute to the overall visitor experience.

This is a part-time position, working 22.5 hours per week, including weekend and bank holiday working.

About you

This role would suit someone with experience in conservation, reserve management, countryside management or a related environmental field who is looking to develop their career within one of the UK’s leading wetland conservation organisations. The ideal candidate will be passionate about wildlife conservation and wetland habitats, practical, self-motivated, and adaptable. You will be comfortable working outdoors in all seasons and enthusiastic about engaging visitors, volunteers and colleagues.

Essential criteria

• Experience in practical countryside, estate or conservation land management.
• Experience carrying out ecological fieldwork, wildlife surveying, bird monitoring or environmental recording.
• Experience using and maintaining land management machinery, tools and equipment safely.
• Experience working with members of the public, volunteers or community groups.
• Experience working effectively within a team while also being able to manage workloads independently.
• Knowledge of UK wetland species and habitats.
• Basic IT skills, including Microsoft word, outlook and excel.

About us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you’ll love working at WWT

• Wake up every day knowing your work is helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by our team of passionate, dedicated people
• 33 days annual leave (which goes up to 38 days after 5 years of service) – this includes bank holidays and you have flexibility to take those days whenever you want
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Free car parking and secure bike storage areas
• Colleague discount on shopping and memberships
• Cycle to work scheme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life Assurance of three times your salary, for peace of mind for your loved ones
• Independent personal, workplace and financial advice from our Employee Assistance Programme

WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered solely on merit.

Registered Charity Number England & Wales, no 1030884 and Scotland, no SC039410