Trainee Reserve Officer (Volunteer)

Closing date: Monday 18 May 2026

Salary: £120 per week

Contract type: Fixed term / Working hours: Full time

Location: Volunteer Training Centre, Oakham Road, Hambleton, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8TL

This exciting volunteer post will give you vital experience at one of the UK's best nature reserves. Based at Rutland Water Nature Reserve's purpose-built Volunteer Training Centre you will have the opportunity to get involved in all aspects of the nature reserve and habitat management. One day a week will also see you get involved with wildlife recording and monitoring.

This is a very practical volunteer placement role and will be suitable for someone who is looking to start a career in conservation as a nature reserve warden or in a similar role. As part of your training you will gain certificates in the use of chainsaws, tree safety inspection and first aid; and you will be trained in hedge-laying, dry stone walling, brushcutter, tractor driving and much more.

The placement is based on five days per week for one year (Monday-Friday with occasional weekend working), beginning on Monday 6th July 2026. We would expect you to commit yourself to this placement for the duration of the twelve months. Uniform and personal protective equipment will be provided.

Please be advised that this role is not salaried, but a 12-month FTC that will provide for a living allowance of £120 per week. Temporary accommodation for the duration of the traineeship is available (at no cost) at our Volunteer Training Centre.

Contact details

Matthew Heaver

mheaver@lrwt.org.uk

Volunteer Training Centre, Rutland Water Nature Reserve, Oakham Road, Hambleton, Rutland, LE15 8TL

01572 720049

Application Form - Trainee Reserve Officer (Volunteer)

Application Form - Trainee Reserve Officer (Volunteer)

Job Description - Trainee Reserve Officer (Volunteer)

Job Description - Trainee Reserve Officer (Volunteer)

#s1-Gen

This exciting volunteer post will give you vital experience at one of the UK's best nature reserves. Based at Rutland Water Nature Reserve's purpose-built Volunteer Training Centre you will have the opportunity to get involved in all aspects of the nature reserve and habitat management. One day a week will also see you get involved with wildlife recording and monitoring.

This is a very practical volunteer placement role and will be suitable for someone who is looking to start a career in conservation as a nature reserve warden or in a similar role. As part of your training you will gain certificates in the use of chainsaws, tree safety inspection and first aid; and you will be trained in hedge-laying, dry stone walling, brushcutter, tractor driving and much more.

The placement is based on five days per week for one year (Monday-Friday with occasional weekend working), beginning on Monday 6th July 2026. We would expect you to commit yourself to this placement for the duration of the twelve months. Uniform and personal protective equipment will be provided.

Please be advised that this role is not salaried, but a 12-month FTC that will provide for a living allowance of £120 per week. Temporary accommodation for the duration of the traineeship is available (at no cost) at our Volunteer Training Centre.

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