ROLE DESCRIPTION
1. IDENTIFICATION OF ROLE
ROLE TITLE:
Skills for Wildlife Conservation Trainee
RESPONSIBLE TO:
Skills for Wildlife Supervisor
RESPONSIBLE FOR:
2. OVERALL PURPOSE OF ROLE
This training placement offers a unique and exciting opportunity for the right young person (aged 1619) to undertake work based training in order to develop a practical career in environmental
conservation. The Trainee will work as part of a team to undertake a range of practical conservation
work (planting trees and hedges, construction of fences and footpaths, dry stone walling etc) on
Potteric Carr, and other sites throughout Yorkshire. They will also undertake additional training with
Sheffield Wildlife Trust (one day per week) and with a range of other organisations.
3. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:
(i)
To work as part of a team undertaking practical conservation management works on a
range of nature reserves including areas of woodland, moorland, grassland and heathland.
(ii)
To undertake (with support and training) habitat management works and other practical
conservation tasks – such as planting trees and hedges, hedge laying, dry stone walling,
pond clearance, coppicing, construction of footpaths and fences and scrub clearance.
(iii)
To use a range of hand and power tools (following training) working safely and following
instructions and guidance.
(iv)
To assist in the planning of conservation tasks – ordering materials, preparing equipment,
booking tools and loading vehicles.
(v)
To undertake and complete a programme of NVQ training (at Level 1, 2 or 3 – to be
decided following appointment to the trainee post) with support and supervision.
(vi)
To ensure all work is undertaken according to Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s policies – health
and safety, safeguarding children, environmental, equal opportunities etc).
(vii)
To undertake any other duties as requested by your supervisor and in line with the aims
of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.
ROLE SPECIFICATION
The Skills for Wildlife Traineeship Programme represents a unique and exciting opportunity for the
right person (aged 16-19) to learn about nature conservation and develop their own skills in habitat
management and practical conservation works. The project is a partnership between Derbyshire,
Sheffield and Yorkshire Wildlife Trusts and will offer eight bursary placements per year (for two years):
four at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust (based at Shipley Country Park, Heanor) and four at Yorkshire
Wildlife Trust (based at Potteric Carr, Doncaster). These placements will contribute to the
management of Living Landscapes across Yorkshire and Derbyshire. This trainee placement is
based at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.
The traineeships are fully funded and the successful candidates will receive a bursary of £145.52 per
week (paid monthly in arrears) which will support living expenses and travel to and from the training.
An additional payment will be made at the end of the programme upon successful completion of all
training.
The traineeships will provide a varied training programme structured as follows:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: Practical conservation works with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
Monday: Alternative work-based learning placement at various local organisations
Friday: Training with Sheffield Wildlife Trust
Trainees will complete an accredited environmental qualification (NVQ Level 1 Land Based
Operations or Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Environmental Conservation) and will also achieve first aid and
brushcutter qualifications. In addition, the programme will provide a range of learning opportunities to
support personal development – including developing communication and team working skills and
gaining valuable experience and practical skills in nature conservation.
The trainees will work as part of a supervised team to undertake a variety of practical work activities
(planting trees, cutting meadows, installing information boards etc). These are likely to be in different
situations and will require a variety of skills – across a range of practical tasks and different sites
whilst working safely at all times. They will be expected to take part in a range of collective team
activities and make the most of all training and development opportunities presented.
They are expected to meet a range of external contacts from members of the public to professional
staff within the Wildlife Trusts and occasionally funders – at these times we expect them to represent
The Wildlife Trusts and the Skills for Wildlife project in a professional manner.
Overall, it is expected that the post holder will have an interest in nature conservation and wildlife, a
willingness to work outdoors in all weathers and a mature attitude. Some previous work experience
such as gardening, farming, conservation work undertaken in school etc would be an advantage.
Candidates must also be prepared to undertake first aid training and brush cutter training and have a
strong commitment to completing the 12 months training opportunity.
DETAILS OF PLACEMENT
Funding:
The placement comes with a training bursary of £145.52 per week which is
intended to cover accommodation, living and travel to work costs (including
travel to Sheffield one day per week). This will be paid monthly in arrears. To
be eligible for this, the trainee must not take on any paid work during the
period of training
Attendance requirements:
You will be expected to attend training for 32.5 hours per week (not
including lunch breaks). This will normally be between 9am and 4pm each
day but some earlier starts and later finishes will be required.
Absences from the placement (for reasons other than sickness) will be
allowed for a maximum of 5 days and need to be authorised by your
supervisor in advance.
Absences due to sickness will be allowed for a maximum of 10 days, at which
point your status and ability to continue with your placement will be reviewed.
Placement dates:
The training will run from (all dates inclusive):
9th April 2013
to
28th March 2014
There will be no training delivered on bank holidays.
Location:
The role will be based at Potteric Carr, Doncaster, 3 days per week, with a
substantial amount of time to be spent delivering practical works on site.
However it is expected that they will occasionally visit other Wildlife Trust
premises and project sites and will work in and around Yorkshire. The role
will be based at Sheffield on Fridays and at another location (to be agreed)
on Mondays.
Probationary Period: The trainees are required to undertake a period of probation for 2 months in
which they will be expected to establish their suitability for the placement.
Equal Opportunities:
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is striving to be an equal opportunities employer and
selection of applicants is based on merit. These traineeships are only
available to individuals aged 16-19 on the 1st April 2013.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
To be successful in gaining an interview you must show clearly in your application how you meet the
following trainee specification.
1. Aged 16-19 on 1st April 2013
2. Enthusiastic , committed and passionate about developing a career in nature conservation
(e.g. working as a ranger, warden or forester, managing nature reserves or other heritage
landscapes).
3. Confident and able to use hand tools (hammer, bow saw, spade etc) and / or power tools (jig
saw, power drill, strimmer etc).
4. An understanding of health and safety when working with tools, undertaking practical works
etc.
5. A willingness to work outdoors on a range of sites, in all weathers.
6. Physically able to undertake practical work (digging, lifting, carrying etc), as part of a team, on
a daily basis.
7. An ability to organise self including a good track record of attendance and timekeeping which
are important when working as part of a team.
8. A positive and friendly approach and ability to work with people with varying abilities and from
a wide range of backgrounds.
9. A willingness to learn, develop and undertake training. This may include training in first aid,
use of machinery etc as well as undertaking a full NVQ.