Nature Reserves Student Placement

Duration of placement: 10 months starting in early June 2025

As part of the Nature Recovery Directorate, you’ll support the team of reserve staff in managing nature reserves across Cumbria. This will involve hands-on practical work, including habitat management, habitat management and estate maintenance, habitat and species monitoring, working with volunteer groups and visitors, and supporting the production of site management plans, reports, and data analysis.

A diverse and rewarding opportunity to champion nature reserves and important habitats across Cumbria. Develop practical skills to support and deliver important conservation works to enable nature’s recovery. You’ll gain skills and experience in habitat management whilst exploring and learning on a variety of sites from remote to popular visitor areas. 

The opportunity will be highly varied so the successful candidate will be well-placed for a future career in nature conservation.  Full training will be provided, including career development and outdoor first aid training, alongside our bursary package. 

It is expected that the placement will start around June 2025 (dates flexible) for a maximum of a 10-month period or to fulfill the requirements of your course. The successful student will join us for 4 days a week. However, we offer flexible working to suit the candidate, including flexible time for leave and other commitments to enable and support you in your role. 

Due to the nature of the work, a full UK driving licence and your own transport are essential.  Travel expenses are provided.

To apply, please complete an application form and return it with a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining what you would like to gain from the placement and how your skills and experience meet both the person specification and role description. Completed applications should be emailed to admin@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk.

Postal applications should be returned to Claire Shepherd, HR Manager, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Plumgarths, Crook Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 8LX.

Please note that CV's will not be considered.

The deadline for applications is 09:00 on Friday 7 March 2025

Interviews will be held on 24 March 2025 at our offices in Kendal.

Please note that all sandwich placements need to be filled by individuals on a recognised sandwich programme or equivalent, while the individuals are enrolled at a university. working towards their undergraduate degree.