Conservation Trainee (2025-2026)

Rainton Meadows, Mallard Way,
Houghton-le-Spring,
DH4 6PU, DH4 6PU

Low Barns Nature Reserve, Low Ln, Bishop Auckland, Witton-le-Wear, DL14 0AG

The Conservation Trainee role is a 10-month training placement, providing an exciting opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge needed for a career in conservation.

The Wildlife Trust vision is of a thriving natural world, with wildlife and natural habitats playing a valued role in addressing the climate and ecological emergencies, and everyone inspired to get involved in nature’s recovery.

The Conservation Trainee role is a ten-month training placement, providing an exciting opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge needed for a career in conservation. Working with Durham Wildlife Trust and our partners, trainees are able to put their learning into practice while working to restore natural habitats and protect wildlife.

The role involves working within the Conservation team, typically with a Reserves Officer and our volunteers, to support operational delivery and practical management for nature across our reserves. There is direct supervision and support provided throughout the scheme, which Durham Wildlife Trust has been successfully running for over 20 years.

More about the role

The role is for ten months working 22.5 hours per week. The working pattern will be agreed with the Conservation Trainee. Weekend and occasional evening work will be required.

Two trainee positions are available. Over the 10-month traineeship, Conservation Trainees will alternate between working from Rainton Meadows (DH4 6PU) and Low Barns (DL14 0AG) in approximately 8-week blocks.

For more details about the role, please see the Job Pack below which includes details on what the role entails, the commitment required, and the essential skills and attributes that applicants should be able to demonstrate.

Please note: We're particularly interested in receiving applications from people living in the Tyne and Wear area and those from under-represented groups who are interested in developing a career in the sector.

Application process

To apply for this post please complete the Application Form below. The closing date for applications is 08:00am on Thursday 21st August 2025.

For those selected, formal face-to-face interviews are expected to be held on Friday 5th September at Durham Wildlife Trust’s Low Barns Nature Reserve (DL14 0AG).