What are the main objectives of the role?

Our aim is to give you hands-on experience and training that will place you in a stronger position to gain paid employment in environmental education and engagement. As your skills and knowledge grow, you will also become an important part of our team, supporting our work, and helping us to achieve our vision of an environment rich in wildlife, valued by all.

The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) and the Crown Estate have partnered to provide a centre for environmental education within Windsor Great Park. The trainee will assist with planning, prepping and running the educational programmes at the Windsor Great Park Environmental Centre for a range of young people and families.

What sorts of tasks and activities will I be doing?

Assisting with, and leading, school group visits, Nature Tots sessions, Young and Teen Ranger sessions and family events. Assisting with the maintenance and development of educational resources and facilities along with some general administrative tasks.

How will my role fit in with BBOWT’s work?

BBOWT’s ‘Wilder’ plan for 2021-2026 sets one simple overarching aim: to create more nature everywhere. To do this, we need to inspire people to take action and do all we can to restore wilder landscapes.  

Our three main goals are to:  

• Put nature into recovery   

• Empower people to act for nature  

• Secure our future  

You’ll be working within the team which acts to empower people to act for nature by inspiring and educating the public about their local wildlife.

With whom will I be volunteering?

You will be part of a team of employees and volunteers within the Learning Team at Windsor Great Park. You will report to a dedicated mentor (Becky Downey, Senior Learning Officer), who will support you, monitor your progress, and help with personal development throughout your placement. Throughout your time you will also meet and work with other members of the Learning Team across the three counties.

Where will I be based?

You will be based at Windsor Great Park Environmental Centre, Windsor SL4 2BY. Our office and centre there will be the main area, with possible travel to other centres.

How much time will I be expected to give?

You will ideally be available for two to three days a week for six to 12 months. The days for your traineeship can be any day of the week and can be repetitive or flexible.

On a normal day, you will start at 8.30am and finish at 4.30pm, although this may vary sometimes and is flexible. Our Ranger clubs run during one Saturday per month, with which your assistance would be appreciated, if you are able to work occasional weekends.

What’s in it for me?

If you’re motivated and keen to get into a paid role in environmental education or engagement, this could be a perfect role for you. We are proud that many of our Trainees have gone on to develop their careers in conservation.

You will benefit from a substantial amount of training and get plenty of active experience, learning from our employees and volunteers.

In addition, you’ll benefit from being in a large organisation, meeting other Trainees, employees and volunteers. You’ll get to see how a conservation organisation works, giving you the chance to build a network of contacts and develop the communication and team-working skills that are so important to your future career.

You will develop your skills in the environmental education field and build knowledge in working with young people in an outdoor setting, as well as learning about the wildlife and ecology and improve species identification skills. If desirable, you may receive First Aid training.

Will I be able to claim for expenses?

We will pay limited travel expenses for you to get to your normal base, or elsewhere if authorised by your mentor.

What you will bring to the role.

What’s most important is that you should have a desire to get involved, learn all you can and will enjoy working very closely with your fellow Trainee and the staff in the Learning Team.

You will:

• Have a passion for the environment and a desire to work with educational setting with young people and families.

• Be motivated to develop the skills to carry out environmental education, family events and activities.

• Have the ability to volunteer with a range of people from different age groups and backgrounds and the desire to learn more about working with a diverse audience.

• Have a current UK-valid driving licence (not essential, but work locations are difficult to access via public transport and having own transport will be an advantage).

Important information           

The Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust is committed to equal opportunities and maintaining a safe and secure environment for all children and young people. Therefore, the successful applicant for this position will be subject to pre-employment checks including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Please note, it is an offence to apply for this position if barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.