Overview

Salary: £7.85/hr

Closing date: Monday 9th March 2015

Location: Cheshire

Job ref: SST2015

Saltscape, a Heritage Lottery Fund Landscape Partnership Scheme is looking for a Conservation Trainee to join Cheshire Wildlife Trust’s Countryside and Wildlife Team.

This placement is intended for a recent graduate or part time undergraduate hoping to gain workplace experience with the county’s leading wildlife conservation organisation.

Saltscape seeks to highlight the distinctive character of the Weaver Valley landscape which has been shaped by the presence of underground salt and man’s interaction with it through history. The valley is home to an abundance of specialist habitats, geology and wildlife, normally associated with coastal habitats and limestone areas. The scheme aims to conserve, restore and improve access to the area’s natural habitats and industrial heritage. The total value of the scheme is £1.5m.

The Conservation Trainee will assist with the delivery of an exciting grassland and wetland restoration project along the River Weaver and the Weaver Navigation. The team will work alongside the Mersey Forest to link areas of high biodiversity value and improve connectivity along the river corridor.

This post will provide the successful applicant with the rare opportunity to gain skills in both practical conservation management and surveying and monitoring techniques. With the support of project staff you will have the opportunity to apply your acquired skills in assisting with the development of an effective monitoring programme, coordinating work on the ground and delivering project events.

Through existing qualifications the applicant will be expected to have the following:

• Strong botanical identification skills
• A good understanding of practical conservation management
• A good understanding of general ecological related issues
• The ability to communicate clearly to a variety of audiences

The post is part time for a fixed term of 6 months; funded by the Heritage Lottery. You can see the full job description and person specification here.

Closing date for applications is 9 March 2015, interviews likely to be held mid March, with the post commencing in early April.

To apply please send your CV and accompanying cover letter to Joe Pimblett at jpimblett@cheshirewt.org.uk

For an informal discussion about the role please contact the Trust’s conservation officer Joe Pimblett on 07730 559 128.

Contact details:

Joe Pimblett

jpimblett@cheshirewt.org.uk

01948 820728