Rivers and Wetlands Voluntary Placement 6 months

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT)’s mission is to create a Yorkshire rich in wildlife for the benefit of everyone – more wildlife, more wild places and more people having a strong connection to nature. Within our Northern region we manage 36 nature reserves, as well as a number of exciting projects. Enabling nature’s recovery takes time and effort and the North Team benefits from the help and support of volunteers to make our vision a reality, whilst providing a first-rate learning and development opportunity for people wanting to focus on a career in nature conservation.

The role of the River and Wetlands Voluntary Placement is for the volunteer to support and be involved in the management of conservation projects in North Yorkshire. Working alongside a team of knowledgeable staff, you will help in planning, development, and the practical delivery of this work. This role will allow you to get an in-depth understanding of working in the conservation sector – you will gain experience in developing river restoration and wetland projects on a local scale whilst working alongside landowners on private land. You will have an opportunity to be directly involved in projects which help to reduce sediment inputs into the watercourse, increase biodiversity and encourage natural flood management.

What will you be doing?

On this Voluntary Placement you will gain experience working on river restoration and wetland creation projects in North Yorkshire. You will be based in YWT’s York office with field work largely carried out near Northallerton, Whitby and York.  You will primarily assist our Project Officers in undertaking work on third party land, however there will also be the opportunity to work with other members of the team to enhance your development. You have the opportunity to gain experience in the following areas:

•    Riparian ecology and restoration (habitats located on the edge of rivers, streams, lakes and other water bodies).

•    Land management techniques to improve water quality

•    Wetland habitat creation

•    Riparian surveys to identify sedimentation issues and other Water Framework Directive failures (WFD is a directive for the protection of all waterbodies).

•    Assist in overseeing contractors undertaking practical conservation work (familiarisation with contracts etc.)

•    Undertaking practical tasks such as tree planting, surveys, pond work & habitat creation

•    Gain familiarisation with budgets and project management tools•    Mapping and GIS work using QGIS

•    Publicising project work via traditional communications and social media

•    Coordinating volunteers for survey work and events

•    Engaging with farmers, landowners and other stakeholders

How to Apply

For more information and to apply please visit Yorkshire Wildlife Trust website. Closing date for applications is 9am, Monday 4th August 2025.

Please mention ConservationJobs.co.uk when applying for this job!