Voluntary Traineeships
"My traineeship in two words? Knowledge bomb!"
Our voluntary trainees tell us that it’s the knowledge, responsibilities and support they receive that makes their time with us so valuable. Most are looking for a career in conservation and in the last year over 65% have gone on into paid conservation roles.
Each year over 20 people volunteer as trainees with us, each spending time within a specific team. They learn the skills to create a Yorkshire rich in wildlife; whether it’s creating wet woodlands to reduce flooding, managing an urban nature reserve, inspiring schools about the seas or designing our next social media campaign!
Voluntary traineeships are open to anyone, although we do expect you to have some experience in the role you’re applying for. Roles are normally 6-12 months long and for 3 days per week. They are based across our sites but are normally at one of our regional offices. Along with reasonable travel expenses and a competitive training budget trainees also have access to our fantastic volunteer training programme which is open to all of our volunteers.
Current Opportunities
South Reserves Voluntary Traineeship
Our South Reserves Team are looking for 2 Voluntary Trainees to join their team, and support their work protecting and enhancing Yorkshire Wildlife Trust's wild spaces. This is an amazing opportunity to gain practical conservation experience in a supportive environment, enabling you to develop the skills and experience you need to take the first steps towards a career in conservation.
The role will be working within the South Yorkshire reserves team based at our Gateway South reserve - Potteric Carr Nature Reserve, Doncaster. The role will also include work based at our other South Yorkshire reserves. Our volunteer trainee program is well established and as such, participants have become an invaluable addition to the reserves and projects team.
The South Region Team is responsible for the delivery of the Trust’s mission across South Yorkshire including Doncaster, Barnsley’s Dearne Valley landscapes, and the Humberhead Levels – which encompasses partnership working across the borders to both Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. This involves the management of 21 nature reserves including our ‘Gateway Site’ at Potteric Carr, working with a wide variety of stakeholders, developing and delivering a range of projects from rivers to community engagement, and expanding our Trust offices and infrastructure to improve our operations in the South Region.
The South Yorkshire reserves team currently have capacity to support and supervise two voluntary trainees who will assist the team in carrying out practical conservation tasks, leading volunteer groups, aiding with educational events, and carrying out office-based reserve management. There will also be opportunities to help lead guided walks and other events. The role is based at our South Yorkshire Gateway site, Potteric Carr Nature Reserve, but will mainly involve work at our other nature reserves in South Yorkshire.
You will be involved in:
- Habitat Management- woodland, grassland and wetland
- Habitat Creation- planting trees/hedges etc.
- Assisting in leading volunteer groups on sites we manage
- Assisting in reserve machinery/tools repair
- Invasive Species removal
- Fencing, footpath, gate repairs and maintenance
- Engaging with farmers, landowners and other stakeholders
- Interacting with visitors, e.g. to point out features or explain management of the site
- Opportunity to lead and organise events, and help with various educational activities
- There will also be the opportunity to gain experience in other aspects of the Wildlife Trust
- Any other reasonable request from your supervisor that follows the Trust’s strategic vision
Office based tasks will include some of the following: researching, writing and developing management plans, preparing and supervising contract works, helping with funding bids, undertaking and managing surveys, fielding queries, as well as other administration.
Our voluntary traineeships all come with a personal training budget to develop your skills and knowledge further (£600 for a 12 month placement) and contributions towards travel expenses of up to £16.20 a day capped at £195 per month.
Recruitment Information
This voluntary traineeship is for 12 months, 3 days per week Monday - Friday, but can be reduced to 2 days to fit around your personal commitments if needed.
To apply please download the role description and send in a completed application to volunteering@ywt.org.uk by the closing deadline 9am, Monday 1st July 2024. Interviews are anticipated to take place on 16th July 2024 at our Potteric Carr reserve.Â
Residential Volunteer - Spurn Point
Are you ready for an amazing opportunity to live and volunteer in a unique environment for 4 months this summer? We're looking for an enthusiastic volunteer with a big commitment to conservation to become our residential volunteer at the iconic Spurn Point. Are you looking for your next big adventure? If so, read on...
Spurn is a coastal spit that stretches 3.5 miles between the North Sea and the Humber estuary, close to the Holderness Inshore marine protected area. Â Spurn has a beautiful and varied landscape alongside a rich military and maritime history. These combined are a huge draw for visitors throughout the year.
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is making a significant investment in Spurn to transform it into one of Britain’s finest nature reserves. There are several new and developing projects at Spurn such the beach nesting bird project and seagrass and oyster restoration works on the Humber estuary. Not only do these exciting projects increase biodiversity and improve habitats, but they also increase the value of the area and make a positive contribution to the local economy through nature tourism.
We are looking for a volunteer with enthusiasm for conservation and the natural environment to join the Spurn team from June to September. This is an amazing opportunity to be part of the exciting developments at Spurn National Nature Reserve, helping to make it an exceptional place to visit. As Spurn is remote, we offer on-site accommodation with utility bills paid.
The variety of tasks you will be able to take part in during your time at Spurn will provide a good mix of skills for those who want to build a future career in conservation. You will receive training in surveying and assist with the surveying schedule.  You'll take part in reserve management to maintain the reserve, learn about conservation grazing, and how to work with livestock.  You will also be part of the public’s visitor experience by welcoming visitors on-site and providing important information.Â
You will be an important part of the team and will receive support and encouragement throughout your time here.
Main areas of experience you will gain:
•   Practical experience in ecological surveys and research
•   Practical hands-on experience in land management for nature conservation (Electric fence maintenance, livestock handling, scrub clearance, etc.)
•   Training and qualifications in conservation management (e.g. Relevant equipment/ 4x4 vehicle /species ID, survey skills)
Additionally, you could also gain:
•   Experience in running events and workshops for the public
•   Experience of working within a busy customer-facing environment
You can expect:
•   Access to our internal volunteer training programme
•   Training will be provided for Species ID and survey methods
•   Ongoing personal and career development training and one-to-one support from your line manager and the volunteering team
•   An intensive and high-quality experience that will stand out on any CV, as a team member of one of the UK’s most vibrant and respected conservation organisations
•   15% discount in Yorkshire Wildlife Trust shops. 15% discount at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust cafes when you are volunteering.
For more information, please read the full Volunteer Role Description below and send in a completed volunteer application form to volunteering@ywt.org.uk by the closing deadline 9am on Friday 7th June 2024. Interviews are anticipated to take place on 14 June 2024.