Assistant Warden (North East Suffolk)

Suffolk Wildlife Trust; Halesworth; On-site; GBP 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conservation charity is seeking an Assistant Warden to support the management of nature reserves. Responsibilities include implementing habitat plans, coordinating volunteer efforts, and ensuring the welfare of livestock. The ideal candidate will have strong conservation knowledge, experience in similar roles, and be confident using tools. This full-time, permanent position offers a starting salary of up to £26,459 and generous annual leave, including additional benefits.

Benefits

33 days annual leave, increasing to 38

9% employer pension contribution

Free 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme

Free life insurance

Free access to a private GP

Discounts at high street retailers

10% discount in visitor centre cafes

Qualifications

• Experience in conservation or habitat management, either paid or voluntary.
• Physically fit for outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
• Self-motivated and well-organized, able to coordinate volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Implement habitat management plans and monitor reserves.
• Work alongside and lead volunteers for conservation efforts.
• Maintain machinery, vehicles, and infrastructure for reserve management.

Skills

Conservation knowledge

Habitat management

Volunteer coordination

Use of chainsaws and brushcutters

Microsoft 365 proficiency

Job description

Role Overview

As an Assistant Warden you will be a key member of the Reserves Team supporting the Warden to deliver high-quality conservation management across a network of Suffolk Coast reserves, which include Church Farm Marshes, Reydon Wood, Hen Reedbeds, Dingle Marshes, Darsham Marshes, Winks Meadow and others as may be required.

Key Responsibilities

The post holder will help implement habitat management plans, contribute to agri-environment schemes, carry out survey and monitoring work and ensure the welfare of Trust livestock, as well as maintaining machinery, vehicles, infrastructure and access so that reserves are safe, well cared for and managed in line with the Trust’s conservation objectives.

A central part of the role is working alongside and leading volunteers to achieve excellent on-the-ground conservation outcomes. You will plan, coordinate and supervise volunteer work parties, ensuring tasks are well organised, enjoyable and delivered safely, with all Health & Safety procedures followed. You will support volunteer recruitment and induction, build strong relationships with new and existing volunteers, and keep them informed, motivated and engaged so they feel valued and connected to the Trust’s work.

Qualifications

The Assistant Warden will be a practical, self-motivated person with a strong commitment to bringing nature back. You will have good conservation and habitat management knowledge, experience in a similar role (paid or voluntary) and be confident using tools and machinery, including chainsaws and brushcutters. You’ll be fit for physically demanding outdoor work in all weathers, well organised, a good team player, able to coordinate and motivate volunteers, confident with Microsoft 365 and hold a full driving licence.

Employment Details

This is a permanent, full-time position working 37.5 hours per week (five out of seven days each week) based at Church Farm Marshes Nature Reserve (near Halesworth). The starting salary will be up to £26,459.00 per annum, depending on skills, knowledge and experience.

Application Process

To apply for this opportunity, please submit an application via our website by 9:00am on Tuesday 06 January 2026. The application process will include uploading a CV and optional cover letter. The interviews are planned for Monday 26 & Tuesday 27 January 2026 at Church Farm Marshes Nature Reserve.

Benefits

Annual leave entitlement starts at 33 days per annum (including Bank Holidays), increasing annually to 38 days plus employees receive an extra day off for their birthday.

• 9% employer pension contribution with no employee contribution required
• Free 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme
• Free life insurance from day one of employment
• Free access to a private GP
• Discounts at high street retailers
• 10% discount in our visitor centre cafes, including retail

Diversity & Inclusion

Suffolk Wildlife Trust is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone is welcome. As a conservation charity, we recognise the importance of diversity in both nature and our workforce of staff and volunteers. We strive to ensure that everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to our vision of “A Wilder Suffolk where nature is thriving and abundant because everyone is doing more to help”.