Conservation Operatives

ELMS Contracting Limited; Huddersfield; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension 5%

20 days holiday

Christmas shutdown

Birthday off

Training & PPE

Job summary

ELMS Contracting Limited, a leading habitat restoration contractor, seeks a practical land management professional to support peatland and river restoration projects. You will carry out habitat creation work and gain specialist conservation skills across the UK.

This fixed-term role runs for 6 months (Oct 2026 – Mar 2027) with potential extension, based in Huddersfield or Sheffield with UK travel. 40 hours per week, paid overtime; part-time considered.

Qualifications

• Outdoor winter work experience
• Background in conservation (degree, placement or volunteering)
• Good physical fitness
• Full UK driving licence with own vehicle
• Willingness to travel/work away

Responsibilities

• Carry out practical conservation and habitat creation work (peatland restoration)
• Maintain high health and safety standards
• Work with supervisors to deliver projects on time and to a high standard

Skills

Outdoor work experience

Conservation background

Physical fitness

Full UK driving licence

Willingness to work away

Education

Degree in conservation

Placement/volunteering in conservation

Job description

Contract: Fixed-Term 6 Months (Oct 2026 – Mar 2027), potential for extension

Salary: £25,750 – £28,000 pro-rata

Location: Huddersfield or Sheffield (UK travel required)

Hours: 40 hrs/wk + paid overtime (Part-time considered)

About the Role

Join a leading habitat restoration contractor delivering vital peatland and river restoration projects. You will carry out practical land management tasks across the UK while gaining specialist conservation skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out practical conservation and habitat creation work (focused on peatland restoration projects).
• Maintain high health and safety standards.
• Work with supervisors to deliver projects on time and to a high standard.

Requirements

• Essential: Outdoor winter work experience; background in conservation (degree, placement, or volunteering); good physical fitness; full UK drivers licence with own vehicle; willingness to work away.
• Desirable: Tickets for Chainsaw (up to 380mm), Pesticides (PA1 & PA6AW), Brushcutter, Plant/Machinery, or First Aid +F.

What We Offer

• 5% pension contribution
• 20 days holiday + Bank Holidays, Christmas shutdown, and your Birthday off
• Specialist equipment and software training & PPE provided

To learn more about us check out our website atelms-contracting.co.uk