Conservation Project Officer

The Conservation Volunteers; Hamsterley; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK conservation charity is seeking a highly motivated individual for a seasonal role to plan and supervise practical conservation projects, focusing on tree planting and habitat restoration. Applicants should have experience in the environment sector, excellent planning skills, and a valid UK driving license. This role involves both office and fieldwork, requiring flexibility in scheduling and the supervision of volunteer teams in diverse locations.

Qualifications

• Experience working in the environment sector or similar.
• Ability to plan large scale practical projects.
• Effective communication skills with varying audiences.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate practical conservation task programmes.
• Supervise teams of volunteers.
• Manage logistics for practical conservation work.

Skills

Project planning

Team supervision

Effective communication

Resource and equipment management

Education

Experience in the environment sector

Full UK driving license

Tools

Chainsaws

Brushcutters

Excavators

Job description

Overview

To do this, we will connect people together to protect and restore nature, delivering lasting benefits for both by:

• Protecting and restoring local environments
• Empowering others to take action for nature
• Improving people's wellbeing through nature connection
• Developing conservation and green skills

About the role: TCV Northeast is a new and rapidly growing part of TCV's volunteer action movement to create, protect and restore local green spaces, improving biodiversity for the benefit of nature and people. In the last year our emerging, skilled and highly motivated staff team have established a programme of nature conservation work in the area. To enable us to develop our impact further we are seeking a highly motivated, organised, adaptable and committed individual to join the team. Initially this is a seasonal role from October 2025 to March 2026, the post holder will work alongside other staff on the delivery of practical conservation projects. This will predominantly be the establishment of new trees to create a network of hedgerow & woodland across the region and establish vital habitats in which nature can thrive. The post holders will help plan and prepare contracted work as well as supervise volunteer groups of mixed experience to deliver practical environmental projects in urban and rural locations every week. The role is primarily weekdays, but with occasional weekend dates to widen volunteering access with time off in lieu. This role is a combination of office/administrative and field based.

Responsibilities

• Planning and coordinating practical conservation task programmes
• Managing, supporting and supervising teams of volunteers
• Planning weekly paid practical conservation work through liaising with partners and land managers
• Developing plans and quotes for clients
• Assisting Key Volunteers and Voluntary Officers
• Resource & equipment management and logistics, together with publicity and fundraising

Qualifications and experience

• Have experience working in the environment sector or similar
• Be able to plan large scale and potentially complex practical projects including ordering materials and other logistics
• Be able to demonstrate an understanding of a range of practical conservation tasks, including tree planting, habitat management and small-scale construction projects such as footpaths, fencing and other timber structures
• Experience in supervising groups of people, which may include vulnerable adults and people with learning difficulties
• An ability to communicate effectively with people with varying experience and ability, sometimes including children
• Personal qualities of resourcefulness and flexibility
• Competency certification to operate a variety of machinery and powered equipment relevant to the sector would be advantageous although not a necessity. We regularly use equipment such as chainsaws and brushcutters, and occasionally use larger plant such as skidsteers, excavators, tractors and dumpers
• You will be required to drive a TCV vehicle with up to 8 passenger seats. For insurance this means you must meet the TCV driving requirements. A standard full UK driving licence held for at least a year is required
• A full driving licence is required as the post holder has use of a company vehicle
• This post is subject to a Basic CRC check
• A completed application form is required

Additional information

Since 1959, The Conservation Volunteers has been a charity creating opportunities for people to create, improve and care for nature in the green spaces around them across the UK. Our variety of projects cover a bit of everything involving nature. Volunteers muddy their boots in parks, community gardens, woodland, sites of special scientific interest, nature reserves, schools and hospital grounds, helping create a glorious network of protected green space across the UK.