Reserve Warden

British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA); Greater London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual leave

Free entry to wetlands centers

Free car parking

Cycle to work scheme

Contributory pension

Life Assurance of 3x salary

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

The Reserve Warden at WWT Slimbridge (Centre) manages a 320-hectare wetland reserve, delivering habitat work, species monitoring and engaging visitors. You will supervise volunteers and support conservation projects to protect wildlife and habitats.

This full-time role (37.5h/week) may involve travel to other WWT sites and events, offering opportunities to develop leadership, ecological skills and a career at one of the UK's premier wetlands.

Qualifications

• Practical conservation or land management experience.
• Ability to identify and monitor wildlife with field skills.
• Experience leading or supporting volunteers.
• Willingness to travel to other WWT sites.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of a 320-hectare wetland reserve.
• Deliver habitat management and species monitoring.
• Lead and supervise volunteers and placement students.
• Contribute to visitor engagement, talks and events.
• Support conservation projects and long-term habitat planning.

Skills

Conservation experience

Wildlife monitoring

Volunteer leadership

Communication skills

Organized

Driving licence

Weekend availability

Job description

WWT Slimbridge (Centre)

South West
Closing date for applications is: 18th Oct 2026

Contact: Recruitment ([e-mail]) Sector: Horticulture Type: Paid Contract type: Full-time Salary: £25,485 per annum

About The Role

The Reserve Warden plays a leading role in the day-to-day management of WWT Slimbridge's internationally important 320-hectare wetland reserve. From delivering practical habitat management and species monitoring to leading a dedicated team of volunteers and placement students, the role is at the heart of ensuring the reserve is managed effectively for wildlife and people. You'll also help deliver engaging visitor experiences, support conservation projects and contribute to the long-term management of nationally and internationally designated habitats.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible difference at one of the UK's most important wetland sites. No two days are the same. Whether you're overseeing habitat restoration, monitoring wildlife, leading volunteers, delivering talks and events, or contributing to conservation initiatives, you'll see the direct impact of your work on both nature and people.

In return, you'll have the chance to develop your conservation career in a varied and rewarding role, working alongside experienced colleagues and passionate volunteers. You'll gain experience across reserve management, leadership, ecological monitoring and visitor engagement, while helping to shape the future of an internationally recognised nature reserve.

By helping to protect, manage and enhance valuable wetland habitats, you'll directly support WWT's mission to restore wetlands and unlock their power. Your work will help create thriving spaces for wildlife, inspire people to connect with nature and demonstrate the vital role wetlands play in tackling climate change, supporting biodiversity and benefiting local communities.

This is a full time position for 37.5 hours per week, working 5 days from 7 including weekends and bank holidays.

About You

• Have practical conservation or land management experience, ideally gained within a reserve, estate or similar outdoor environment.
• Can confidently identify and monitor wildlife, with strong field skills and a passion for nature conservation.
• Have experience leading, supervising or supporting volunteers and enjoy helping people develop their skills.
• Are a confident communicator who can engage visitors, volunteers and colleagues from a range of backgrounds.
• Are organised, proactive and comfortable balancing practical conservation work with planning, record keeping and compliance responsibilities.
• Hold a full UK driving licence and are willing to travel occasionally to other WWT sites when required.
• Enjoy working outdoors in a physically active role and are able to work weekends, bank holidays and occasional evenings as part of a rota.

We will be actively reviewing applications. The advert may close early if a successful candidate is found.

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you’ll love working at WWT

• Wake up every day knowing your work is helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by our team of passionate, dedicated people
• 33 days annual leave (which goes up to 38 days after 5 years of service) – this includes bank holidays and you have flexibility to take those days whenever you want
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Free car parking and secure bike storage areas
• Colleague discount on shopping and memberships
• Cycle to work scheme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life Assurance of three times your salary, for peace of mind for your loved ones
• Independent personal, workplace and financial advice from our Employee Assistance Programme

WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered solely on merit.