Skiddaw Forest Project Officer

Cumbria Wildlife Trust; Carlisle, Kendal; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A conservation organization is seeking a Project Officer to assist in developing Skiddaw Forest, England's highest nature reserve. The role involves practical conservation tasks, managing volunteers, and community engagement. Candidates should have relevant experience in conservation work and volunteer management. This is a permanent role based in Carlisle with a competitive salary of £32,140 per annum.

Qualifications

• Strong background in practical conservation work.
• Experience working with volunteers and community groups is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Project Manager with the re-creation and restoration of upland habitats.
• Manage day-to-day work on site, including checks, surveying, and tree planting.
• Recruit and lead a team of volunteers and raise the project's profile in the community.

Skills

Practical conservation work

Volunteer management

Community engagement

Job description

Salary: £32,140 per annum, based on a 35-hour week

Contract length: Permanent

Location: Skiddaw Forest, with an office base at either our Headquarters in Kendal or offices in Carlisle

We have a very exciting and rewarding opportunity for a Project Officer to join us as we enter the next phase of our ambitious project to develop England's highest nature reserve – Skiddaw Forest.

The Skiddaw Forest Project Officer will assist and contribute to all aspects of work in conjunction with the Project Manager, including site restoration, raising the project's profile through community engagement, and leading and directing a team of dedicated volunteers.

About the project

It’s been a year since we launched our successful fundraising appeal for Skiddaw Forest, which raised £1.25m. The development of Skiddaw Forest near Keswick, a 100-year vision, will see restoration work across 3,000 acres of habitat, including just over 1,000 acres of peat bogs and the creation of 620 acres of Atlantic rainforest.

Purpose of the role

The Skiddaw Project Officer will help and support the Project Manager on many aspects of the project, including assisting with the re-creation, regeneration and restoration of a range of upland habitats. This will include the day-to-day management of work on site, including site checks, surveying, monitoring and tree planting. Other responsibilities will include recruiting, leading and managing a team of Volunteers and raising the profile of the project through local community engagement and events. The post holder will also be responsible for overseeing and developing the tree nursery near Bassenthwaite.

Our ideal candidate

Our ideal candidate will have a strong background in practical conservation work and a passion for upland habitat re-creation and restoration. Previous experience working with volunteers and local community groups would be advantageous.

The closing date for applications is 09:00 on Monday 17 November 2025

Interviews will be held at our Headquarters in Kendal on Wednesday 26 November 2025.

To apply, please click here

Cumbria Wildlife Trust is devoted to the conservation of the wildlife and wild places of Cumbria