The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (also known as BBOWT) was formed in 1959 and has a vision of an environment rich in wildlife for everyone, valued by all. We aim to lead the way to nature’s recovery through innovative land management, and connect people with nature to improve their wellbeing. We work in partnership and through collaborative projects with local communities, businesses, land owners and local authorities. In the three counties BBOWT owns or manages over 80 nature reserves covering 2,500 hectares. We have more than 50,000 members, employ over 100 professional staff, and have active support from more than 1,350 volunteers. Each year around 12,000 schoolchildren visit our education centres. BBOWT has an annual turnover of over £6 million and receives income from membership subscriptions, grants and donations. BBOWT is one of 46 Wildlife Trusts working across the UK, each is a corporate member of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts.

Our mission – To create a Living Landscape across our towns, cities and countryside and inspire our communities to act for nature.

Our aim – To lead the way for nature’s recovery and connect people with nature, so that:

• Our soil and water resources are managed to create functioning ecosystems and wildlife rich places.

• Local communities, decision-makers, landowners and business work with and for nature.

• People recognise their dependence upon nature and its value to their mental and physical wellbeing.

We are now recruiting for the exciting position of the Oxfordshire Reserves Officer, helping to manage one of the flagship nature reserves for Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust. This is an outstanding opportunity for a motivated candidate to be part of the Oxfordshire Reserves Team at Chimney Meadows Nature Reserve, located in the Upper Thames Living Landscape area.

The Reserves Officer will help with the management of the 300 hectares of hay meadows and pasture and an important hub for the livestock breeding enterprise for our hardy native sheep and cows. The post will also require to help manage the nearby nature reserves of Foxholes Wood and internationally important Cothill fens and Letcombe Valley. We are looking for an excellent communicator with good written and spoken communication skills, as well as strong experience of working with volunteers, managing practical conservation workdays and assisting with the management and welfare of the Chimney Meadows livestock.

You will have demonstrable experience of working in nature conservation and livestock management, along with a proven ability to effectively prioritise, organise, plan and schedule activities and resources. You will have broad knowledge of British wildlife and conservation issues, and a sound understanding of health and safety requirements in line with best practice to ensure that the nature reserves are maintained at a high standard in relation to habitat management and delivering an excellent visitor experience. Any experience of working in, or a good understanding of hay meadows, fens and woodland would be an advantage.

Salary: £21,500 per annum

Contract: Permanent, full time (35 hours per week)

Based: Chimney Meadows Nature Reserve, Aston, Oxon, OX18 2EH

CVs will not be accepted. Please note that only successful applicants will be notified.

The closing date for applications is 11.59pm, Sunday 7th November.

Interviews will be held on Zoom on Thursday 18th November 2021 and then, for selected candidates, at Chimney Meadows Nature Reserve on the Thursday 25th November 2021.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.