Volunteer Ranger
The role will involve working with our ranger team, carrying out practical land management on our own nature reserves and public amenity sites, as well as across the wider Cotswold Lakes. There will also be opportunities to work alongside our Nature Recovery team carrying out surveys and engagement activities. Experience may also be gained through working with other staff, volunteers, corporate work parties, student groups, statutory bodies and other partners. Some formal external training may be provided where funding is available – previous examples have included First Aid at Work, Brushcutter Operation, or Chainsaw Operation, amongst others.
This is an unsalaried post, and as such the expected attendance will be reasonably flexible to allow students to retain part-time employment alongside the placement should they need to do so. However, a minimum commitment of two days per week is required in order to benefit from the training. There is currently no accommodation available for volunteers, so it is expected that candidates will live locally or have the means to support their own living arrangements.
On infrequent occasions, volunteers may be required to use their own transport, for which a mileage allowance will be reimbursed. There is no allowance for travel to and from home.
These placements are aimed at those seeking to gain structured and sustained practical experience in order to aid a career in the countryside sector. Previous long term volunteers have gone on to gain full employment with the likes of the Environment Agency, local Conservation Boards, and the local commercial countryside sector, as well as with our own ranger team.
To apply
Interested applicants should submit a brief CV and covering letter. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to an informal interview.
There is no application deadline for this post and places are subject to availability at the time of application.
For further information or to apply, please email info@cotswoldlakestrust@org.
Volunteer Ranger testimonials
“After finishing my Zoology degree, I wanted to pursue a career in conservation and having no previous experience I started volunteering with the Trust on weekend work parties. I subsequently joined the Volunteer Ranger placement programme for 3 days a week to work with the team on a their day to day tasks. During the placement I gained an in-depth understanding of practical countryside management techniques as well as hands on experience with a wide range of machinery and hand tools. Following this, I was lucky enough to be employed as a full time Ranger by the Trust and have thoroughly enjoyed my time at here ever since. Since becoming a Ranger I’ve been able to improve ID skills and techniques, gain additional practical qualifications, and help continue to tackle the challenges faced by wildlife in the Cotswold Water Park.” Michael Diss
“During my Environmental Science degree, I undertook a Volunteer Ranger placement with the Cotswold Lakes Trust. Having the opportunity to transfer theoretical management techniques from the classroom into practical applications was immensely beneficial. Undertaking practical management tasks such as willow coppicing in reed beds, island vegetation clearance, and invasive plant control whilst being immersed in wildlife-rich areas were fantastic experiences, contributing to a drastic improvement in my bird ID skills, something I had hoped to get out of doing this placement. Following the completion of my degree, I was fortunate enough to take on an Assistant Ranger role at the Trust which I am thoroughly enjoying, and I’m pleased to be furthering my development in this diverse sector.”
Joe Fell
“I began my placement in the summer and since then have enjoyed watching the sites change throughout the seasons. I have enjoyed doing habitat management such as willow coppicing in reed beds, scrub clearance on the islands, and working with regular volunteer groups. My favourite task was working with the Biodiversity Field Officer to conduct Water Vole surveys along river banks. I have taken pride in the work I have done for the Trust and am now confident in using a range of tools and management techniques. As my placement comes to an end I have been applying for Ranger and Assistant Ranger jobs – a year of working with the Ranger team here has given me skills that I am able to demonstrate in the application processes, and knowledge that I will continue to use in the future.”
Idda Beattie