Assistant Reserves Officer

The Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust; Bicester; On-site; GBP 22,000 - GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional wildlife trust in the UK seeks an Assistant Reserves Officer to manage nature reserves and lead volunteer efforts in habitat recovery. The role demands experience in conservation management, excellent leadership and practical skills, to maintain facilities and support biodiversity initiatives. Candidates will benefit from generous leave, flexible work options, and development programs in a supportive environment dedicated to inclusion and diversity.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Flexible working

Pension with employer contribution

Learning & Development Programme

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle and Electric Vehicle schemes

Qualifications

• Experience in applied nature conservation management.
• Proven practical conservation skills.
• Ability to deal with the public and volunteers professionally.

Responsibilities

• Manage nature reserves and undertake conservation management.
• Lead volunteer work sessions to achieve management objectives.
• Maintain access infrastructure like paths and hides.

Skills

Applied nature conservation management

Practical conservation skills

Chainsaw qualifications

Outdoor first-aid training

Leadership skills

Organisational skills

Job description

Assistant Reserves Officer (North Bucks)

Closing date: Wednesday 18 February 2026

Salary: £22,952 – £23,551 per annum

Contract type: Fixed term (end 31 March 2027) with potential for extension

Hours: 35 hours per week

Location: Meadow Farm, Blackthorn, Bicester, OX25 1TW

BBOWT has a vision for “more nature everywhere, for everyone”. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong.

The Assistant Reserves Officer (North Bucks) will help nature recover by working towards habitat management objectives across woodland, wetland and floodplain meadow reserves.

Responsibilities

• Undertake on-site management of the nature reserves; estate and conservation management in accordance with DEFRA cross‑compliance rules, site management plans and agri‑environment schemes.
• Plan and lead practical volunteer work sessions to achieve key management objectives.
• Ensure maintenance and upkeep of vehicles, tools and machinery within the Trust.
• Maintain and repair visitor access infrastructure including paths, hides and gateways. Carry out access audits.
• Maintain positive relationships with neighbouring landowners, members of the public, volunteers and contractors, including graziers.

Qualifications and skills

• Experience in applied nature conservation management with proven practical conservation skills.
• Transferable qualifications, including chainsaw and outdoor first‑aid training.
• Ability to deal with the public, Trust members and volunteers in a friendly and professional manner.
• Strong leadership skills to organise practical volunteer work sessions.
• Organised and efficient, with flexibility to respond to changing circumstances.

The post will be DBS checked at basic level. A criminal conviction will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining the position. BBOWT will not unfairly discriminate on the basis of criminal convictions and is committed to equal opportunities.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement, paid birthday leave, wellbeing days and generous occupational sick pay.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and family‑friendly policies.
• Flexible working to achieve work‑life balance.
• Pension (salary exchange) with generous employer contribution.
• Learning & Development Programme (SEED).
• Wellbeing initiatives, including qualified Mental Health First Aiders across BBOWT, access to Employee Assistance Programme and a YuLife benefit package with free‑will writing, discounts and YuPoints.
• Salary sacrifice Cycle scheme & Electric Vehicle scheme.
• Membership to BBOWT’s and The Wildlife Trusts’ Staff Network Groups.

How to apply

The closing time and date for applications is 11.59pm on Wednesday 18 February. First interviews will take place Monday 2 March.

For full details, read the job description and T&Cs below. To apply, please follow the application link.

BBOWT values diversity and inclusion. Reasonable adjustments can be made; please contact [e-mail] if you need support during the selection stages.

All candidates will receive feedback on their application. BBOWT is committed to creating an organisation that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities.

Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust, The Lodge, 1 Armstrong Road, Littlemore, Oxford Oxon OX4 4XT