Ulster Wildlife – Peatlands Restoration Trainees

Northern Ireland Environment Link; Belfast; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental conservation organization in Belfast is offering a 52-week paid traineeship as a Peatland Restoration Trainee. This role involves supporting peatland restoration projects, collecting environmental data, and managing habitats. We seek a passionate individual with a commitment to nature conservation who can work both independently and in a team. The position requires flexibility to attend various training events, including some evenings and weekends, with a full driving licence essential.

Qualifications

• Basic literacy, numeracy and IT skills are essential.
• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle required.
• Flexibility for training, including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Support and learn in delivering peatland restoration projects.
• Collect and assess environmental data.
• Conduct practical restoration works and habitat management.
• Complete an independent peatland project.

Skills

Passion for conserving nature and peatlands

Effective communication

Ability to work outdoors

Enthusiasm and curiosity to learn

Team collaboration

Education

Basic literacy, numeracy and IT skills (Microsoft Office)

Job description

Ulster Wildlife – Peatlands Restoration Trainees

Details

Closing Date: 09/01/2026

Organisation: Ulster Wildlife

Location: Belfast based

Salary: National Living Wage £12.71 per hour (from 01 April 2026)

Closing date:Friday 9 January 2026
Salary:National Living Wage £12.71 per hour (from 01 April 2026)
Contract type:Fixed term/Working hours:Full time
Location: Belfast based,Belfast

Funded by the DAERA, NIEA and Shared Island Initiative Peatlands Challenge Fund

Are you passionate about nature and eager to turn that passion into a career? Join Ulster Wildlife as a Peatland Restoration Trainee and play a hands-on role in protecting and restoring Northern Ireland’s valuable landscapes.

This 52-week paid traineeship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in peatland restoration while learning from Ulster Wildlife staff and specialist partners across Northern Ireland.

As a Peatland Restoration Trainee, you’ll:

• Support and learn from Ulster Wildlife staff in delivering peatland restoration projects
• Collect and assess environmental data, including peat condition, vegetation and water table monitoring
• Take part in practical restoration works and habitat management
• Complete your own independent peatland project
• Work with volunteers, communities and partner organisations within the Peatlands Collaborative Network
• Help communicate the importance of peatlands for biodiversity, climate change mitigation and wellbeing
• Monitor native wildlife such as the marsh fritillary butterfly

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has a genuine passion for conserving nature and peatlands
• Is keen to pursue a career in the nature conservation
• Is enthusiastic, curious and eager to learn
• Can communicate effectively with a wide range of people
• Enjoys practical, outdoor work in all seasons and terrains
• Can work both independently and as part of a team

Essential requirements include:

• Basic literacy, numeracy and IT skills (Microsoft Office)
• A full driving licence and access to a vehicle
• Flexibility to attend training, events and placements (including some evenings and weekends)
• Commitment to the full 52-week traineeship