Leysdown Trainee Ranger x2

Location: Southerham Farm, Lewes (with travel to reserves across Sussex)
Salary: £17,199 with free accommodation 7 days per week provided at Leysdown Cottage
Contract Type: Fixed Term one year (15.04.24 – 28.03.25).
Hours: 35 hrs per week

The Vera Dalley Lederman Scholarship

Sussex Wildlife Trust have been working in partnership with the Leysdown Conservation Trust to
deliver the Vera Dalley Ledermann Scholarship since 2016. Set up in memory of Dr Vera Dalley
Ledermann in 2012, the Trust aims to provide training, support, and experience to equip
trainees with the skills required to go on and develop a career in nature conservation.

The Person

We are looking for individuals who have a real passion for nature conservation and wildlife,
are self-motivated, have a willingness to learn and aspire to develop a career within the
nature conservation sector. To be considered for the scheme individuals must be able to commit
to a 12-month training program, be at least 18 years of age and be able to reside in
accommodation provided by the Trust. The property is for trainees only and is located near
Hartfield in East Sussex. Applicants will need to be prepared to live in a remote countryside
location alongside the other trainee. Previous experience is not required but an understanding
of countryside management and or environmental education would be beneficial. It is desirable
that candidates have passed their driving test, but if not, some support can be given as the
role will require driving across Sussex as well as on Nature Reserves as part of your
responsibilities.

To encourage diversity and inclusivity within the environment sector we particularly welcome
applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds including diverse ethnicity,
non-graduates or people who are living in economically deprived areas.

The Role

We have an exciting opportunity for two trainee ranger roles to join our Nature Reserves Team
and take part in a fixed-term one year modular program that includes training and experience in
nature reserve management, conservation grazing, ecology and public engagement. This role is
designed to help develop the skills required to gain employment in the conservation sector
whilst supporting the Sussex Wildlife Trust to deliver effective action for wildlife across
Sussex. We are providing a vast array of valuable experience and skills in the
conservation/environmental field and will be funding training for the successful candidates in
skills required such as chainsaw qualifications, Level 2 forest school training, 4×4 driving
and forestry first aid. The role will involve working across Sussex Wildlife Trust in multiple
teams as well as working with volunteers, partners, and stakeholders.

Sussex Wildlife Trust

Sussex Wildlife Trust is a conservation charity for everyone who cares about nature in Sussex.
We focus on protecting the wonderfully rich natural life that is found across our towns,
countryside and coast. By working alongside local people, we create opportunities for us all to
connect with nature and for nature to thrive in even the most unlikely places. Together we can
make sure that future generations living in Sussex will be able to enjoy the sense of wonder
and well-being that nature offers.

We are an equal opportunities employer who believe that having a diverse and inclusive team is
important. We value the breadth of lived experience of our staff and encourage applications
from all sections of society, particularity from those underrepresented in the environmental
conservation sector such as people of colour and individuals from a working-class background.
We celebrate difference and encourage everyone to join us and be themselves at work.

Please note that we are not able to consider applicants who do not currently have the right to
work in the UK. If you are appointed, you will need to provide proof that you are entitled to
work in the UK prior to starting work with the Trust. EU residents will need to provide proof
of Settled Status/Leave to Remain in the UK.

Benefits

• Funded training to achieve certificates.
• Accommodation provided.
• Vehicle available for work use
• 25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays each year (pro-rata for part time staff)
• Pension – company contribution from 6% and employee contribution of 3%
• Life Assurance – Pension Scheme Members 2 x Salary, Non-Pension Scheme Members 1 x Salary
• 2 days paid leave for volunteering each year
• Flexible working policy
• Enhanced Sick Pay
• EAP
• Employee discounts

For more detailed information see the “what we offer” page in the Recruitment Pack on our website.

Closing Date: Wednesday 13th March, 9:00am
Interview Date: Friday 22nd March