Assistant Warden (South West Suffolk)
Closing date: Thursday 11 June 2026
Salary: The starting salary will be up to £27,385.07 per annum
Contract type: Permanent
Working hours: Full time (37.5 hours per week)
Location: Bradfield Woods National Nature Reserve, Bradfield Woods, Felsham Road, Bradfield St George, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP30 0AQ
About the role
We have an opportunity for an enthusiastic and suitably‑qualified conservationist to join Suffolk Wildlife Trust as an Assistant Warden covering our reserves across the west Suffolk area. The post holder will support the team to achieve high‑quality conservation management across a varied and inspiring portfolio of reserves.
Reserves
- Bradfield Woods
- Arger Fen
- Bull’s Wood
- Groton Wood
- Cornard Mere
- Combs Wood
- Bonny Wood
- Martin’s Meadow
- Fox Fritillary Meadow
- Mickfield Meadow
Key responsibilities
- Support the Senior Warden to manage reserves in line with conservation objectives and management plans.
- Contribute to agri‑environment scheme agreements, complete habitat management tasks, coordinate ecological monitoring and produce evidence‑based reports.
- Prepare contractor specifications, supervise works, and maintain machinery, vehicles and reserve infrastructure.
- Ensure livestock welfare standards are met.
- Engage with the public, lead volunteer work parties, oversee day‑to‑day volunteer activities, and ensure Health & Safety procedures are followed.
- Develop reserves as welcoming flagship sites, maintaining safe and accessible trails, signage, interpretation and visitor facilities.
- Represent Suffolk Wildlife Trust at open days, guided walks and talks, and share the Trust’s conservation impact through social media, local media and internal communications.
Qualifications and skills
- Previous experience in a similar conservation role.
- Broad habitat and conservation management knowledge, including awareness of agri‑environment schemes and Cross Compliance.
- Strong IT skills, especially in Microsoft 365; familiarity with GIS, volunteer management and CRM systems.
- Knowledge of Health & Safety requirements.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; team player.
- Well‑organised, practical, adaptable and an effective problem‑solver.
- Self‑motivated, enthusiastic, engaging, and committed to environmental issues.
- Ability to undertake outdoor work in all weathers.
Benefits
Annual leave entitlement starts at 33 days per annum (including Bank Holidays) and increases annually to 38 days. Employees receive an extra day off for their birthday.
We offer a 9 % employer pension contribution with no employee contribution required, a free 24‑hour Employee Assistance Programme, free life insurance from day one, free access to a private GP, and discounts at high‑street retailers. Staff can also enjoy a 10 % discount at our visitor centre cafes and retail shops.
Commitment to diversity
Suffolk Wildlife Trust is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone is welcome. We recognise the importance of diversity in both nature and our workforce of staff and volunteers and strive to ensure that everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to our vision of “A Wilder Suffolk where nature is thriving and abundant because everyone is doing more to help.”
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