2 x Ecology Volunteer Placements (Unpaid)

Location: Beechcroft House, Vicarage Lane, Curdridge SO32 2DP

Times, days and frequency we'd like you to be available: These are two unpaid fixed-term placements for six months, starting from late April / May 2026, with the potential to be extended. These volunteer roles can be full-time (Monday - Friday) or part-time but we would be looking for a minimum of three days (21 hours) a week, with volunteer schedule open to negotiation. These volunteer roles may involve volunteering outside typical office hours (e.g. early morning bird surveys or night-time bat surveys).

Purpose of role: To assist in the delivery of ecological surveys and monitoring of the Trust’s Estate and support Trust staff in the delivery of externally funded project work.

What you'll be doing: 

Survey work

• Assist with delivery of species-specific survey programmes such as terrestrial invertebrates (butterfly, bumblebee, orthoptera), dormice, bats, reptiles, water voles and white-clawed crayfish.
• Assist with monitoring on rewilding sites (within Trust Estate and for private landowners) including soil sampling, botanical surveys and earthworm surveys.
• Assist with the delivery of the Trust’s biosecurity protocols before and after survey work.
• Assist with other surveys throughout the season as required.
• Possible opportunities to assist with aquatic invertebrate sample sorting and identification in our laboratory.

Data and Reporting

• Assist with production of survey reports including data collation, analysis and the use of GIS mapping software.
• Analysis and identification of bat echolocation calls.

What we're looking for:

Essential

• Ability to identify common species of UK flora and fauna.
• Comfortable working outdoors for extended periods in hot or inclement weather, carrying out fieldwork that may be physically demanding, including carrying survey equipment across uneven terrain.
• Confident working in and around water, near livestock, willing to handle protected species under supervision and comfortable with non-native species control.
• Strong IT literacy, familiar with use of Microsoft 365, particularly Word, Excel and Outlook.

Desirable

• Experience of undertaking biological surveys.
• Experience of using GIS mapping software.
• Some experience of reporting on biological surveys.
• Qualified or working towards an academic or vocational qualification in a relevant area (e.g. Ecology, Environmental Science).
• Comfortable working both in a close-knit team and independently.

Special considerations:

• Full UK driving licence (automatic licence acceptable).
• Must have access to own vehicle.
• Travel expenses will be covered (e.g. mileage at a rate of 45p per mile).
• Essential training (first aid, water safety etc), equipment and uniform will be provided.

What you'll gain:

• Opportunity to gain a range of practical surveying skills and experience.
• Opportunity to develop species identification knowledge.
• Opportunity to receive training and experience of using GIS software for mapping and data analysis.
• Opportunity to develop skills using other software such as for bat sound analysis and data collation.
• Opportunity to contribute to the conservation of protected species, visit a range of habitats and wildlife sites in the two counties and see rewilding work first hand.
• Opportunity to meet like-minded people and work with experienced ecologists.

If you are interested in applying, please complete the below 'Ecology Volunteer Placement Application Form' and return it to VolunteerEnquiries@hiwwt.org.uk.

The closing date for volunteer applications is midnight on Sunday 22nd March 2026 and recruitment for these roles will also involve an interview stage, to be held w/c 13th April.