Assistant Reserves Officer (North Bucks)
Closing date: Wednesday 18 February 2026
Salary: £22,952 - £23,551 per annum
Contract: Fixed term (end 31 March 2027) with potential extension
Hours: 35 hours per week (flexible pattern with line manager)
Location: Meadow Farm, Blackthorn, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX25 1TW
About BBOWT
BBOWT has a vision for “more nature everywhere, for everyone”. We are committed to an inclusive culture where everyone feels they belong.
Role Overview
The Assistant Reserves Officer will help nature recover by working towards habitat management objectives across woodland, wetland and floodplain meadow habitats.
Responsibilities
* Undertake on‑site management of 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
* Experience in applied nature conservation management with proven practical conservation skills.
* Transferable qualifications, including chainsaw and outdoor first aid.
* Ability to deal with the public, Trust members and volunteers in a friendly and professional manner in a variety of situations.
* Strong leadership skills to lead practical volunteer work sessions.
* Organised, efficient and able to be flexible and respond to changing circumstances.
Other Requirements
This 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. BBOWT’s policy regarding this matter and the Disclosure and Barring Service Code of Practice are available on request.
Benefits
* Generous annual leave entitlement with 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, Employee Assistance Programme, 3× life assurance, online GP access and a YuLife benefit package with free will‑writing, discounts and vouchers.
* Salary sacrifice Cycle scheme & Electric Vehicle scheme.
* Membership to BBOWT’s Staff Network Groups (The Wildlife Trusts’).
How to apply
To apply, please follow the application link provided. The closing time and date for applications is 11.59 pm on Wednesday 18 February. First interviews will take place on Monday 2 March.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
BBOWT values diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from people who are underserved within the communities we operate in, including visible ethnic minorities, people with disabilities (including neurodivergent), LGBTQ+ community, lower socioeconomic backgrounds and younger people. We are committed to creating an organisation that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities.
We offer reasonable adjustments during the selection stages if required. Contact us on recruitment@bbowt.org.uk for further details.
Legal & EEO Statement
All candidates will receive feedback on their application.
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