Looking for a role where your passion for nature, conservation, and hands‑on outdoor work genuinely makes a difference?
Join our friendly team at Preston Montford Field Centre as our Estate & Conservation Assistant.
1. Permanent part time position – average 16 hours per week
2. Flexible working pattern – for example, two full days or spread across three or four days
3. Salary equates to circa £12.21 per hour, increasing to £12.71 per hour from 1 April 2026.
4. Excellent benefits – including life assurance 5 x your salary and health and wellbeing support
5. Work across a stunning 12-hectare riverside estate
Love where you work!
At Field Studies Council, our mission is to create outstanding opportunities that inspire everyone to engage with and care for the environment.
Every role contributes to that mission. As Estate & Conservation Assistant, your work will directly support nature recovery, sustainable land management and inspiring outdoor learning experiences.
Whether maintaining habitats, assisting with estate upkeep or supporting volunteers, you will be helping to create a setting where people connect with nature in meaningful ways.
We value each of our team members and understand that every role is vital to deliver our mission, so, we provide great benefits* to reward and support you while you work with us.
What you’ll be doing
This is an active, varied and practical role combining conservation, estate management and maintenance support. Your duties will include:
6. Supporting delivery of the nature recovery and sustainability plan
7. Undertaking habitat management tasks across meadows, woodland and ponds
8. Carrying out mowing, strimming, spraying and general grounds maintenance
9. Completing ecological monitoring and maintaining accurate electronic records
10. Working with volunteers and corporate groups on conservation projects
11. Maintaining and inspecting plant, centre vehicles and estate equipment
12. Assisting with internal and external repairs including basic carpentry, glazing, plumbing and decorating
13. Supporting routine Health and Safety checks and compliance
Please refer to the vacancy pack for further information on the full responsibilities of this role.
Where you’ll be based
You will be based at Preston Montford Field Centre, near Montford Bridge, Shrewsbury.
Set on the banks of the River Severn, the centre sits within 12 hectares of parkland, woodland, meadows and ponds. It is a vibrant environmental education location, welcoming school groups, community organisations and volunteers throughout the year.
This is a place where river mist rises in the morning, wildlife thrives across managed habitats, and your work has visible impact every single day.
Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone practical, reliable and motivated, who enjoys working outdoors and takes real pride in maintaining high standards.
This role is physically active and will involve manual handling and outdoor working in all weather conditions, so you should be comfortable with practical, hands-on work.
You will ideally have:
14. Relevant experience in conservation, habitat management or grounds maintenance
15. Experience of general maintenance work, such as basic repairs, decorating or upkeep of buildings and estates
16. Confidence using and caring for tools and machinery safely
17. A full valid driving licence
18. Good working knowledge of Health and Safety practices
19. The ability to work independently and as part of a supportive team
20. Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage day-to-day tasks effectively
21. Excellent communication skills, with a courteous and professional approach
If you’re passionate about conservation, enjoy practical problem-solving, and want to make a visible difference every day, we would love to hear from you.
* Your benefits whilst working with us will include:
22. Pro rata of 28 days annual holiday entitlement plus bank holidays
23. Extra loyalty days dependent on length of service
24. Life assurance 5 x your salary
25. Health and Wellbeing Support App
26. Second opinions from top doctors
27. 24hr Counselling Helpline Service
28. Cycle to work and EV schemes
29. Reward programme with discounts and cashback opportunities
30. Quality learning and development opportunities
31. Flexible working options where roles permit
If you have any queries regarding this vacancy, please call Arran Holdsworth on 01743 852040
The closing date for receipt of your completed application is 22nd March 2026
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we’re in receipt of sufficient applications. Please apply early to avoid disappointment.
Interviews are scheduled to take place at Field Studies Council Preston Montford
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by email.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and we expect all team members to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will only be confirmed following the successful completion of rigorous pre-employment checks, including appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks