Join our voluntary trainee team, learn new skills and gain experience within a friendly environmental organisation.
Our voluntary trainee roles are open to anyone wishing to gain that all important 'hands on' experience to offer a competitive edge when applying for jobs.
These roles are usually part-time, so anything from 2-5 days a week, and can last from 6 - 12 months.
Our voluntary trainee roles are part of a wider rolling programme of Traineeships offered by Yorkshire Wildlife Trust – you will be part of a team of 20+ voluntary trainees and are offererd an internal programme of training, development and support as well as a competitive budget for training. We also offer a contribution towards daily out-of-pocket travel expenses to all our voluntary trainees.
To apply for one of the roles below please complete and return a Voluntary Trainee Application Form using the link here:-
Application Form
You will need to use the information given in the role description (bottom of the page) to demonstrate why you are a good candidate for a voluntary traineeship. Please make sure you state which role you are applying for and be sure to return the form by the deadline to volunteering@ywt.org.uk or post it to the address on the form
If you have any questions about voluntary traineeships please call us on 01904 659570.
Why not read some of our voluntary trainee profiles on the previous page to see for yourself what it's really like!
Northern Reserves Voluntary Trainee
Our Northeastern Reserves Team working across sites in the North Yorkshire Moors, Pickering and Scarborough areas are looking for a passionate individual to join the team as a voluntary trainee. You'll assist staff to undertake practical land management tasks, assist with the delivery of volunteer task days and help with reserve management planning.
You’ll help with the management of some of our most beautiful nature reserves giving you a broad range of practical skills across different habitats and further protecting Yorkshire’s wildlife.
This role will involve a variety of outdoor practical conservation tasks on nature reserves as well as office-based work, this will give you the essential background knowledge and understanding to enhance the practical side of the role.
The role is for 3 days a week, for a duration of 12 months, with a training budget to be agreed with your supervisor. You will also have access to our internal training programme and we will provide travel expenses of up to £10 a day.
Application deadline: Monday 6th November at 9am
Interview Date and venue: TBC
Start Date: December 2017
Northern Living Landscapes Voluntary Trainee
We are looking to recruit a Northern Living Landscapes Voluntary Trainee to support and be involved in the management of nature reserves and conservation projects in North Yorkshire. Being alongside a team of knowledgeable staff, you will help in planning, development, and the practical delivery of this management.
This voluntary traineeship is part funded by Stories in Stone, an ambitious 4 year programme of conservation and community projects concentrated on the Ingleborough area. The scheme has been developed by the Ingleborough Dales Landscape Partnership and is supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund. This is an exciting and varied role which promises to give you a great mix of skills!
Most of our work sites are located in remote locations, away from main public transport routes, therefore this role is more suited to a person who holds a full driving license and is willing to drive as part of the role. This role will be based at our office in Skipton, North Yorkshire.
The role is for 3 days a week, for a duration of 12 months and comes with a competitive training budget and travel expenses. The role will be based at our Skipton office.
Application deadline: Wednesday 15th November 2017 9am
Interview Date: Thursday 30th November at our Skipton office
Start Date: December 2017 or January 2018
Farm and Grazing Voluntary Trainee
We are looking to recruit a Farm and Grazing Voluntary Trainee to help primarily at two of our conservation farms in North Yorkshire. Appleton Mill Farm is an established 230 acre beef and arable farm with 100 acres of woodland that holds many ancient woodland indicator flora such as bluebells, wild primrose and wood sorrel. Low Carr Farm is a 100 acre grassland farm where most of lambing takes place for our Hebridean sheep. As a Farm and Grazing Voluntary Trainee you will gain skills and experience in all aspects of farm conservation & management and conservation grazing techniques. This is an exciting and varied role which promises to give you a great mix of skills!
You will require a driving licence as there may be some on-road driving of tractors and Trust vehicles and the farm is in a rural North Yorkshire location that is not easily reached without access to a car.
Accommodation at the farm is provided (utility bills included) with this role at Appleton Mill Farm. There could be occasions where you may have to provide an onsite presence, e.g. Farm Manager away, and a potential to work unsociable hours in line with livestock/farm tasks. Accommodation at the farm is provided (utility bills included) with this role at Appleton Mill Farm. There could be occasions where you may have to provide an onsite presence, e.g. Farm Manager away, and a potential to work unsociable hours in line with livestock/farm tasks.
*Please note that any tasks involving sheep and lambing can be harmful to a pregnant woman, so please bear this in mind when applying*
Application deadline: Monday 6th November 9am
Interview Date: Date to be confirmed, venue will be Appleton Mill Farm
Start Date: December 2017
Spurn Reserve Voluntary Trainee
We’re looking for a new Voluntary Trainee to join the team at Spurn National Nature Reserve; which is one of Yorkshire's most interesting and ever changing wildlife and heritage sites. Spurn’s unique landscape is a draw to many visitors and never fails to inspire others about the importance of Living Landscapes and Living Seas. As a Spurn Reserve Voluntary Trainee you will gain a wide range of skills and knowledge centred around reserve management, visitor engagement and running a programme of events at a Gateway site.
We're currently building our new Discovery Centre, which will be completed by the end of 2017. The new centre will be a fantastic addition to the newly refurbished Lighthouse that opened last year. Spurn is a must see destination with so much to see and do; there's heritage, history and wildlife galore! This is an amazing opportunity to be part of the exciting developments at Spurn and help make it an exceptional place to visit. You will be involved in helping to plan and deliver practical reserve management; be part of the visitor experience by welcoming visitors on site; taking admissions and providing essential information; helping out in the cafe and retail areas and also assisting with the varied and interesting programme of events that we have at Spurn. The variety of tasks you will be able to take part in should provide a good mix of skills for those who wish to work in the conservation sector and would be an attractive addition to your CV.
The role is for 6-12 months, depending on what candidates prefers and will be 3 days a week, with some potential weekend availability. This will ideally be a residential placement with accommodation provided close to the reserve/onsite with all utility bills paid. A driving license is not essential for this role but please be advised that Spurn is a remote location with little public transport. The role comes with a competitive training budget and access to our internal training plan.