Background to the role:

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT)’s mission is to create a Yorkshire rich in wildlife for the benefit of everyone – more wildlife, more wild places and more people having a strong connection to nature. Within our Northern region we manage 36 nature reserves, as well as a number of exciting projects. Enabling nature’s recovery takes time and effort and the North Team benefits from the help and support of volunteers to make our vision a reality, whilst providing a first-rate learning and development opportunity for people wanting to focus on a career in nature conservation.

The role of the River and Wetlands Voluntary Placement is for the volunteer to support and be involved in the management of conservation projects in North Yorkshire. Working alongside a team of knowledgeable staff, you will help in planning, development, and the practical delivery of this work. This role will allow you to get an in-depth understanding of working in the conservation sector - you will gain experience in developing river restoration and wetland projects on a local scale whilst working alongside landowners on private land. You will have an opportunity to be directly involved in projects which help to reduce sediment inputs into the watercourse, increase biodiversity and encourage natural flood management. 

What will you be doing?

On this Voluntary Placement you will gain experience in supporting with river restoration and wetland creation projects in North Yorkshire. You will be based in our York office with field work largely carried out near Northallerton, Whitby and York.  You will primarily assist our Project Officers in undertaking work on third party land, however there will also be the opportunity to support other members of the wider team to enhance your development. You have the opportunity to gain experience in the following areas:

• Riparian ecology and restoration (habitats located on the edge of rivers, streams, lakes and other water bodies).
• Land management techniques to improve water quality
• Wetland habitat creation
• Riparian surveys to identify sedimentation issues and other Water Framework Directive failures (WFD is a directive for the protection of all waterbodies).
• Assist in overseeing contractors undertaking practical conservation work (familiarisation with contracts etc.)
• Undertaking practical tasks such as tree planting, surveys, pond work & habitat creation
• Gain familiarisation with budgets and project management tools
• Mapping and GIS work using QGIS
• Publicising project work via traditional communications, social media and community engagement events.
• Coordinating volunteers for survey work and events.

What's in it for you?

• A full induction to the role
• Regular one-to-one with your line voluntary placement manager
• Ongoing personal development, allowing you to develop nature conservation skills and valuable experience towards a career in this highly competitive sector.
• External Training in Level 1 certificate in River Restoration with the River Restoration Centre (RRC)
• A programme of in-house training courses will be available throughout your traineeship.
• Access to our free varied internal volunteer training programme
• Branded uniform
• The Trust can contribute £15 per day of your voluntary placement to support with fuel and public transport costs
• An intensive and high-quality experience that will stand out on any CV, as a team member of one of the UK’s most vibrant and varied conservation organisations.

80% of volunteers on longer term placements with YWT have successfully found employment within the sector or gone on to relevant further studies. 

Recruitment Information:

2 days per week, Monday- Friday with flexibility to suit the voluntary placement.  

To apply for this role please read the full role description and send in a completed volunteer application form to volunteering@ywt.org.uk by the closing deadline, 9am Thursday 20th August 2026. Interviews are anticipated to take place on Monday 7th September at our York Office.