West Cumbria Rivers Trust is a registered environmental charity dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the wildlife and habitats of rivers, lakes and the surrounding countryside in West Cumbria. We are a successful Rivers Trust with a territory covering several principal river catchments which include seven iconic lakes, spanning a substantial part of the Lake District National Park and West Cumbria. We have an impressive track record of successful delivery of projects and a steady growth and are looking to employ new staff members on our National Lottery Heritage Fund project.

WCRT has been successful in securing a £2.3 million lottery funded project at Walkmill Community Woodlands near Whitehaven, West Cumbria. WCRT believe that reconnecting people to the natural world is essential to safeguarding its future and it also comes with a host of physical and mental health benefits for the people who get involved. This exciting role will be recruiting and managing the second cohort of apprentices doing their Countryside Worker level 2 apprenticeship scheme at Walkmill Community Woodlands and across West Cumbria, with the aim of engaging young people in a lifelong career in the environmental conservation sector.

The successful candidate will have a Degree/HND in environmental/conservation qualification (or equivalent experience) and at least 3 years relevant practical environmental conservation experience. You will have the skills required to manage and supervise apprentices and develop and deliver their training and the passion and commitment to motivate and encourage them to complete the Countryside Worker qualification. You will also have effective and sympathetic communication (verbal, written and electronic) with a broad section of society, particularly working with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. You will be a highly organised self-starter who can demonstrate a committed, mature and flexible approach and have the passion to deliver the ‘A Wilder Walkmill Project’ and all the benefits to people and nature that it will bring.

You will be part of a team based in Keswick, Cumbria, reporting to the A Wilder Walkmill Project Manager and supported by the Trust’s Director, Trustees and staff.

If you believe that you have the passion, commitment and skills to take this exciting opportunity forward then we would like to hear from you.

If you would like to discuss the post further, please contact Jenny Garbe, A Wilder Walkmill project manager on 07983 777369 or email jenny@westcumbriariverstrust.org

To apply for this post please send your CV with a covering letter setting out your experience and qualifications as highlighted in the job specification to recruitment@westcumbriariverstrust.org

The closing Date for applications is 9am on Monday 12th May 2025. Interviews will be held in person in Keswick, Cumbria on Thursday 22nd May 2025.