Heather Geneve Brand
Environment + Nature
Red Squirrel Recovery Network Project Assistant
Opportunity

Red Squirrel Recovery Network Project Assistant

West Cumbria
Lake Water_Megan Bartlett

Info

Contract length: 10 months starting in April 2026
Hours per week: 21-28 worked over 3 or 4 days, usually Monday-Friday

Overview

We have a very exciting and rewarding opportunity for an assistant to join us as part of the Red Squirrel Recovery Network Project.This early career role is the perfect first step in a career in the conservation sector, as the role will include a generous training budget along with the opportunity to develop a range of useful skills and gain experience as part of a collaborative conservation project.Our ideal candidate will have a passion for our local native red squirrels and the desire and commitment to embrace this unique and rewarding opportunity fully.

CWT logo 2025

Red Squirrel Recovery Network Project Assistant

About the projectThe Red Squirrel Recovery Network (RSRN) is a new project that aims to build on conservation efforts of the last 20 years and lay the foundations for species recovery. The RSRN is a shared ambition for red squirrels in Northern England and Southern Scotland and is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Working at a super-landscape scale, this significant investment in species conservation must achieve lasting change within five years so that the future of an iconic species is secured as part of a natural and functioning ecosystem. This will be supported by a well-connected and resilient network of volunteers within a wider network of engaged and aware local residents and visitors.We're particularly interested in receiving applications from young people (aged 18-25) and local to North West Cumbria.Please note that an enhanced DBS check will be required for this role.Cumbria Wildlife Trust is devoted to the conservation of the wildlife and wild places of Cumbria.

At a glance

  • This early career role will primarily be based in the Workington, Whitehaven, and Cockermouth areas on the west coast of Cumbria, which has been identified as a priority area for recovery.
  • The role will focus on supporting key engagement within this region, along with
  • Assisting with the organisation of community events and activities
  • Working with and supporting a team of Volunteers
  • Attending meetings, conferences and events as a representative for the RSRN
  • Contribute to project monitoring and evaluation
  • Be involved with project communications and digital awareness, including through social media
Enquire
grey overlay shape

Related Opportunities

Job Vacancy

Want to help tackle climate change, protect ecosystems, and shape sustainable futures? At the Environment Agency, our Environment & Science placements put you at the heart of evidence-based decision-making. Our 12-month industry placements, starting in September, offer hands-on experience in…

View Details

Job Vacancy

Want to help tackle climate change, protect ecosystems, and shape sustainable futures? At the Environment Agency, our Environment & Science internships put you at the heart of evidence-based decision-making. Our 12-week summer internships, starting in June, offer hands-on experience in…

View Details

Job Vacancy

We are looking for an inspiring person to lead the development of the school’s education programme at Susan’s Farm for young people. The post holder will deliver an engaging and stimulating programme of activities under the new overarching theme of ‘Explore and Engage: Learning through Nature’. You…

View Details

Job Vacancy

Do you love agriculture and enjoy sharing your knowledge just as much as getting your boots muddy? Kendal College is on the lookout for an energetic and passionate Agriculture Lecturer to inspire the next generation of farmers, land managers, and agri-professionals. This is your chance to bring…

View Details

Training

Learn the practical skills needed to lay a hedge. We have received funding to run these workshops free of charge for you to attend, a free lunch is also provided.The workshops are aimed at those working, or hoping to work, in the farming, land management or conservation sectors. Tickets will be…

View Details

Volunteering

Join Raise’s new Neuroaffirming Volunteer Programme, launching January 2026. This inclusive woodland volunteering initiative is designed for neurodivergent people – and anyone who values accessible, welcoming outdoor spaces. Volunteers will help create and care for community woodlands across…

View Details

Volunteering

Volunteer days are open to all and are a great opportunity to socialise and to learn about forest restoration, as well as contribute to creating more native woodland in Cumbria. Tasks include removing non-native trees, planting native trees, collecting and propagating seeds, and the protection and…

View Details

Volunteering

You will be the voice representing the younger populations perspectives, experiences and needs across the Lake District and Cumbria. By being willing to voice these concerns and the innovative ideas, you will help to develop campaigns on the matters that you care about most. You will also have the…

View Details

Volunteering

Come and get involved learning about endangered wildflower meadow restoration work at the Cumbria Seed Bank. We are saving seed from 14 rare and declining species to then propagate into plug plants at our conservation nursery at Gosling Sike, then we'll plant them out in specific sites to establish…

18 Months
View Details

Volunteering

Are you ready to contribute to ground-breaking science research and support one of the UK’s largest nature restoration programmes? We’re inviting researchers, students, social scientists, ecologists and conservationists to collaborate with our expert team. To apply, you’ll need to send a detailed…

View Details

Volunteering

Volunteers are sought to help with selling Susan's Farm produce at Farmers' Markets, events and pop up stalls. If you like people and you are enthusiastic about "you are what you eat ", the importance of eating locally sourced organic produce and enjoy cooking this could be the ideal volunteering…

View Details

Volunteering

Volunteer with West Cumbria Rivers Trust. Maintaining footpaths in areas such as Walkmill Community Woodlands or along riverways ensures continued access for all and is a fun physical conservation task..

View Details

Volunteering

Volunteer with West Cumbria Rivers Trust. Sometimes we need help with general admin tasks such as updating the website, inputting data and maintaining equipment.

View Details

Volunteering

Volunteer with West Cumbria Rivers Trust. Plug planting involves planting species such as wildflowers and woodrush as plug plants.

View Details

Volunteering

Volunteer with West Cumbria Rivers Trust. Rhododendron is an invasive non-native plant which can quickly spread and outcompete other native species, especially in woodlands. In the winter months we work to chop back and burn Rhododendrons in some areas.

View Details
Autumn 9251331 1280 Environment + Nature
Whitehaven

Volunteering

Volunteer with West Cumbria Rivers Trust. Meeting on the fourth Thursday of the month at Walkmill Community Woodlands near Whitehaven, Green Gyms aims to deliver something for everyone's capabilities. We do some physical conservation work and also spend some time enjoying the outdoors.

View Details

Volunteering

Volunteer with West Cumbria Rivers Trust. As the Spring showers begin toads/frogs make their way back to their ponds to mate. Unfortunately, often these journeys require amphibians to cross the road at night, which can be pretty dangerous. Join us on a wet spring evening to collect toads on the…

View Details

Volunteering

Volunteer with West Cumbria Rivers Trust. Before we can plant wildflowers on previously degraded land it needs a bit of TLC through various methods to prepare the soil.

View Details

Volunteering

Volunteer with West Cumbria Rivers Trust. Sometimes fences need removing for various reasons and if you have a carefully-destructive streak your help would be appreciated!

View Details

Volunteering

Volunteer with West Cumbria Rivers Trust. Himalayan balsam is an invasive non-native species that grows throughout the summer months. It takes over riparian areas to reduce biodiversity and increase flood risk. In the summer months we work to pull it up (an easy task!).

View Details

Volunteering

If you would like to join as a volunteer and offer any of your skills, such as Fundraising, IT support, Learning about the breed and hill farmers, or Trustee, then we would love to hear from you and aid us in building our growing team who find it a varied and rewarding experience.

View Details

Volunteering

Get the micro-volunteering bug today and join the biggest citizen’s science project that National Parks have ever undertaken. Look Wild uses a free nature identification app that will name plants and animals for you and contribute to a huge National Park-led project at the same time. It’s free to…

View Details

Volunteering

Our Young Rangers programme offers a unique opportunity for young people aged 14 to 18 years to get involved in practical conservation volunteering. Young Rangers activities take place every month on a Sunday and are led by experienced Rangers from a several partner organisations including the…

View Details

Volunteering

Take a look at the National Trust website to search volunteering opportunities, for example at one of their Historic properties.

View Details

Apprenticeship

Animal Care & Welfare Assistant Level 2 Apprenticeship. Animal Care and Welfare Assistants look after the routine day to day husbandry and care of domestic and/or wild animals under guidance in a variety of different settings. The work is carried out individually or as part of a team in places such…

18 Months
View Details

Volunteering

Help to keep our beautiful Cumbrian beaches clean and free from litter that could harm wildlife.

View Details

Volunteering

Our Wildlife Watch groups are for children to make friends with other nature detectives and have lots of fun taking part in practical nature activities - from pond dipping to wildlife safaris.

View Details

Volunteering

Community event volunteers help to connect people to nature and also help people take action to protect nature. Events vary, and include rockpooling, guided walks, eggcase hunts, craft activities, and coastal foraging. Some events are for adults, whereas others are family events. Whatever your…

View Details

Volunteering

Get stuck in to practical task on a hands-on conservation day. There's plenty of wildflower planting to do, scrub and bramble removal, bracken bashing, and invasive plant removal, as well as path, bridge and boundary repairs. Lace up your boots and come and join us!

View Details

Work Experience

As a busy centre, we can provide in-depth work experience of being employed in an equine stableyard. We are passionate about sharing experiences and helping students get a foothold in the industry. When you work with us, we will train you in safe yard practices as well as give references and…

View Details

News and events

The latest in Cumbria...
Keep up to date with local information, from upcoming networking opportunities and careers fairs to available travel bursaries, and get involved as a learner, provider or employer.