Work Experience

Thank you for visiting our Work Experience page. 

Unfortunately all Work Experience placements are on hold and we are not accepting expressions of interest at this time. Please visit this page again for future update.

Many passionate and talented people want to pursue a career in conservation, but lack the necessary skills and experience to secure their first paid role. Work experience is an excellent way to learn about working life, get hands-on experience in your potential career path and identify your skills and passions. We offer challenging and enjoyable work experience opportunities in our office as well as on nature reserves. 

If you are at school or college and are thinking of a career in conservation, Sussex Wildlife Trust may be able to offer you the opportunity to complete your work experience placement with us. This could be your first step to a career in the competitive environmental sector.  Placements usually last 1 to 2 weeks, however longer placements may be considered on an individual basis. 

There are also plenty of regular volunteering opportunities available where you can gain the experience you need.

What will happen on my work experience placement?

The placement will include opportunities to work alongside staff from the Learning & Engagement, Land Management, Communications and Membership teams. 

Due to the nature of the work experience offered, they may on occasion be required to travel to other locations in a Sussex Wildlife Trust vehicle with a member of Trust staff.

Who can be apply for a Work Experience Placement?

We accept applications from school or college students living or studying in Sussex. Priority will be given to students who show an interest in working for a nature conservation charity.

How do I apply?

Due to the remote location of our Head Office at Woods Mill and our other sites we ask that you consider how you will travel to us each day before submitting your expression of interest. Students must be available to attend all days of the placement offered and be able to provide their own transport to and from a principal location agreed ahead of your placement, predominantly Woods Mill near Henfield or Southerham Farm, near Lewes. Expressions of interest for placements at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve are also welcomed.

Students wishing to undertake their work experience placement with Sussex Wildlife Trust should download and complete the Expression of Interest form and email it to [email protected].

We will endeavour to be in touch within 14 days of receiving your application.  Your application will be assessed on the following criteria:   

  • Date availability 
  • Your personal statement 
  • How we can meet your expectations for the placement 

Should you be successful you will be made a conditional offer and will be required to complete an Acceptance & Medical Consent form. Once this form has been returned, we will assess any adjustments that need to be made to accommodate you and confirm your placement will be able to go ahead. 

Thank you for showing an interest in the work of Sussex Wildlife Trust; we look forward to hearing from you soon.