Join the team
Staff team at the Wilder Ouse Conference © Kai Hilton
There are roles at Sussex Wildlife Trust to suit many skillsets and levels of experience. We look for the best and most talented people to join our team and help us deliver our exciting and ambitious strategy.
If you are someone who is determined to see a Sussex rich in wildlife and you have, energy and commitment to our values – innovation, passion, collaboration and inclusion – why not apply to join our great team?
We’re keen to hear from you even if you don’t have all the skills and experience outlined in a particular job description but have the potential to grow into a role.
Current vacancies
To view a role description, please click on the job title
The recruitment process
We want our recruitment process to be fair, inclusive and accessible, giving every candidate the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, experience and potential.
Step 1 – Submit your application
Complete our online application form and tell us why you are interested in the role.
We are keen to understand how your skills, knowledge, experience and transferable strengths match the requirements of the role. Please provide clear examples that demonstrate how you meet the criteria set out in the person specification.
If you need support with the application process or would like any reasonable adjustments, please let us know. We will do our best to support you.
Step 2 – Shortlisting
Applications are shortlisted against the essential criteria in the job description and person specification.
We use a structured and evidence-based approach to ensure candidates are assessed fairly and consistently. Wherever possible, we focus on the skills, experience and qualities required for the role, and candidates who progress are those who achieve the highest overall scores.
We will let you know if you have not been successful or are being invited to the next stage. We appreciate the time and effort involved in submitting an application. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to provide individual feedback following shortlisting.
Step 3 – Interview and assessment
If you are shortlisted, we will invite you to take part in our selection process.
This will normally include:
- A structured interview
- A task, presentation or role-related exercise
- An opportunity to ask questions and have an informal conversation about the role and Sussex Wildlife Trust
We will provide details of any task, presentation requirements and interview arrangements in advance. We are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments at any stage of the process.
Preparing for Your Interview
We want you to feel able to perform at your best during the interview process. To help you prepare, we recommend that you:
- Read the job description and person specification carefully.
- Think of specific examples from your work, volunteering, studies or personal experience that demonstrate your skills and achievements.
- Familiarise yourself with Sussex Wildlife Trust, our values, and the work we do.
- Review any information, tasks or presentation requirements sent to you in advance.
- Prepare some questions of your own about the role, team or organisation.
During the interview
We encourage you to take your time and think about your answers.
If you are unsure about a question, please ask us to repeat or clarify it.
We are interested in understanding your experience, potential and approach, not in testing your ability to perform under pressure.
Notes will be taken to help us assess all candidates fairly and consistently.
If there is anything that would help you participate fully in the interview process, please let us know. We welcome requests for reasonable adjustments and will work with you to provide appropriate support.
If you are not successful at this stage we will give you feedback.
Step 4 – Offer of employment
If you are successful, we will contact you by telephone to make a verbal offer of employment.
This will be followed by a formal written offer and contract documentation. Any offer will be subject to:
- Receipt of satisfactory references
- Any required DBS checks
- Confirmation of your right to work in the UK
Accessibility and reasonable adjustments
We are committed to making our recruitment process as accessible as possible.
If you require any reasonable adjustments, alternative formats, or additional support at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact the recruitment team.
We encourage candidates to discuss any requirements with us so that we can help create the best possible recruitment experience.
What you can expect from us
- A fair and inclusive recruitment process
- Clear communication about each stage of the process
- Information about interviews and assessments in advance
- Respectful and timely communication wherever possible
- A commitment to considering reasonable adjustments throughout the process
Our aim is to create a positive recruitment experience that enables all candidates to demonstrate their skills, experience and potential while helping us find the best person for the role.
Benefits
Hybrid and flexible working
Supporting healthy work-life balance through flexible working arrangements where role requirements operationally allow.
25 days annual leave
Plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 5 years’ service; entitlement pro rata for part-time.
Pension contributions
With an optional salary sacrifice scheme to help maximise your retirement savings.
Life assurance
Pension Scheme members receive 2x salary cover; non-members receive 1x salary cover.
Health cash plan
Help towards the cost of everyday healthcare expenses.
Employee assistance programme
Providing confidential support, advice and wellbeing resources.
Cycle to work scheme
Helping you save money while supporting a healthier and more sustainable commute.
Volunteer days
Dedicated two days paid to support causes and communities that matter to you.
Café discount
Enjoy discounted food and drinks at our Rye Harbour Discovery Centre café
About the team
Over a hundred members of staff work in roles as diverse as community engagement and events, finance, IT, communications, fundraising, policy and facilities management, as well as our on-the-ground teams of rangers and site managers.
We particularly welcome applications from people currently underrepresented in the conservation sector, including disabled people, people from Black, Asian and other ethnically diverse backgrounds, people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, non-graduates, and people from geographically diverse communities. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
© Ella Garrud
Volunteer with us
Hundreds of people in Sussex, of all ages, volunteer with us. It’s a brilliant way to make a difference, pick up new skills, make contacts and get to know the work we do. Some of our volunteers go on to become members of staff or trustees.
Volunteers and staff at Malling Down © Roz Bassford
Sandwich Terns © Dave Kilbey Fundraising Vacancies
We partner with a fundraising agency, CF Fundraising, to help recruit new members to the Trust. If that sounds like your kind of work, please visit their website to find out more.