Job Title: Conservation Hub Assistant
Managed by: Head of Environmental Conservation & Biodiversity
Department(s): Sustainability Location: Waddesdon, Aylesbury
Salary: £12.21 per hour Contract Type: Flexible/Seasonal – 6
month fixed-term. To Start ASAP
Hours: April to October. Wednesday to Sunday 10am – 5pm, also includes Public Holidays
(excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day). May also include the occasional shift outside of
the normal rota, as required by the business. Your pay will reflect hours worked (exclusive of
a 30 minute break each day) Hours may vary and cannot be guaranteed.
The Role:
Are you passionate about nature and eager to inspire others? We are looking for an
enthusiastic naturalist to help in the Conservation Hub at Waddesdon Manor,
Buckinghamshire Waddesdon Manor | A French Renaissance-style château
This visitor-focused role requires confidence in discussing the natural world and engaging
people of all ages in meaningful conversations about conservation.
What you will do:
In this role, you will be instrumental in fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment where
visitors feel respected, valued, and inspired to reconnect with nature. Through engaging
interactions and thoughtful discussions, you will help create meaningful experiences that
encourage curiosity, appreciation, and a deeper understanding of the natural world.

Key responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Engage visitors of all ages in discussions about the Rothschild Foundation’s

environmental work and the wildlife found on the estate.

• Maintain a welcoming and interactive Hub, encouraging hands-on exploration of

certain specimens and equipment.

• Support and guide volunteers, helping them share knowledge effectively.
• Answer visitor questions or proactively find the information they need.
• Foster an inclusive an engaging atmosphere, encouraging curiosity, questions and

respectful discussions.

• Inspire visitors by teaching them how to care for nature and become naturalists

themselves.
You will be a great fit if:
You would be a great fit for this role if you are passionate about nature and sustainability, eager
to share your knowledge with visitors of all ages. You are confident and engaging, comfortable
speaking to individuals and small groups of up to 15 people, and have a charismatic and
approachable presence that helps you connect with a diverse audience. Your humility and open-
mindedness allow you to both teach and learn, creating meaningful conversations that inspire
curiosity. As a team player, you thrive in collaborative environments but are also capable of
working independently. Your curiosity and proactiveness drive you to continually discover new
specimens and share your enthusiasm with visitors, making their experience both educational
and memorable.

Your areas of knowledge and expertise that matter for this role:

• Strong knowledge of the natural world and conservation.
• Public speaking experience or confidence in engaging with audiences.
• A thirst for knowledge and enthusiasm for continuous learning.
• Confident computer skills for research purposes.
• Commitment to safety & wellbeing, particularly when interacting with children, young

people, and vulnerable adults
Additional requirements:
The safety and wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable adults are of the utmost
importance for any role at the Rothschild Foundation, Waddesdon Manor. Consequently this
position may require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to uphold the safety and
security of all our guests, staff and volunteers.

Rewards for working with us:

• We are proud of where we work and want to share Waddesdon Manor with family and

friends by offering a number of complimentary tickets to the house and grounds.

• Waddesdon Discounts – 50% discount in the food-to-go outlets at the Manor. 20% in

the Manor gift shop and restaurant, Stables Café, Five Arrows Hotel, and The Bow Pub.

20% discount on special event tickets made available to staff.

• Staff Card - A National Trust staff card entitles two adults and children under 18 years

of age free admission to all National Trust properties and 20% discount in NT Retail and

Catering outlets.

• Annual Leave – your statutory annual leave is 28 days (20 days plus 8 public holidays),

or 5.6 weeks. This will pro-rated based on actual hours you work. If you work a public
holiday, you will be paid double your hourly rate, but your statutory annual leave
entitlement will reduce accordingly (i.e. you are being paid double on that date, so

therefore not entitled to holiday pay or TOIL for that date).

• Pension - We will top up your pension by matching any contribution you make, up to

10% of your basic salary.

• Long Service Awards – every 5 years of service, you are invited to a celebration to

recognise your contribution to the organisation. A cash sum is awarded as a thank you.

• Mental Health and Wellbeing Support – access to a wellbeing platform and fully funded

1:1 counselling service.

• Flu Jabs – free flu jabs in October
• Free parking

Workplace adjustments
We work closely with employees to help them work at their best, including making adjustments
such as flexible working, providing equipment or changes to the workplace, where possible. All
candidates invited to interview have the opportunity to request adjustments to the
recruitment process when scheduling your interview, for example accessible parking,
communication support or breaks.

Key responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Engage visitors of all ages in discussions about the Rothschild Foundation’

Your areas of knowledge and expertise that matter for this role:

• Strong knowledge of the natural world and conservation.
• Public speaking experience or confidence in engaging with audiences.
• A thirst for knowledge and enthusiasm for continuous learning.
• Confident computer skills for research purposes.
• Commitment to safety & wellbeing, particularly when interacting with children, youn