Seasonal vacancies for 2026
Job type: Seasonal Warden – fixed term appointment 16th February 2026 until 18th September 2026
Location: Flexible, but must be able to travel to the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area on a daily basis
Starting salary: £26,400 pa
Hours: Full time: 37 hours per week, with some weekends/early mornings & evenings (part time options available)
Contact: For further information please contact Victoria Huth on 07919 213950 or email victoria.huth@naturalengland.org.uk
Closing date: 11:55pm on Wednesday 14th December 2025
Interviews: January 2026, virtual.
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For more information and to apply online: Seasonal Warden (Ref: 6320) – Civil Service Jobs – GOV.UK
Step into the great outdoors and discover the magic of our beautiful Thames Basin Heaths. This is your chance to connect with the organisations that manage them, the wildlife that thrives here, and the visitors who love them. Every day brings something new, no two are ever the same!
Gain hands‑on experience and expert training from surveyors who’ve spent decades studying ground‑nesting birds, work alongside the Fire & Rescue Service to champion the #BeWildfireAware campaign, host pop‑up events to inspire visitors about local wildlife, and best of all, play a key role in Heath Week 2026!
For ten seasons, we’ve welcomed passionate seasonal wardens, and now it’s your turn to join our 11th cohort. As part of Natural England, you’ll meet colleagues across the organisation and our many partners, opening doors to future opportunities. Many of our past wardens have gone on to exciting careers in Natural England and other conservation bodies.
This is a chance to make a real impact, build lasting connections, and advance your journey in conservation.
A current, full driving license and daily access to a vehicle is essential for this role.
You will be working in a variety of weathers. There will be an element of office work required. Although the work will involve regular liaison with the SAMM (Strategic Access Management and Monitoring) warden team, Special Protection Area staff and other land management staff, there will be a significant element of lone working.
It should be noted that as the role involves engaging directly with the public, the work may include potentially confrontational situations. However, the safety and wellbeing of its staff is of paramount importance to Natural England, which is committed to ensuring its staff undertake their roles in a healthy and safe working environment.
Warden Tim made this video back in 2022 with some of our previous seasonal wardens. Who better to explain how great the job is…