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Work Experience

Having work experience can be key in finding a green job for nature.

Getting hands-on experience can be key to landing a green job for nature.

Types of opportunities and where to look

Volunteering is a great way to try out different organisations and build new skills. Paid options like work placements, internships, and graduate schemes are also available, so keep an eye out for those.


If you’re interested in outdoor work, any experience that gets you outside will look good on your CV. In the UK, local nature reserves or green spaces, often run by councils or NGOs like the Wildlife Trusts, are a great place to start.


But it’s not all about getting outdoors—there are plenty of opportunities to gain experience in desk-based roles, campaigns, and awareness-raising.

Work placements

For specialist jobs, like policy, forestry, or data management, you may need a formal work placement, which usually lasts a few months. Search environmental job boards for entry-level positions or reach out directly to organisations you’re interested in.

Volunteering

If you’re looking for shorter-term options, consider volunteering, shadowing, or a week-long work experience placement. These can help you try out different roles without a long commitment. Volunteering is also flexible, so it’s a good choice if you’re juggling school or work.


Good volunteer roles should benefit you—look for organisations that value your contribution. Even though it’s unpaid, some places might cover travel or provide access to equipment. You can volunteer for a few hours a week or find one-off opportunities, and all of it looks great on a CV!

Where to look for voluntary roles

Check out these websites for volunteer opportunities:

Local environmental charities and NGOs also have plenty of opportunities. Follow them on social media or sign up for newsletters to stay in the loop:

You may also find environmental volunteering opportunities via local councils, libraries and Community Voluntary Services organisations, as well as environmental job boards.

Youth Panels and Youth Networks

Youth panels and networks give you a chance to volunteer, meet other young people, and learn more about the environment. Even if you can’t volunteer, you can still join events and stay connected online.

Check out:

Do you know of any others? Let us know, and we’ll share them!


For one-off volunteering events, bookmark or subscribe to our Linktree page and keep checking back for updates.

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