2027 Work Experience Placements for 14-18 year olds

Work Experience Placement Opportunities 2027

Are you aged 14–18 and interested in the outdoors, conservation, education or environmental careers? Chichester Harbour Conservancy is offering two exciting work experience placements for 2027.

Our five-day placements provide a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in nature conservation, harbour management and environmental education. You’ll shadow members of our expert team, take part in site visits, support education activities and spend time out on the water, discovering the wide range of careers involved in caring for one of the UK’s most treasured landscapes.

To get the most from your work experience placement with Chichester Harbour Conservancy, please be aware that:

  • You will be working both indoors in an office environment and outdoors.
  • You may be asked to join a school group on a walk, which could involve walking some distance.
  • Your placement is likely to include practical outdoor activities with our Ranger team.
  • You will need to bring suitable clothing and footwear for outdoor work, including wet and muddy conditions. Some activities may also involve going out on the water. A lifejacket will be provided where required.
  • As our offices at Itchenor and Dell Quay are in rural locations, you will need to have appropriate arrangements in place for travelling to and from your placement.
  • Placements are likely to include at least one activity on the water. We therefore require written consent from a parent or guardian, who should sign and date the relevant section of the application form.

Please note: For health and safety reasons, some of the work undertaken by Chichester Harbour Conservancy is not suitable for work experience students. Your placement will therefore focus on activities that are appropriate for your age and experience.

Because these placements are extremely popular, applications are entered into a ballot to ensure the process is fair to everyone. Two applicants will be selected at random in mid-December.

How to apply

  • Complete and return an application form by 4pm on Friday 11 December 2026
  • All eligible applications will be entered into the ballot on Monday 14 December 2026
  • Successful applicants will be contacted to arrange placement dates
  • Unsuccessful applicants will also be notified

Whether you’re considering a future career in conservation or simply love being outdoors, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills, gain valuable experience and be inspired by the special environment of Chichester Harbour.

Please apply by completing the application form below and emailing it to:  recruitment@conservancy.co.uk

Downloads

Applications

Closing date: Friday 11th December 2026 16:00pm

Please send applications to: