Assistant Warden - Dorset Reserves

Job Description

Spread over multiple Dorset reserves with an exceptional range of habitats including Reedbed, Wet Grassland, Ancient Woodland and Heathland with an abundance of specialised species such as Smooth snake, Dartford Warbler and Ladybird Spider, this role covers them all. We are looking for enthusiastic person to join our team, helping to deliver our habitat, infrastructure and survey objectives across Dorset.

What's the role about?

As an Assistant Warden, you will be working closely with the Warden, the other Assistant Warden, the Estates Operations Manager, Residential Volunteers and our day/regular volunteers with a wealth of knowledge. There will be support from our Senior Site Manager and visitor operations team.
Your main objectives will be to assist in delivering the reserve's management plan objectives for the various reserves, help lead a broad range of surveys, and also take part in the many Health and Safety requirements associated with this role.
The Assistant Warden will be involved in the supervision of contractors, use and maintenance of machineries such as Brushcutters, Chainsaws and Tractors, work planning and record-keeping, surveying of many key species across our reserves and assist in the recording and reporting of this. You will work closely with many volunteers and your support for them will be crucial.

What we need from you:

As Assistant Warden you will need a keen interest and knowledge of wildlife and land management, demonstrate a broad practical skill set, and have good IT skills and good communication skills.
You will be able to work well as part of a team and independently when required, as well as coping with the physical demands of the role in a variety of habitats and weather conditions.

Essential skills include:

• You will have knowledge and experience of practical habitat and estate management.
• You will have a proven track record of completing work alone and working within a varied team.
• Comfortable managing volunteers from a range of backgrounds
• Reasonable knowledge and experience of biological surveys
• Full driving licence
• Developing and implementing work plans
• Maintenance and use of machinery, tools and equipment
• Habitat management
• Experience of staff or volunteer recruitment and line management
• Manage oneself and others to prioritise and work to an agreed plan
• Practical land management experience and delivering estate management works

Desirable qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience:

• Lantra or equivalent qualification in using equipment including brushcutter, chainsaws and tractors.
• Working with staff, volunteers and partner organisations
• Implementing and updating health and safety records and assessments.
• Communicate well with a wide range of audiences
• Working unsupervised for extended periods
• Microsoft Office packages including Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Problem solving and coming up with well thought through practical solutions

Additional information:

• This role will involve lone working and working in remote locations.
• This role will require occasional weekend, early morning and evening working so will need someone who is able to be flexible.

This is a Permanent Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 29th March 2023. For further information please contact stewart.milburn@rspb.org.uk

As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their whole selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people on nature's side and more diverse people. People of colour and disabled people are underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sectors. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.