Assistant Warden - Shetland Office

Job Description

Are you looking to develop your skills and knowledge to progress your career in conservation, all whilst working in some of the most stunning scenery in the UK? RSPB Shetland is looking for an Assistant Warden to join our small reserves team and help us deliver for wildlife across Shetland.

RSPB in Shetland operate across a vast area, managing 13 sites, all with their unique species, habitats and management requirements. From managing mire habitats for breeding red-necked phalaropes in the far north of Shetland, to managing for breeding waders such as curlews in basin fen habitat and vast seabird colonies at the southern tip of these stunning islands. We have ambitious plans to reverse declines in certain species with habitat restoration and management, as well as maintain and grow populations of some of the UK’s rarest avian species.

The successful candidate will carry out a varied work programme; from monitoring and practically managing for rare breeding red-necked phalaropes, to surveying vast swathes of peatland to recording data and contributing to the writing of reports.

Key activities will include

• Undertaking species and habitat surveys on sites
• Mapping, gathering and storing data and ensuring records are kept correctly
• Carrying out maintenance checks/implementing repairs to infrastructure and machinery
• Carrying out habitat management work/overseeing contractors
• Contributing to report writing
  Supervising volunteers

What we need from you

Essentials:

• You will have knowledge and experience of practical habitat and estate management.
• You will have a proven track record of working of completing work alone and working within a varied team.
• Comfortable managing volunteers from a range of backgrounds
• Reasonable birdwatching knowledge and experience of biological surveys
• Be willing to assist with predator control to benefit ground nesting birds
• Full driving licence.

Desirables:

• Lantra or equivalent qualification in using equipment such as brushcutter and sit astride ATV (quad).
• Knowledge of servicing and maintaining vehicles, machinery, tools and equipment to agreed standards.
• Experience of staff or volunteer recruitment and line management.
• Implementing and updating health and safety records and assessments.

Additional information:

• This role will involve lone working and working in remote locations, including overnight camping.
• 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 role for 37.5 hours per week.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from wc 6th February 2023. For further information please contact - beth.aucott@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.

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

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