Estate Worker

Job Description

We are looking for an enthusiastic Estate Worker to join our team, helping to deliver our habitat and infrastructure objectives across Dorset from our Arne work centre. 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.

Your main objectives will be to assist in delivering the habitat management objectives for the various reserves, staying on top of the Health and Safety requirements associated with this work and supporting the team on other works as needed. You will be involved in the use and maintenance of machinery such as Brushcutters, Chainsaws and Tractors, work planning and record-keeping, You will work closely with the Warden team and RSPB volunteers.

A keen interest and knowledge of wildlife and land management with a proven practical skill set. 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.

You may be required to work occasional weekends and bank holidays.

What's the role about?

The Estate Worker will be directed and informed of their work programme which will consist of:

• Habitat management and grounds maintenance to ensure conservation and visitor experience targets are being met.
• Maintenance of livestock infrastructure
• Routine operation, record keeping, servicing and maintenance of machinery and vehicles to ensure they are operating safely and efficiently.
• Keeping up to date health and safety records to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and to enable improvements to be set.
• Being responsible for completing all above tasks in compliance with Health & Safety policy to minimise risk to the RSPB.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Servicing and maintaining vehicles, machinery, tools and equipment to agreed standards.
• Machinery and equipment operations.
• Practical land management experience and delivering estate management works.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Biological recording electronic data input.
• Livestock management.
• Knowledge/understanding of nature conservation.
• Lantra or equivalent qualification in tractors, toppers, trailers, chainsaws, brushcutters, ATV, boom sprayer, knapsack sprayers, boats and vehicles.

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

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 3rd June 2024. For further information please contact edward.roe@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 full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. 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.