Forth Reserves Warden

Job Description

About the Role

We are looking for someone to fulfil the pivotal role of Forth Reserves Warden, to lead the management of five, varied and exciting RSPB reserves: the seabird islands of Inchmickery and Fidra; the wetland and intertidal sites of Black Devon Wetlands and Skinflats, and finally our upland Fannyside reserve, which hosts the UK's largest bean goose flock. The role will entail working with colleagues’ to design, implement and oversee the rollout of management works across the reserve. This will include collaborating with other partners and stakeholders, including Climate FORTH, which is a landscape-scale programme of work, centred in the Inner Firth of Forth. The role will oversee the work of a part-time Assistant Warden and a group of dedicated volunteers.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and practical person with land management, survey and people skills to play a key role in our reserves team. The post will involve shaping this collection of amazing reserves. Due to the breadth of the work, the job will be exciting and varied, with a real opportunity to make a difference to nature. We hope that the successful candidate will be part of an enthusiastic and supportive team and will be able to add expertise and make the most of this fantastic opportunity.

You will:

• Take responsibility for implementing the reserve management plans, including habitat management and record keeping to ensure delivery of sites’ and RSPB objectives and compliance obligations.
• Manage the work of a part-time Assistant Warden and volunteers to ensure the delivery of the sites' work programmes. This includes ensuring that they are trained and equipped properly to work safely.
• Undertake and oversee species/habitat survey and monitoring work on the sites to ensure delivery of their objectives.
• Undertake and oversee the maintenance of the reserve estate (including machinery where relevant) to ensure efficient and safe operation and use to meet the RSPB’s and the sites’ Health & Safety and other obligations.
• Ensure the reserve is managed in accordance with best practise with respect to Health and Safety, environmental management and legal compliance of conservation and land management laws and regulations. This will include applying for SSSI consents, EPS licences and felling licences.
• Supervise contractors to carry out work on site safely and legally to deliver the management plan targets.
• Assist in the delivery of visitor experience activities to deliver the reserves' objectives.
• Be as capable of hard, physical work in all weather conditions as you are of attending to the detail of accurate report writing.

What we need from you:

Essential:

• Understand the ecological & survey requirements of key species and habitats
• A proven track record of conservation land management.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience of compliance requirements applying to site management
• Practical estate management and maintenance skills
• Organisational skills, including time management and prioritisation.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Experience of working with staff, volunteers and contractors.
• Individual and team management skills.
• Have a full UK driving licence or able to access rural locations

Desirable:

• Three A levels or equivalent qualification/experience in a relevant subject/work area
• Use of machinery and equipment associated with land management woodland habitats
• Lantra or other qualification in first aid, herb/pesticide use, 4WD vehicle use, ATV use, chainsaw, brushcutter and tractor

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

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position on 6th February 2024. For further information please contact toby.wilson@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.

If you wish to provide a cover letter with your application, please include this at the end of your CV document upload.

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.

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.