Warden (Farnham Heath)

Job Description

The RSPB is looking for a warden to lead the reserve team on our heathland nature reserves in Surrey and Hampshire, Farnham and Hazeley Heath.

Both Hazeley heath and Farnham heath are predominately heathland and acid grassland fringed by woodland but are quite different. Hazeley is situated in Hampshire, is very wet in places and has a range of designations including Site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Protection Area and is registered as common. Farnham Heath in Surrey has recently been restored from a commercial conifer plantation, it has no designations but lots of visitors, with over 70,000 each year.

Both sites support a wide range of heathland wildlife, including Dartford warbler, nightjar, woodlark, tree pipit, sand lizard, field cricket and silver studded blue butterflies.

The successful applicant will lead the assistant warden and over 80 volunteers in the implementation of the reserve management plans. This will include all aspects of habitat management, estate maintenance, species surveying across the reserves, events and guided walks.

What do we need from you?

Essentials:

• Knowledge and experience of heathland management
• Experience of managing and leading volunteers
• Experience in managing and leading conservation work parties
• Knowledge of livestock management
• Experience and knowledge of biological monitoring
• Experience working with contractors
• Experience implementing risk assessments and updating health and safety records
• Experience in undertaking practical tasks and infrastructure maintenance
• Experience in report writing
• Experience in the safe operation and maintenance of machinery, tools and equipment

Desirables:

• Knowledge and experience of woodland management
• Experience in undertaking tree safety inspections
• Experience in writing nature reserve management plans
• Training and experience in 4 x 4 off road driving
• Experience in project management
• Knowledge of agri-environment and cross-compliance regulations
• Chainsaw cross-cutting & maintenance and felling qualifications.
• Brushcutter qualification
• 1st aid qualification

Additional Information

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from the 9th of February 2023. For further information please contact - andy.daw@rspb.org.uk

As part of this application, you will be asked to complete an application form where you will have the opportunity to tell us how you meet the criteria set 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.