What's the role about?

Based at Ouse Fen, Beds, Cambs & Herts Area Office, Cambridgeshire

Full-time - Fixed term Contract - to end of Dec 2022

If you're ready for a new challenge - join us on our 300 ha Ouse Fen reserve at the forefront of wetland habitat creation in the Fens. Ouse Fen is a long term partnership project with the minerals industry to create Britain's biggest reedbed. 20 years in, Ouse Fen is home to some nationally important populations of reedbed birds including bittern, marsh harrier and bearded tit. Common crane, otter, water vole and a wide assemblage of dragonflies also flourish.

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with relevant experience to join our team to assist with the day to day implementation of the reserve management plan and deliver our habitat, species and visitor engagement goals.This role offers a great opportunity to develop a broad range of experience across many operational areas. You will join a wider team including Fen Drayton Lakes reserve where we are embarking on an exciting new programme of development for visitors.

In the role of Assistant Warden you will help us to deliver an ambitious work programme of practical conservation and hands-on habitat management from land and water. You will be using a range of machinery to maintain our lakes, islands, reedbeds, floodplain grasslands and scrub. You will also be working with volunteers on weekly work parties carrying out estate infrastructure and health and safety maintenance, delivering events and contributing to our annual records and reports. 

What we need from you:

Essential skills qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience:

• You will have knowledge of the key ecological principles and management techniques for our habitats
• Practical land and estate management skills
• You’ll also have the skills to maintain infrastructure for visitors with an understanding of both health and safety and quality standards.
• You’ll need to work closely with other members of the team to prioritise and deliver to an agreed work plan.
• You will balance this with your own delegated priorities to plan and implement these independently, sometimes leading small volunteers teams, ensuring they are kept safe and supported.
• You’ll be a practically minded and problem solving individual able to come up with well thought through solutions and strong communication skills to pass your experience on.
• You’ll need Lantra or equivalent small machinery qualifications and experience such as brushcutter and 4x4.
• Knowledge of servicing and maintaining vehicles, machinery, tools and equipment to agreed standards.
• Manage your own survey, mapping and data records.
• Full driving licence or ability to access remote locations without public transport.

Desirable 

• Lantra or equivalent qualification in using equipment s PA1/6 pesticides. 
• Experience of working with livestock.

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 Fixed-Term/Full-Time role until end of December 2022.

The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 14th July 2022. For further information please contact chris.hudson@rspb.org.uk.

Please note Chris is on leave from 16th to 27th June, so during this time please address any queries to richard.taylor@rspb.org.uk

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

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The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is exempt from 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.