The Farnham and Hazeley Heath team are looking for an enthusiastic, resilient and resourceful person to help deliver its conservation objectives across the 2 reserves. Both Hazeley heath and Farnham heath are predominately heathland and acid grassland fringed by woodland.

Hazeley Heath is situated in Hampshire and as well as supporting a range of heathland bird specialists, it also supports communities of rare wet heathland flora. The  site has a range of designations including Site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Protection Area and is registered as common.

Farnham Heath is located in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Beauty, and is much drier, sitting on well draining sandy soils. The site was purchased by the RSPB in 2002 site as a commercial conifer plantation, which has now been restored to its former glory of open heathland.

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 undertake a range of habitat management and species monitoring. Ideally, you will have experience in heathland and woodland habitat management and monitoring. 

Key areas of work will include:

• Maintenance of estate infrastructure
• Habitat management as defined by the reserve's management plan and agri-environment agreement
• Maintenance of tools and machinery
• Leading and inspiring the reserve’s interns and volunteer team
• Monitoring of key species and habitats
• Planning and leading volunteer work parties
• Assist with the implementation of all statutory Health and Safety regulations and RSPB procedures
• Assist with ensuring legal compliance of conservation & land management operations
• Assist with the supervision of contractors
• Plan and implement small projects
• Assist with the running and developing the events programme
• Collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders
• General administration and report writing.

Essential knowledge, skills and experience:

• Experience of undertaking practical tasks and estate management
• Knowledge and experience of heathland management
• Experience of managing and leading volunteers
• Experience implementing risk assessments and updating health and safety records
• Experience in the safe operation and maintenance of machinery, tools and equipment
• Experience and knowledge of biological monitoring
• Good interpersonal skills
• Full, manual driving licence that is valid in the UK

Desirable knowledge, skills and experience:

• Knowledge and experience of Woodland management;
• Experience of leading guided walks and other events;
• Experience of working with contractors/graziers;
• Knowledge of agri-environment and cross-compliance regulations;
• Knowledge of livestock management
• Chainsaw, brushcutter and clearingsaw certification.

We expect to conduct interviews for this position from 22nd May 2023. For further information please contact andy.daw@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.