This is a great opportunity to work on one of the UK’s oldest yet most diverse nature reserves. There is over 1000ha of reserve to help manage from reedbeds, grassland fields, open water lakes, vegetated shingle to our globally unique Oppen Pits with a stunning array of wildlife to enjoy. 

What's the role about?

This role involves working with our warden and team of volunteers to help deliver an ambitious reserve management and species monitoring programme across the  year to help reinvigorate the reserve, assess the benefits of the ongoing habitat management and help maintain it’s standing as one of the UK’s best places to see nature.

This post will be focussed on the undertaking of habitat management, species monitoring and keeping the reserve's machinery in good working condition, so it is ready to go when we need it. This role will also be working with volunteers on a daily basis undertaking habitat management, infrastructure maintenance and helping ensure all aspects of the reserve are as good as they can be. The Assistant warden will manage our residential volunteers helping to develop them and their work programmes.

You will be based at RSPB Dungeness reserve with occasional work at RSPB Worth Marshes.

What we need from you:

 Essential skills include:

• You will have knowledge and experience of practical habitat and estate management.
• You will have a proven track record of working of completing work alone and working within a varied team.
• Comfortable managing volunteers from a range of backgrounds
• Reasonable birdwatching knowledge and experience of biological surveys
• Be willing to assist with predator control to benefit ground nesting birds
• Full driving licence or ability to access remote locations without public transport.

Desirable qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience:

• Lantra or equivalent qualification in using equipment such as brushcutter and tractor, PA1/6 pesticides.
• Knowledge of servicing and maintaining vehicles, machinery, tools and equipment to agreed standards.
• Experience of staff or volunteer recruitment and line management.
• Implementing and updating health and safety records and assessments.

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 permanent Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week.

The role we are recruiting for is currently funded by an external party, currently our funding is secured for up to 5 years at which point the role will be reassessed, in the event the funding for the role is not extended RSPB would aim to retain and redeploy the individual into another suitable role should any be available.

 For further information please contact craig.edwards@rspb.org.uk.  Interviews are scheduled to be held on 3rd April 2024.

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

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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.