Estate Worker - Haweswater

RSPB Haweswater is one of Northern England’s largest and most spectacular nature reserves, situated in the Lake District National Park. From mossy oak woodlands, to flower rich crags, hay meadows, tarns, bogs and fells, Haweswater supports a huge range of habitats and species.

We are seeking a capable and competent full-time Estate Worker to join the team that cares for this special place.

What's the role about?

This role will be focused on the maintenance of Haweswater’s physical infrastructure and habitats and will also involve assisting with grazing and farming operations.

The reserve has many miles of dry-stone walls and fences, and you will need to work with the rest of the site team to plan and deliver the work required to keep them in good order. We will also want you to support tree planting and aftercare, including working in the Haweswater tree nursery, as well be a range of other estate and habitat management works required in order to deliver the site management plan.

Part of the role will involve working with the site’s farming team, supporting conservation grazing and farming activities. From livestock checking, to supporting gathering, medicating and other farming tasks, you will have the opportunity to develop livestock skills and contribute to the role that grazing plays in the site’s conservation and demonstration objectives.

Line managed by one of the Haweswater Wardens, you will be based at Naddle Farm and become a key part of the reserve’s dynamic team. You will be expected to work with volunteers on a regular basis and have a good understanding of how best volunteers should be motivated and supported.

The role will involve working in a wide range of habitats, including some tough terrain and frequently challenging weather conditions. You will need to have a good attitude towards health and safety and the demands of working in an upland environment.

There may be opportunities to get involved with a range of other tasks, including ecological monitoring, people engagement and demonstration events, depending on your experience and interests.

Key activities will include:

• Contributing to the development and delivery of a plan to ensure timely and cost-effective repair, maintenance and replacement of estate boundaries and other infrastructure
• Support the site team in the management of the site’s habitats, with a focus on tree planting and aftercare
• Support the site’s grazing and farming operations, working with farming staff as required

What we need from you:

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Servicing and maintaining vehicles, machinery, tools and equipment to agreed standards
• Machinery and equipment operations
• Practical land management experience and delivering estate management works
• Full driving licence or ability to access remote locations without public transport.

Desirable qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience:

• Biological recording electronic data input
• Livestock management.
• Knowledge/understanding of nature conservation
• Lantra or equivalent qualification in tractors, toppers, trailers, chainsaws, brushcutters, ATV and vehicles

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. 

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position on 21st August 2024. For further information please contact haweswater@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.