Reserves Trainee

Introduction 

The funding for this post is targeted towards a candidate with some experience wishing to develop their skills and experience in reserve management. This is very much a starter opportunity to work at the biggest and most naturally functioning floodplain wetland in Britain. Insh Marshes reserve is flanked by the stunning Cairngorm and Monadhliath mountain ranges. The reserve is home to a fantastic array of habitats, including sedge fen, wet grassland and woodland, and an incredible array of wildlife, including breeding waders, spotted crake and osprey, wintering hen harrier and whooper swan, and nationally important populations of invertebrates and plants. We are looking for an energetic and motivated person to become a member of our small but dedicated reserve management team. 

What's the role about? 

You will be an excellent communicator, this role will involve working alongside a wide range of audiences including graziers, neighbours, land owners, local communities, and reserve visitors. The post holder will work closely with local and residential volunteers therefore enthusiasm for this work is essential. The trainee will be responsible for assisting with the delivery of our autumn and winter practical habitat management and estate management work programme as part of a small team. 

Essential skills, knowledge and experience: 

The 4 key essential criteria are:
1- Leading and delivering practical land management and estate management works
2- Servicing and maintaining vehicles, machinery, tools and equipment to agreed standards
3- Keep up to date health and safety records to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and to enable improvements to be set.
4- Ability to work well as part of a team and have an enthusiastic approach to work.

You will also ideally have the following essential criteria

• Ability and experience in building and maintaining positive working relationships.
• Having an enthusiastic approach to work.
• Experience of delivering practical habitat management and upkeep of reserve infrastructure to a high standard.
• Machinery and equipment operations.
• Knowledge / understanding of nature conservation.
• Experience of being responsible for completing all tasks in compliance with Health & Safety policy.
• A full UK driving licence is required for this role. (or ability to access remote locations)

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience: 

• Servicing and maintaining machinery and vehicles to ensure they are operating safely and efficiently. Keep clear and up to date records of use and maintenance.
• Inputting electronic data such as biological and management records.
• Livestock management.
• Experience of planning own work and work on own initiative.

Your own personal development will be an important part of your objectives in this role, training, support and mentoring will be provided. This opportunity offers the successful applicant the chance to work and develop their ecological knowledge of upland wet grassland, wetlands, and woodland habitats.

This role is funded by Cairngorms Connect, the largest habitat restoration partnership in Britain. Insh Marshes is part of the Cairngorms Connect partnership area, the trainee role will help support the Insh Marshes team to deliver our vision to transform Insh Marshes into a prime example of a naturally functioning floodplain and river system. 

This is a 5 month Fixed-Term role for 37.5 hours per week. 

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position on 7th August 2024. For further information please contact Julie.ellis@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.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

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.