Warden (Maternity Cover)

We are looking for someone to fulfil the Maternity Cover role of Reserves Warden at RSPB Old Moor and the Dearne Valley. Alongside the reserves team, manage seven varied and exciting RSPB reserves including RSPB Old Moor, Adwick and Wombwell Ings including sites in the newly designated Dearne Valley Wetland SSSI. The role will entail working with colleagues to design, implement and oversee the management works across the reserve including capital delivery works and annual habitat management under the CS agreements. The role will oversee the work of a group of dedicated volunteers.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and practical person with land management, survey and people skills to play a key role in our reserves team. The post will involve shaping this collection of amazing reserves. Due to the breadth of the work, the job will be exciting and varied, with a real opportunity to make a difference to nature. We hope that the successful candidate will be part of an enthusiastic and supportive team and will be able to add expertise and make the most of this fantastic opportunity.

You will:

• Take responsibility for implementing the reserve management plans, including habitat management and record keeping to ensure delivery of sites’ and RSPB objectives and compliance obligations.
• Manage the work of volunteers to ensure the delivery of the sites' work programmes. This includes ensuring that they are trained and equipped properly to work safely.
• Undertake and oversee species/habitat survey and monitoring work on the sites to ensure delivery of their objectives.
• Undertake and oversee the maintenance of the reserve estate (including machinery where relevant) to ensure efficient and safe operation and use to meet the RSPB’s and the sites’ Health & Safety and other obligations.
• Ensure the reserve is managed in accordance with best practise with respect to Health and Safety, environmental management and legal compliance of conservation and land management laws and regulations. This will include applying for SSSI consents and MTA's if required. 
• Supervise contractors to carry out work on site safely and legally to deliver the management plan targets.
• Assist in the delivery of visitor experience activities to deliver the reserves' objectives.
• Be as capable of hard, physical work in all weather conditions as you are of attending to the detail of accurate report writing.

What we need from you:

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Understand the ecological & survey requirements of key species and habitats.
• A proven track record of conservation land management.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience of compliance requirements applying to site management.
• Practical estate management and maintenance skills.
• Organisational skills, including time management and prioritisation.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Experience of working with staff, volunteers and contractors.
• Individual and team management skills.
• Have a full, manual driving licence that is valid in the UK or able to access rural locations.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience :

• Three A levels or equivalent qualification/experience in a relevant subject/work area.
• Use of machinery and equipment associated with land management woodland habitats.
• Lantra or other qualification in first aid, herb/pesticide use, 4WD vehicle use, ATV use, chainsaw, brushcutter and tractor.

Additional Information:

This is a Maternity Cover, Fixed Term role for up to 12 Months. Full-Time for 37.5 hours per week.

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 12 February 2024. For further information please contact heather.bennett@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.