Assistant Warden

We have an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Warden to join our team to help carry out reserve maintenance, manage work parties, undertake bird and habitat surveys and assist the reserve team in a variety of other tasks at RSPB Geltsdale reserve.

RSPB Geltsdale in the North Pennines is one of the largest nature reserves in England covering some 5000ha. The reserve is at the top of the North Pennines AONB, spanning the counties of Northumberland and Cumbria. It hosts important populations of many species, such as curlew, golden plover, black grouse, hen harrier, ring ouzel and red squirrel. The reserve has extensive areas of moorland, blanket bog, upland grasslands, Atlantic oak woodland and farmland habitats, important for a wide range of key species.

What we need from you:

This is an exciting and varied role which will suit an enthusiastic and flexible individual who shows some initiative in how they approach their work. Duties change with the seasons with an emphasis on practical tasks and habitat management in the winter months along with running work parties and working closely with and managing our residential volunteers. During the Spring and Summer months, most time will be spent carrying out surveys and assisting with Hen Harrier nest protection work.

You must be comfortable with lone working on a large and remote upland site as well as be able to work well in a small team. All fieldwork will be in remote and often difficult to access areas and adherence to H&S policy and risk assessments is required.

Essential qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of practical habitat and estate management.
• A proven track record of working and completing work alone and working within a varied team.
• Experience of supporting and managing volunteers in practical tasks.
• Able to identify UK native bird species accurately in the field and record observations using biological survey methods. Experience of Brown & Shepherd methodology is vital and as the breeding season is nearly upon us you will need to be able to start surveys as soon as possible with the minimum of extra training.
• Willing to assist with predator control activities that support the conservation of ground nesting- birds.
• Full manual driving licence valid for use in the UK.

Desirable qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience:

• Lantra or equivalent qualification in using equipment such as brushcutter, quad and argocat
• Knowledge of servicing and maintaining vehicles, machinery, tools and equipment to agreed standards.
• Experience of staff or volunteer recruitment and line management.
• Able to identify health and safety risks, update health and safety records and complete required risk assessments to ensure safe site operations.
• Up-to-date Outdoor 1st Aid qualification.
• Competent in hill walking, navigating and safety gained through a Hill Skills qualification or equivalent field experience.

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 from 1st April 2026. For further information please contact [email protected]

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.