Assistant Warden

We are looking for an Assistant Warden to manage two nature reserves in West Cornwall: Hayle Estuary and Marazion Marsh.

Hayle Estuary supports wintering wetland birds and migratory waders, gulls and terns during spring and autumn. Marazion Marsh contains reedbed habitat that supports a range of breeding and migratory birds, including warblers.

Working closely with volunteers, colleagues and local communities, you will help deliver the conservation and day-to-day management of both reserves for wildlife and visitors. You’ll play an important role in ensuring these special places are well managed, welcoming and accessible, while helping to protect and enhance their habitats for future generations.

What’s the role about?

As Assistant Warden, you’ll work closely with the Site Manager to deliver the reserve management plan and support the day-to-day operation of Hayle Estuary and Marazion Marsh nature reserves. Based at the RSPB Cornwall Reserves office in Penzance, you’ll coordinate habitat management and help maintain site infrastructure, working alongside a dedicated team of volunteers.

Supporting and motivating volunteers will be a key part of the role, helping people contribute their skills and make a meaningful difference for nature.

Key activities will include:

• Developing annual and seasonal work programmes aligned with reserve management plans.
• Supporting the safe and compliant delivery of site operations, including implementing effective risk control measures.
• Acting as a key point of contact for local communities, visitors and stakeholders, building positive and productive relationships.
• Coordinating and supporting volunteers to deliver practical conservation and site management activities.
• Maintaining site infrastructure, equipment and machinery to support the effective running of the reserves.

What we need from you

You’ll be confident organising and coordinating a range of activities, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently and in line with agreed procedures. You’ll bring strong communication, practical problem-solving and relationship-building skills, enabling you to work effectively with volunteers, visitors, colleagues and local communities.

We’re looking for someone with a practical, solutions-focused approach who is committed to creating safe and welcoming environments for both people and wildlife.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Demonstrable experience of habitat and estate management, delivering practical land management activities to agreed objectives.
• Ability to plan, organise, prioritise and adapt work programmes, using practical problem-solving skills to achieve operational outcomes.
• Demonstrable ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Experience of leading and recruiting staff and/or volunteer teams.
• Ability to communicate and build effective working relationships with volunteers, visitors, local communities, stakeholders and colleagues.
• Competence in the safe operation, inspection and maintenance of machinery, vehicles, tools, equipment and infrastructure.
• Experience of implementing health and safety procedures, including maintaining risk assessments, records and safe systems of work.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook for record keeping, communication and work planning.
• Lantra certification, or equivalent training and demonstrated competence, in the use of brushcutters and PA1/PA6W pesticides.
• Ability to travel between sites and locations as required to carry out the duties of the role.

Additional information

• This role will involve lone working.
• This role will require occasional weekend, early morning and evening working, and therefore flexibility in working patterns.
• Some standby and on-call work will be required.
• This role will require occasional travel within the UK.
• This role will require occasional overnight stays away from home.
• The RSPB works for a healthy environment for all and we therefore expect employees to take action in accordance with our Environmental Policy and objectives.
• Volunteers are at the heart of the RSPB’s work and make a vital contribution to our conservation objectives. As part of this role, you will recruit, support, develop and work alongside volunteers, helping them make a meaningful contribution to the conservation of wildlife and the environment.

This is a Permanent role for 22.50 hours per week.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from as soon as is practicable. 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.