Estate Worker x2 – North Suffolk Coast Reserves

We are looking for two enthusiastic and motivated people to join our team and contribute to the upkeep of our North Suffolk Coast Reserves (NSCR) – RSPB Minsmere, Dingle and North Warren.

All three reserves offer unique habitats and excellent wildlife spectacles, including Bitterns, Marsh Harriers and Bearded Tits. RSPB Minsmere is a world famous visitor attraction, covering 1,000 hectares of wetland and dry habitats, with a Visitor Centre and a busy trail network. RSPB North Warren is a low-key visitor site between Thorpeness and Aldeburgh providing excellent close views of wildlife. RSPB Dingle, near Dunwich is a quiet refuge for reedbed specialists.

The roles will primarily involve maintaining visitor facilities, reserve infrastructure and managing habitats for wildlife. We plan for one Estate Worker to focus on visitor related work and the other on habitat management (though there will be plenty of opportunity to do both). With good record keeping and attention to detail you will be closely involved in ensuring key areas are well kept and meet all Health & Safety requirements. You will work on all three reserves, carrying out a range of tasks including vegetation and hydrological management, path work, hide and fence maintenance. You will be responsible for using a range of equipment, as well as assisting with the servicing of reserve machinery and vehicles.

An interest in wildlife and knowledge of conservation would be an advantage as you will contribute to biological recording across the reserves as required. Some knowledge of livestock management is also desirable.

Working closely with the NSCR Estate Operations Manager and Land Management Team (including volunteers), your regular work days will be Monday to Friday. Occasional weekend and bank holiday work will also be required.

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.
• A full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK

Desirable skills, knowledge 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, boom sprayer, knapsack sprayers, boats and vehicles.
  

The post is based at Minsmere and a driving licence is required to reach the other reserves.

This is a Permanent Full-Time role 37.5 hours per week. 

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 14th April 2025. For further information please contact [email protected] 

As part of this application you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete a short form. There will also be the opportunity to submit a cover letter with your application.

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.