Warden – Broads Reserves (Wet Grasslands and Woodlands)

We have an exciting opportunity for a full time Warden to join our team to manage our Norfolk Broads Reserves with a focus on the wet grasslands and woodlands of the Mid Yare Valley, including at Buckenham and Cantley Marshes and Strumpshaw Fen.

The reserves supports a mix of habitats which are home to an amazing array of wildlife including some of the Broads most iconic and threatened species such as Swallowtail Butterfly, Fen Raft Spider, Fen Orchid, Crane, Bittern, and some of the best surviving populations of breeding wading birds in lowland England.

This role will be varied, covering a wide range of tasks, so you will need to be energetic, adaptable and have a desire to achieve. We are looking for a strong team player, with the ability to generate ideas and see them through to high standards. You will have a passion for wildlife, and you will enjoy working outside in all weathers. You will be organised, responsible, resilient, adaptable, practically capable and you will have a willingness to learn and develop as part of your role. You will be joining an experienced local team and enjoy the support of specialist RSPB staff to ensure we manage our reserves to the highest standard for wildlife and people.

We are looking for someone who can:

• Take responsibility for the implementation of the reserve management plan including habitat management, species and habitat survey and monitoring, livestock grazing operations and estate maintenance, while keep accurate records, to ensure delivery of sites and RSPB objectives and compliance obligations.
• Manage the wardening team and volunteers (non-residential and, where applicable, residential) to ensure delivery of sites work programme. This includes ensuring that they are trained and equipped properly to work safely.
• Ensure the reserve is managed in accordance with best practise with respect to Health and Safety.
• Manage and supervise contractors to carry out work on site safely and legally to deliver management plan targets and projects.
• Assist in visitor services activities to deliver the reserve’s targets including acting as weekend Duty Manager at Strumpshaw on an occasional basis.
• Manage medium and small projects using the RSPB’s Project Management Framework to achieve delivery of management plan objectives.
• Contribute to the production of the management plan and annual report as directed by the Estate Operations Manager.
• Ensure good relations at all times with neighbours, graziers, external organisations and the general public to facilitate delivery of sites and RSPB’s objectives.

Essential knowledge, skills and experience:

• In depth knowledge and proven experience of wet grassland management for breeding and wintering waders and wildfowl, including predator management and use of anti-predator fencing.
• Knowledge and experience of species surveys, particularly for ground nesting birds, and biological monitoring on wet grassland habitats.
• Knowledge and experience of livestock management and welfare including compliance requirements (eg agricultural and environmental legislation) and ability to work well with graziers.
• Competent line manager of staff and volunteers, able to provide training and support to others with the ability to adapt style to suit different individuals.
• A team player, able to work well with others to share resources and achieve objective goals, even when under pressure.
• Proven experience with managing contractors and good knowledge of best practice in relation to Health and Safety and risk management.
• Confident communicator, able to enthuse and influence a range of audiences and stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to anticipate issues and over-come challenges.
• Knowledge and experience of using and maintaining a variety of agricultural machinery and equipment for land management and estate maintenance activities.
• Able to take an organised and planned approach to work, with good time management, record keeping and data management.

Desirable knowledge, skills and experience:

• Lantra or equivalent qualification in the use ATV, tractor, chainsaw, brushcutter and PA1/6 pesticides.
• Knowledge and experience of woodland management.
• Requirements of local agri-environment and cross compliance regulations.
• Experience of volunteer recruitment and line management.
• Competent in Office 365, GIS mapping programmes and various IT systems for data management and recording.

This role will involve lone working and working in remote locations. A full manual driving license is essential.

This role will require occasional weekend, early morning and evening working so flexibility is essential.

This is a permanent full time role for 37.5 hours a week. For further information please contact [email protected]

You will be asked to complete an application form where you will have the opportunity to evidence how you meet the essential and desirable criteria 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.

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. 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.