Assistant Warden – Dorset Reserves

Spread over multiple Dorset reserves with an exceptional range of habitats including Reedbed,
Wet Grassland, Ancient Woodland and Heathland with an abundance of specialised species such as
Smooth Snake, Dartford Warbler and Ladybird Spider, this role covers them all. We are looking
for an enthusiastic person to join our team, helping to deliver our habitat, infrastructure and
survey objectives across Dorset.

As an Assistant Warden, you will be working closely with the
Warden, the other Assistant Warden, the Estates Operations Manager, Residential Volunteers and
our day/regular volunteers. There will also be support from our Senior Site Manager and visitor
operations team.

Your main objectives will be to assist in delivering the reserve’s management plan objectives
for the various reserves, help lead a broad range of surveys, and stay on top of the Health and
Safety requirements associated with this role.

The Assistant Warden will be involved in the supervision of contractors, use and maintenance of
machineries such as Brushcutters, Chainsaws and Tractors, work planning and record-keeping,
surveying of many key species across our reserves and assist in the recording and reporting of
this. You will work closely with many volunteers and your support for them will be crucial. 

As Assistant Warden you will need a keen interest and knowledge of wildlife and land
management, demonstrate a broad practical skill set, and have good IT and communication skills.

You will be able to work well as part of a team and independently when required, as well as
coping with the physical demands of the role in a variety of habitats and weather conditions.

Essential skills, knowledge, & experience:

• You will have knowledge and experience of practical habitat and estate management.
• You will have a proven track record of completing work alone and working within a varied
  team.
• Comfortable managing volunteers from a range of backgrounds.
• Reasonable knowledge and experience of biological surveys.
• A full, manual driving licence that is valid in the UK.
• Developing and implementing work plans.
• Maintenance and use of machinery, tools and equipment.
• Habitat management.
• Experience of staff or volunteer recruitment and line management.
• Manage oneself and others to prioritise and work to an agreed plan.
• Practical land management experience and delivering estate management works.

Desirable qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience:

• Lantra or equivalent qualification in using equipment including brushcutter, chainsaws and
  tractors.
• Working with staff, volunteers and partner organisations.
• Implementing and updating health and safety records and assessments.
• Communicate well with a wide range of audiences.
• Working unsupervised for extended periods.
• Microsoft Office packages including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Problem solving and coming up with well thought through practical solutions.

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 in early February 2024. 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 whole selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world
richer in nature, we need more people on nature’s side and more diverse people. People of
colour and disabled people are underrepresented across the environment, climate,
sustainability, and conservation sectors. 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.