Project Officer and Assistant Warden

We are looking for an enthusiastic, practical person with a strong background in volunteer
management and good communication skills to join our Dorset conservation team. The successful
candidate will take on a combined role as Chesil Little Tern Project Officer and Assistant
Warden, looking after our growing Chesil Beach little tern colony during spring and summer and
working on our Dorset reserves during the non-breeding season.

Key activities:

• Work with RSPB staff, volunteers, partners and contractors to oversee and carry out
  protection of the Chesil Beach little tern colony, including: infrastructure management,
  wardening, monitoring, predator mitigation, volunteer management and public engagement. 
• Work as an Assistant Warden within the Dorset reserves team outside the little tern
  breeding season to deliver habitat management at key sites including the Arne and Weymouth
  reserves.
• The successful candidate will also support the Little Tern Project Manager and Reserves
  Team in managing project budgets and project risks, maintain high standards of health and
  safety and carry out maintenance of machinery to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Essential skills, knowledge, & experience:

• A strong background in volunteer management.
• A good range of practical land management experience, including machinery and equipment
  management.
• Good working knowledge of UK little tern and other shorebird conservation.
• A good understanding of the ecology and management of RSPB priority habitats in Dorset.
• Good written and verbal communication skills and competent use of Microsoft Office.
• Strong time management and organisational skills.
• Awareness of the importance of Health & Safety in an outdoor environment.
• Able to travel to project locations daily, including during anti-social hours.

Desirable skills, knowledge, & experience:

• Bird monitoring experience preferably at a seabird colony.
• Some experience in delivering habitat or species conservation projects.
• Lantra or equivalent qualifications in chainsaw, tractor driving and brushcutters.
• Good public engagement skills including social media and interpretation.
• Experience of working in partnerships to achieve shared outcomes.
• Experience of installing and/or maintaining electric fencing and diversionary feeding of
  predators.
• Knowledge of the work of the RSPB, including our work in Dorset.

Additional Information:

We are looking for someone to start in early April and who can work flexible hours, including
weekends where required. The role will be based in Weymouth, Dorset, but may require regular
travel to other RSPB Dorset reserves, especially outside the little tern breeding season.

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. For further
information please contact [email protected].

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and 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.

The successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to
be offered an employment contract.