We are seeking a self-motivated individual to lead the RSPB idverde partnership. Do you have the relevant ecological knowledge and extensive experience of working in partnership, to deliver what nature needs?

The RSPB is the UK’s largest conservation charity, consistently delivering successful conservation, forging powerful partnerships with other organisations, and inspiring others to stand up and give nature the home it deserves. The RSPB Sector Advice Team works in partnerships with businesses to create habitats, conserve rare species, and to provide a better environment in which to live.

RSPB and idverde initiated a national partnership in 2017. idverde is the largest green service provider in the UK, wholly dedicated to providing green services and passionate about ensuring a bright future for Britain’s parks and countryside. Services range from professional green space management, to landscape design and build, grounds maintenance, tree surgery, outdoor facilities management, biodiversity management and waterways management.

What is the role about?

Nature is in crisis. Together, we can save it! RSPB has partnered with idverde to help deliver its mission to protect habitats, save species, and help to end the nature and climate emergency.

We do this through five main work areas: science, species, places, people and policy. This role will give you the opportunity to act in these five spheres of influence. To enthuse a variety of people, leading volunteer days, planning events, offering ecological advice, working with partners, stakeholders and others, engaging them with nature and the work of the RSPB/idverde partnership. To collect and collate the data that provides the scientific background to evidence our ways of working. To target key species and deliver practical land management for their conservation. To work on land outside RSPB reserves, managed by idverde. To influence policy through your work and advocating for nature.

The role is full time (37.5 hours per week), based at High Elms in Bromley. You must be self-sufficient yet able to work in a team, both internally and critically with our external partners and stakeholders. You will be an ambassador for the RSPB and idverde providing expert ecological advice.

The post is embedded within the idverde business but draws on the wider local and national expertise of the RSPB, relating to community engagement, and habitat and species management. 

Principal Accountabilities:

•    Support community groups to be empowered for nature conservation 
•    Provide best practice conservation management advice
•    Support and manage a range of projects to enhance biodiversity on a borough wide scale 
•    Support the RSPB-idverde biodiversity partnership 

Essential knowledge and experience:

• Degree level qualification in a relevant subject, or ability to show equivalent work experience.
• A proven track record of ecological management for both UK species and habitats
• Previous experience of successful partnership working and community engagement
• Experience of leading and managing conservation work parties.
• Ability and confidence to work closely with a wide range of stakeholders, developing positive relationships
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written and presentational) – including an ability to speak confidently and cogently in public to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to rapidly analyse significant quantities of information, prioritise and balance a diverse workload often to tight deadlines.
• Competent user of core MS Office programs.
• Full, clean, manual driving licence

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Knowledge of urban greenspace management
• Experience of providing ecological training
• Developing communication outputs
• Knowledge of programme or project management

Please see attached Job Description for more information.

This is a Permanent role, full-time for 37.5 hours per week. We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 30th March 2023. If you have any questions about this role, please contact Netty.Ribeaux@RSPB.org.uk

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.

This role will require completion of a DBS in addition to the standard pre-employment checks.

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 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.

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.