This is a fantastic opportunity to take on the role of Warden on two thriving nature reserves sitting alongside the River Trent in Nottinghamshire. Langford Lowfields is a flagship quarry restoration, whilst Beckingham Marshes is a wetland oasis created following arable reversion. The sites provide a home for an impressive suite of wetland wildlife including bitterns, bearded tits, otters, eels, lapwing and redshank. Both sites have the potential to expand, the habitats and species assemblages will continue to develop and visitor numbers are increasing. We are looking for a dynamic Warden to join our team of staff and volunteers.

About the role

This role requires a motivated individual who has previous practical experience as a member of a nature reserve management team. The role is varied and involves working at both our Langford Lowfields (reedbed) and Beckingham Marshes (wet grassland) reserves. Leading teams of volunteers and maintaining the site’s tools, machinery and infrastructure, with an organised, tidy approach, are key aspects of the role. Bird surveying, problem solving, and importantly, knowledge and implementation of relevant health & safety and cross compliance requirements are also major components.

Both sites are partnership projects and good communication skills, both oral and written, are crucial to maintain the strength of these partnerships, as well as to maintain strong links with our team of 40 volunteers, our neighbours, our grazier, the wider RSPB team and importantly with our varied range of visitors. Project and contractor management also feature as important aspects of the role, where good communication, planning and some budget management skills are essential. Report writing, producing temporary interpretation, blog writing and record keeping are some of the duties that will make up the office-based side of the role.

The Warden leads on implementing, coordinating and planning the seasonal habitat and infrastructure management outlined in our Management Plans, helping to ensure that habitat and species targets are being hit. The Warden often acts as the eyes and ears on the ground, spotting and dealing with potential ‘issues’ at an early stage, whether this be repairing damage to visitor infrastructure, reporting an escaped cow or tweaking water levels. Taking responsibility, thinking creatively and not being afraid to suggest improvements for how things are done.

Langford Lowfields is the larger and more popular of the two sites, and with the RSPB taking on ownership of much of the existing land in 2023, this is an exciting time to join the team. Bitterns and bearded tits both bred at Langford for the first time during the past 5 years and for an inland site, Beckingham holds an impressive number of breeding wading birds. The future for both sites is very exciting and we’re looking for an enthusiastic individual to complement our small team of Site Manager and Administrator.

As a Warden you are a crucial member of the reserve management team. You will be ensuring the practical management of the reserves is carried out in an effective, engaging and compliant manner, ensuring the sites continue to deliver both for biodiversity and for our visitors.

What we need from you

Essential Skills:

1. Previous experience of conservation and habitat management, ideally on a wetland site.
2. Knowledge and experience of Health & Safety requirements relevant to a nature reserve.
3. Experience of operating and servicing machinery, including brushcutters, ATVs and tractors.
4. Solid IT, record keeping and data management skills.
5. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
6. A strong ability to problem solve, prioritize and use initiative, with a can-do attitude.
7. Strong experience of managing volunteers and working with visitors.
8. Experience of working with contractors.

Desirable skills

1. Experience of biological monitoring including bird surveying.
2. Relevant knowledge of compliance requirements, for example agricultural and environmental legislation.