The Nene Washes is a huge washland for the River Nene, in Cambridgeshire. We look after 800 hectares of the 1,522 hectare site, and it's one of the few remaining areas of washland in the UK. In the summer, the area is mostly grassland with wildflowers, while come winter, much of the area is flooded, providing safe haven and foraging for thousands of birds.
 
We are currently grazing over 700 of cattle on site to keep the land in favourable condition for the thousands of birds that visit and important species such as Snipe, Black-tailed godwit and Cranes.

We require a competent team player to join us in maintaining the health of the cattle throughout the grazing season, maintaining the associated infrastructure, assisting with record keeping and performing daily shepherding (including some weekend cover).  

You will be required to work on site at the Nene Washes and from our office in Whittlesey - Accommodation may be provided.

What we need from you
 
Essential skills, knowledge & experience:

• Some experience of working with cattle (but this will be an excellent opportunity to gain further knowledge of how a large-scale cattle grazing operation functions);
• Ability to work as part of a team; and
• Able to occasionally work alone with minimal supervision.

Desirable skills, knowledge & experience:

• A good basic knowledge of cattle husbandry;
• Knowledge of essential record keeping requirements;
• Off Road 4x4 certificates, tractor driving experience  
• An understanding of agricultural and conservation land management;
• Relevant ecological knowledge relating to grazing as a management tool;
• Proficient and competent in a range of land management tasks related to the grazing operation
• Problem solving skills.

Additional Information

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week) fixed term (12 Weeks)

For all application/role enquiries please contact: charlie.kitchin@rspb.org.uk

Please read through the candidate guidance notes attached to this advert before applying.

We aim to hold interviews w/c 19th of August, although we will be reviewing applications as they come in, so please don't hesitate to apply - We reserve the right to close this advert once sufficient applications have been received.

In order to apply you will be required to complete an application form where you will have the opportunity to explain how you meet the criteria set 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.

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.