Dorset has an opportunity for you. Spread over multiple 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 the county. 

What's the role about?

As Warden for the Dorset reserves, you will be working closely with the two Assistant Wardens, the Estates Operations Manager, Residential Volunteers, a wealth of knowledge from our day/regular volunteers and supporting the visitor team.

Your main objectives will be to deliver the reserves management plan objectives for the various reserves, assist in the delivery of a broad range of surveys, and also take a lead in the many Health and Safety requirements associated with this role.

The Warden will be involved with supervision of contractors, use and maintenance of machinery such as Brushcutters, Chainsaws and tractors, work planning and record-keeping and the surveying of many key species across our reserves and assist in the recording and reporting of this.

What we need from you:

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

You will be able to work well as a 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 include:

• Proven track record of reserve or land management
• Individual and team management skills 
• Recordkeeping/data management 
• Relevant ecological knowledge 
• Health & Safety applying to site management (e.g. risk assessments) 
• Relevant knowledge of compliance requirements
• Organisational experience including time management and prioritisation 
• Machinery operations and equipment servicing 
• Working with staff, volunteers and partner organisations
• Problem solving
• Drivers licence or ability to access remote locations

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 from 9th November 2023 . For further information please contact Stewart.Milburn@rspb.org.uk.

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 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.

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