RSPB

Careers | RSPB

We are excited you have visited our Careers page. We are seeking talented individuals that are excellent in their field of expertise and are posed with all potential and skills necessary to help us meet future business challenges.

This position is no longer available
If you would like to apply to other positions at RSPB, please return to our Careers Page.
Position not right for you?
Share it with someone you know.

Assistant Warden

Reference: AUG20247495
Expiry date: 2024-09-27 09:29:27.800
Location: Shetland Office
Salary: £26,379.00 - £28,319.00 Per Annum
Benefits: Pension, Life Assurance and Annual Leave
Attachments: additionalinformation_ShetlandAW (1).pdf
CandidateGuidanceNotes2023.pdf

Are you looking to work in some of the most stunning scenery in the UK, whilst also developing your skills and knowledge to progress your career in conservation? RSPB Shetland are looking for an Assistant Warden to join our small reserves team and help us deliver for wildlife across Shetland. 

RSPB in Shetland operate across a vast area, managing 15 sites across the islands, from upland blanket bog, basin fen mire, to remote uninhabited islands, dramatic seabird cliffs and coastal beaches, all with their own unique species, habitats and management requirements. We have ambitious plans to reverse declines in certain species with habitat restoration and management, as well as maintain and grow populations of some of the UK’s rarest avian species. We’re always wanting our visitors to have the best experience possible, and our peatland sites are part of an extensive restoration program. 

The successful candidate will assist with the delivery of all reserves work across these sites; from monitoring and practically managing for waders, including the rare breeding Red-necked Phalaropes, to surveying vast swathes of peatland, to recording data on breeding birds, and contributing to the writing of reports. 

An enthusiastic individual, will relish engaging with visitors and supporting on the development and delivery of a reserves events program to inspire our visitors. 

Key activities will include
-Undertaking species and habitat surveys on sites
-Mapping, gathering and storing data and ensuring records are kept correctly.
-Carrying out maintenance checks/implementing repairs to infrastructure and machinery
-Carrying out habitat management work/overseeing contractors
-Contributing to report writing  
-Supervising volunteers
-Leading guided walks and events planning

What we need from you:


 Essential skills include:

  • You will have knowledge and experience of practical habitat and estate management.
  • You will have a proven track record of working of completing work alone and working within a varied team.
  • Comfortable managing volunteers from a range of backgrounds
  • Reasonable birdwatching knowledge and experience of biological surveys
  • Be willing to assist with predator control to benefit ground nesting birds
  • Full driving licence or ability to access remote locations.

Desirable qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience:

  • Lantra or equivalent qualification in using equipment such as brushcutter and ait astride ATV (quad).
  • Knowledge of servicing and maintaining vehicles, machinery, tools and equipment to agreed standards.
  • Experience of staff or volunteer recruitment and line management.
  • Implementing and updating health and safety records and assessments.

Additional information:

  • This role will involve lone working and working in remote locations, including overnight camping.
  • 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 week commencing 18th Nov. For further information please contact beth.aucott@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.