An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the small team working on RSPB Ramsey Island, Pembrokeshire.

The RSPB are looking for a self-motivated and energetic warden for this spectacular Pembrokeshire island, famed for its nationally important populations of seabirds, including 5,000 pairs of Manx shearwaters, chough and the largest colony of Atlantic grey seals in the south-west of Britain.

What’s the role about?

You will work with the Site Manager and a team of residential volunteers to successfully implement the island’s management plan, which includes both ecological and people engagement objectives. You will have direct responsibility for running the visitor operation, delivering a high quality experience for around 4,000 day visitors each season. You will give daily introductory talks, organise regular events and lead on membership recruitment. You will be responsible for the management, work programme and health and safety of up to 4 residential volunteers each week.

 Key duties will include

• Managing the visitor operations which will include, but not be limited to, giving introductory talks to up to 40 people at a time, provision of health and safety information, provision of retail and catering facilities and production of up to date interpretation and reserve literature
• Managing residential volunteers including maintaining the standard of accommodation, supervision, work program and safety whilst on the island.
• Manage membership recruitment – Lead on and train volunteers to achieve reserve target and KPI’s.
• Design and delivery of the agreed events program throughout the season
• Assist with conservation grazing program which includes lambing and assistance with routine management of livestock.
• Carry out agreed plan of seasonal monitoring in collaboration with site manager. This includes assisting with breeding bird surveys, seabird monitoring, grey seal pup production survey and census of rare plants and lichens.
• Assist with scientific research on Manx shearwaters.
• Implement agreed plan of habitat management (heathland and acid grassland).
• Preparing reports/returns as required by the Site Manager and other RSPB departments to a satisfactory standard and timetable.
• Participate in media opportunities including TV, radio and written press with direct responsibility to produce articles for RSPB publications, social meadia, blogs and newsletters.
• Maintenance of the estate, including all reserve equipment and buildings and infrastructure, paths, gates and fences.

 What we need form you

The key aspect of this role is visitor management, but the job is much more than that. The role offers a rewarding all round opportunity to gain additional, diverse, experience in many aspects of reserve management and research projects while drawing on your existing knowledge.

 You will

• have previous experience of working or volunteering on a nature reserve
• be willing and able to live on a remote island reserve in relatively basic conditions for up to 9 months each year
• be an energetic and positive team player
• have previous experience of working outdoors in all weather conditions and be able to meet the rigours of island life
• have proven experience of working in a public facing environment
• be able to evidence excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• have proven experience of species and habitat monitoring, including seabird monitoring techniques.
• have a proven track record of working with and managing volunteers.
• experience of machinery and tool maintenance.
• experience of working with livestock, in particular sheep, is desirable but not essential as training will be given 
• experience of boat handling, brush cutter, ATV’s and GIS mapping software is desirable however training can be given