Assistant Warden (Fixed-Term)

The RSPB is seeking an experienced Assistant Warden for a fixed-term role at Geltsdale Nature Reserve, UK. The position involves bird and vegetation monitoring in remote upland areas, requiring skills in bird surveys and data handling. Candidates must be able to work independently in challenging conditions and possess a full UK driving license. The role is full-time for 6 months, with flexible hours including weekends.
We require an experienced Assistant Warden to primarily cover bird and vegetation monitoring fieldwork throughout the spring and summer at RSPB Geltsdale Nature Reserve in the North Pennines. The work will involve lone working in remote areas to survey birds, take behaviour observations and the inputting of data.

What’s the role about?

This is a great opportunity to work at one of the largest nature reserves in England, surveying some fantastic upland bird species. The 6 month contract covering staff absence will require experience of working in an upland environment, monitoring birds using the Brown & Shepherd methodology. Experience of data handling and entry is essential. As a key member of the RSPB Geltsdale team there may be need to carry out other relevant fieldwork as directed by your line manager. All fieldwork will take place in remote and difficult to access areas and adherence to H&S policy and risk assessments is required.What we need from you:

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:
• Carrying out bird surveys following established Brown & Shepherd methodology.
• Ability to work alone in extreme conditions, sometimes for prolonged periods of time
• Experience of working in the uplands
• Excellent birdwatching knowledge and experience of biological surveys
• Keep excellent data records
• Full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK and own transport
• Adherence to H&S policy
• Hill skills and navigation
• Ability to work flexible hours including early mornings and possibly weekends.

Desirable qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience:
• Comfortable working around livestock, particularly cattle
• Experience of working with and leading volunteers
• Knowledge of licensing and regulations surrounding field work, for instance on protected species in protected habitats

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 6 month fixed-term full-time role for 37.5 hours per week. The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 21st March 2025. For further information please contact ian.ryding@rspb.org.uk

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and 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.