Warden

The RSPB is hiring a Warden for the Conwy reserve in North Wales. Responsibilities include implementing the reserve management plan, conducting species and habitat surveys, managing volunteers, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. Candidates should have experience in wetland management, ecological knowledge, and skills in habitat management. This is a permanent, full-time position requiring flexibility for weekend and evening work.
The RSPB is looking for a Warden to join the team at Conwy reserve in North Wales, where you will work to deliver and refine our reserves management plan, ensuring we deliver benefits for nature, water, climate and people.

RSPB Conwy nature reserve is a wetland on the east bank of the Conwy estuary, created from material dug out during the construction of the A55 road tunnel between 1986 and 1991. First opened to the public in 1995, the reserve is home to various incredible wildlife, including warblers, waders, and wildfowl.

You will:
• Be responsible for the implementation of the reserve management plan including habitat management and record keeping ensuring delivery of sites and RSPB objectives and compliance obligations.
• Undertake species/habitat survey and monitoring work on the sites to ensure delivery of sites’ objectives.
• Provide line management to our volunteers, supporting the development of a skilled and happy team.
• Support the development, delivery and reporting of projects.
• Ensure the reserve is managed in accordance with best practice with respect to H&S, environmental management and legal compliance of conservation and land management laws.
• Procure and supervise contractors to carry out work on site safely and legally to deliver the management plan targets.
• Undertake visitor engagement work as required.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:
• Experience of wetland management.
• Relevant ecological knowledge.
• Relevant knowledge of compliance requirements (eg agricultural and environmental legislation).
• A proactive and conscientious approach to applying Health & Safety to site management.
• One-on-one and team management skills.
• Practical habitat, estate and land management skills.
• Record keeping / data management and use of GIS software.
• Biological monitoring and survey skills.
• Experience of procurement and contractor management.
• Lantra or equivalent qualification in using equipment such as tractor, ATV, chainsaw and PA1/6 pesticides.
• Visitor engagement skills.
• A full, manual driving licence that is valid in the UK or ability to access remote locations without public transport.

Desirable qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience:
• Knowledge of servicing and maintaining vehicles, machinery, tools and equipment to agreed standards.
• Experience of delivering project management.
• Experience of developing and maintaining good working relationships with a range of stakeholders and partners.

Additional Information:

This is a permanent, full-time role for 37.5 hours per week.
• This role will involve lone working and working in remote locations.
• This role will require weekend, early morning and evening working so will need someone who is able to be flexible.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position on Monday 28th April . For further information please contact helen.jowett@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.