Assistant Warden – Hayle Estuary

Embark on a fulfilling journey by joining our team, where you will be responsible for
overseeing two picturesque nature reserves located in the heart of West Cornwall. The Hayle
Estuary offers captivating views, showcasing wintering wetland birds and migratory wading
birds, gulls, and terns during the spring and autumn seasons. On the other hand, Marazion
Marsh, a hidden treasure nestled in Mount’s Bay, features a delightful reedbed habitat that
attracts a diverse array of warblers during the summer months. Leading a dedicated team of
volunteers from the local community, you will play a key role in conserving these places for
both wildlife and visitors. Utilizing your amiable and reliable nature, you will cultivate
strong relationships with both colleagues and visitors, fostering an atmosphere of warmth and
inclusivity.

What’s the role about?

You will work with the Site Manager to implement the reserve management plan and make sure
everything runs smoothly at the sites. You will oversee habitat management tasks with a team of
volunteers, taking care of site infrastructure and visitor amenities, and organizing events
both on and off-site. Your ability to motivate and persuade volunteers to do their best, along
with your reliable and efficient work ethic, will be key to success in this position.

Key activities:

• Develop work schedules aligned with the reserves’ management plans
• Lead a team of dedicated volunteers
• Ensure the safe and compliant management of all site operations, implementing effective
  risk control systems
• Act as the primary liaison with the local community to foster and maintain positive
  relationships
• Coordinate and manage a variety of on-site and off-site activities to enhance visitor
  experiences and generate income opportunities

What we need from you:

To be responsible for leading a team of volunteers in the daily operations of the nature
reserves. Your focus will be on ensuring the efficient and compliant completion of tasks,
including overseeing habitat management, machinery maintenance, and engaging with a diverse
range of stakeholders. Your self-confidence and strong verbal communication skills will enable
you to effectively represent the reserves in a professional manner. A meticulous and
disciplined approach to tasks, along with a logical and detail-oriented mindset, will be
essential in maintaining high standards. You will be expected to prioritize compliance and
caution in order to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.

Essential skills include:

• Knowledge and experience of practical habitat and estate management
• Track record of completing work alone and working in a team
• Reasonable birdwatching knowledge and experience of biological surveys
• A full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK
• Proficiency with machinery, tools, and equipment maintenance and operation
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications 
• Problem-solving abilities with practical solutions
• Excellent verbal communication skills 
• Experience in developing and implementing work plans
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage oneself and team accordingly
• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Implementing and updating health and safety records
• Event organization and management experience
• Qualifications in brushcutting and pesticides

Desirable qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience:

• Qualification in chainsaw 
• Volunteer recruitment and line management

Additional information:

• Lone working.
• Occasional weekend, early morning and evening working so will need someone who is able to
  be flexible
• Some standby and on-call work will be required
• Occasional travel within the UK
• Occasional overnight stays away from home
• Take action in accordance with our Environmental Policy and objectives
• Encourage, develop and support volunteers in their work

This is a 6 month fixed-term 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 24th July 2024.
For further information please contact [email protected]

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.