Candidate Information Pack s1
Candidate Information Pack
Warden – Dee Estuary
Vacancy Details
Warden – Dee Estuary
Burton, Cheshire
£16,350 - £18,000
We are looking for someone with a passion for wildlife and wetland conservation and a keen interest in livestock farming to help manage one of the best coastal wetland sites in Britain. With 6,000 ha of saltmarsh, intertidal mudflats, lowland wet grassland and freshwater pools the Dee Estuary is also one of the RSPB's biggest wetland sites attracting thousands of wintering wildfowl and waders and a stronghold for breeding redshank. The site is grazed by up to 3,000 sheep and 40 cattle and you will take a lead role in managing this site by developing our working relationship with our farming tenant and other graziers. You will also be involved with the visitor operation at Burton Mere Wetlands and help maintain and develop the facilities there.
You will need previous land management experience that includes livestock handling and wetland management. A practicle aptitude is essential with experience of fencing, walling, and path construction desirable. Tractor driving experience is also essential along with an aptitude to use a variety of machinery. A degree or other environmental qualification is desirable but not essential.
We have a role to play in protecting our environment by being as ‘green’ as possible. As a conservation organisation, we know a healthy environment is critical for nature and that we need to lead by example. Through our environmental management system (EMAS), we have an Environmental Policy, objectives and targets which prioritises where we can do most. All staff members are asked to respect and adhere to our green principles.
Closing date: 14 June 2015. Interview date: 22 June 2015.
How to Apply
If you have questions about the role please contact: Colin Wells, Site Manager:
We would invite you to complete the application form at the end of the pack and submit it to Sarah Brenchley, Reserve Administrator:
Please ensure your application clearly details how your skills/knowledge/experience demonstrates you are able to deliver on the key result areas.
Our policy is to recruit and employ our employees on the basis of their suitability for the work to be done. An application form allows us to compare individuals based on like for like information and as such we would not accept a CV for this role unless accompanied by a fully completed application.
/ JOB DESCRIPTIONJob Title / Warden – Dee Estuary
Purpose of Job / To deliver the conservation priorities for saltmarsh and lowland wet grassland by working closely with the farming tenant. To facilitate the implementation of the farming operations on this internationally important wetland site to ensure the successful delivery of breeding redshank, lapwing and large numbers of wintering wildfowl and waders.
Salary Range / £16,350 - £18,000
Dept/Reserve / Dee estuary Nature Reserve, Cheshire
Primary Work Base / Dee
Line Manager / Colin Wells
Reportees / Contractors and volunteers operating on the reserve
Main Duties
1. Responsible for managing the key relationship with the farming tenant and his team. To be first point of contact for the farm tenant and other farming contacts on the reserve. To manage the implementation of those farming operations that are the responsibility of the RSPB to undertake, maintaining a high level of communications with farming tenants.
2. To manage the priority projects of the Reserve Management Plan on the Burton Marsh Farm saltmarsh, farmland and the wetland areas at Burton Mere Wetlands, principally through the management of the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme.
3. Monitoring and recording of key bird species, principally breeding waders and wintering wildfowl and waders.
4. To assist in the preparation and management of the reserve budget, in liaison with Site Manager.
5. To take a key role in implementation of the reserves Visitor and Access Strategy by working closely with the Visitor Development officer on visitor infrastructure work at the Burton Mere Wetlands.
6. To take a key role in the development of volunteer involvement in the management of the reserve and farming operation.
7. To work closely with Assistant Warden on upkeep of estate infrastructure; tracks, field boundaries, gates and signs across the whole reserve.
8. As a key team member to contribute to the development of the reserve as a centre for innovative and effective saltmarsh and freshwater wetland management.
Other Duties
1. To share responsibilities for personal H&S and those under supervision by adhering to RSPB policy.
2. Explore opportunities for promotion of RSPB farmland management locally and regionally.
3. Expected to deputise for Site Manager in his absence.
4. Map production using GIS system
5. Assist with Annual Report and Management Plan production.
6. Assist with and lead visitor events including guided walks.
7. Assist with off-site activities as required.
8. Gives illustrated talks as required to internal and external audiences.
Special Requirements:
1. Ability to manage a range of complex and demanding projects through good planning and prioritisation.
2. Good interpersonal skills essential.
3. An ability to deal with farming tenants, the public, neighbours and interested organisations in a courteous and tactful manner.
4. To be physically fit and in good health.
5. Some understanding of lowland farming systems.
6. Experienced tractor driver desirable.
7. Familiar with driving machinery on rough, soft ground an advantage.
8. Proven organisational skills and the ability to produce clear, concise and neat paperwork.
9. Practical knowledge of natural history, in particular ornithology desirable.
10. An aptitude for using and maintaining various items of machinery.
11. An aptitude for using a variety of standard computer packages and an ability to use or quickly learn to use GIS mapping software.
12. Understanding of working in an estuarine environment is desirable (tides & weather conditions).
Other Relevant Factors:
1. Frequently works weekends, Bank holidays and unsocial hours linked to the farming and reserve operations.
2. Handles live/dead animals
3. Handles potentially hazardous equipment
4. Required to maintain confidential information
5. Required to use own car for Society business
6. Work in a potentially hazardous estuarine environment
/ PERSON SPECIFICATION
PLEASE ASSUME REQUIREMENT IS ESSENTIAL UNLESS STATED AS DESIRABLE
Education/Qualifications
Basic GCSE or equivalent qualifications, especially in English and Maths
Full driving licence
Further or Higher qualification in a nature conservation or environmental discipline. / Desirable
Up to date NPTC/LANTRA qualifications for some or all of the following; chainsaw, tractor, ATV, 4x4 driving, application of herbicides are desirable
Knowledge
A sound knowledge of the habitat types present on the reserve
Good interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
A good knowledge of natural history. / Desirable
Some understanding of lowland farming systems / Desirable
Skills
Good bird identification skills.
Sound organisational skills and ability to produce clear and concise written work and word processed script.
Computer literate, a skilled user of a range of computer packages.
An aptitude for practical work including the use of a variety of machinery and equipment.
Experience
Experience of land management
Practical experience of managing wetland habitats.
Practical experience of live stock management
Experience of tractor driving.
Experience of bird survey work.
Experience of estate infrastructure management/maintenance
Experience of wardening/ working on a nature reserve.
Experience in use of CMS, MapMate and MapInfo. / Desirable
Experience of budget management / Desirable
Experience of management planning / Desirable
Experience of working with volunteers
Other
To be physically fit and in good health.
Able to work under pressure cheerfully
Have the ability to work as part of a team or alone
Outgoing and friendly personality
Willing and able to work weekends & bank holidays on a frequent basis and occasional evenings
Able to present a positive image for the RSPB
Interest in environmental and greening issues
Interest in farming issues / Desirable
Additional Information
The RSPB works for a healthy environment for all and we therefore expect you to take action in accordance with our Environmental Policy and objectives. Together we can make a positive difference for our world.
You will be expected to apply ‘sound value for money’ principles in undertaking purchasing or supply of goods and services.
In the RSPB volunteers are a major resource and make a vital contribution to the RSPB’s aim to take action for the conservation of wild birds and the environment. You will be expected to encourage, develop and support volunteer involvement in our work.
How we expect you to work
The RSPB has seven key competencies that are important to our organisation’s success. We expect all employees to demonstrate the following behaviours in everything that they do:
Direction:
You ensure you have a clear direction and sense of common purpose that guides what you do and how you approach your work.
Energy:
You bring energy and urgency to the RSPB to motivate people to do the best they can.
Capability:
You build your own and other people’s capabilities, directly and indirectly.
Relationships:
You communicate effectively and build productive internal and external relationships
Change:
You support continuous improvement and change and constantly look for way to do things better.
Advocacy:
You act as an advocate for the RSPB.
Performance:
You get things done, achieve ambitious goals and the RSPB’s aims.
In addition, the following behaviours are essential upon appointment to this particular role:
· Customer focused and forms productive internal partnerships
· A solutions based approach to problem resolutions
· Encourages everyone to look at the bigger picture to achieve the RSPB goals over departmental objectives
· Encourages innovation and allows other peoples ideas to be developed
· Encourages others to buy into and support change
· Able to form productive relationships internally and share knowledge, offering co-operation rather that competition
· Surfaces and deals with conflict constructively
Who we are and what we do
The RSPB in a nutshell
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB):
· Was formed in 1889 to counter the barbaric trade in bird plumes for women’s hats
· Has since grown into a world-leading wildlife conservation organization and now speaks out for all birds and wildlife, tackling the problems which threaten our environment
· Has over a million members, including more than 200,000 youth members
· Has more than 2,000 active staff members and almost 18,000 volunteers, who donate more than a million hours of their time – that’s the equivalent of 600 full-time staff
· Has a NET income available for charitable purposes of £89.3 million
· Has more than 200 nature reserves covering 143,7800 hectares and home to 80% of our rarest or most threatened bird species
· Has a UK headquarters, three national offices and eight regional offices
· Has a network of over 150 local groups and more than 150 youth groups
· Has an impressive global reach, with active projects and capacity building programmes in 26 countries and 8 UK Overseas Territories
· Is the UK partner and leading player, in Birdlife International
· Has the largest charity mail order operation in the UK, and also has the UK’s most successful charity credit card
Volunteers
Volunteers founded the RSPB 125 years ago and remain a vitally important part of the organization today; there are approximately nine volunteers for every paid member of staff
Our volunteers bring a unique range of skills and qualities to the RSPB, help stretch our scarce resources and keep us in touch with grass roots.
Our Strategy, Mission and Cultural Values
Our Strategy
Our vision: A world richer in nature
Imagine this. Wild birds and other wildlife will no longer be declining. Nature is restored, enriching and sustaining the lives of people as a result. Such a world would guarantee that future generations have clean air and water, a stable climate, abundant and diverse wildlife, and a robust, diverse and sustainable economy.
Our long-term purpose: saving nature
We believe that:
· There is a moral imperative to save nature
· Nature is crucial for peoples quality of life and the planet’s life support systems
· Birds are an integral part of the web of life
· We are well placed to stand up for birds and all nature
· The challenge is great, we must work with others to succeed
· We need growing popular support
Our Mission
By 2020…
Our work is both urgent and important and we need to act now to make a difference. The worlds governments have committed to halting biodiversity loss by 2020 and we will challenge them, as well as businesses, civil society and ourselves, to take the steps necessary to reach this goal, and then go further.
Our Cultural Values
Our cultural values are the way we work with each other and partners:
Bold
We speak out honestly for what we believe in, aiming higher and pushing further for growth. We seek to provide innovative, fun and sociable ways for people to get involved
Focused
We identify where birds and wildlife are most under threat, then act decisively and with commitment to save them and deliver tangible results
Supportive
We support each other and our sector partners in order to flourish, and make sure our supporters receive reward and recognition for their contribution
Together
We work together for the biggest possible impact across the RSPB and with partners across the UK and globally
