Job Application Pack for the Post of Hedgehog Officer

Job Application Pack for the post of Hedgehog Officer

Job Description:

Accountable to: / Senior Hedgehog Officer
Location: / Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, Coventry, Warwickshire
Salary: / £17,697 (Grade 2a)1 year Fixed Term Contractwith the possibility of extension (subject to additional funding being secured)
Liaison with: / Community, other staff, volunteers, external partners and organisations
Responsible for:
Hours: / Volunteers, ecological surveys, running events, tools and equipment
Full time: 35 hours per week; 25 days leave per annum.

We are looking for a dynamic individual to join our hedgehog conservation team to deliver the Rugby Hedgehog Improvement Area (HIA)during 2016. This innovative mixed-method approach to community-based conservationaims to bolster local hedgehog populations in Rugby through habitat improvements, ecological survey work and community engagement. Funded by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) the projectwill run alongside the Solihull Hedgehog Improvement Area and share aims inempowering local people and organisations to take action to make a measurable positive difference for their local hedgehog populations.

The post holder will have a broad range of conservation skills that are required for this position and will have a genuine passion for nature conservation witha specific interest inurban mammal ecology.

We are looking for someone with excellent community engagement skills, a confident public speaker who can inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to rally together to help this struggling species and influence real change at a local level through a variety of activities.A key element of this position is ecological survey work, both throughplanning and delivering a range of scientifically rigorous hedgehog population surveys and aiding in the co-ordination of large-scale,ongoing citizen science projects. Anothercentral component of this role is delivering a wide-range of habitat improvement works throughout the project area; therefore a working knowledge of conservation/habitat management principles is required. Please note that training for particular mammal surveys and practical habitat management tasks will be given for this post.

The post holder will work closely with staff members,volunteers and local organisations but will also need to be confident working independently and have the initiative required to make this dynamic project a success.

Job Purpose:

To delivera community-based hedgehog conservation project or Hedgehog Improvement Area (HIA) in Rugby, Warwickshire throughout 2016. The post holder will plan, organise and carry out habitat improvement works, comprehensive ecological surveys and a range of community engagement activities alongside the aims of theHIA initiative.

Key Responsibilities:

1.People engagement and supporter development

1.1Be responsible for the co-ordination and successful delivery of the HIA project including assisting with the Help for Hedgehogs Campaign elsewhere in the county where necessary.

1.2Plan, organise and deliver a broad range of exciting and innovative events, activities and programmes that empower local communities to help hedgehogs in Rugby.

1.3Raise awareness of hedgehog conservation issues in and around the HIA through regular press releases, community talks and school visits.

1.4Develop strong links and active relationships with local community groups, schools, businesses and other key stakeholders in Rugby, persuading them to support the project.

1.5Liaise with private land owners and land managers to encourage habitat improvement works on their sites.

1.6Foster strong working relationships with local businesses, encouraging them to volunteer time and funds towards the HIA.

1.7Establish, manage and work with a group of regular HIA volunteers on all aspects of the project.

1.8Promote volunteering for the Trust alongside the Help for Hedgehogs Campaign and HIA project.

1.9Act as an ambassador for Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and embed Warwickshire Wildlife Trust values, behaviours and messages in all work.

2.Survey work and monitoring

2.1Plan, organise and deliver a range of ecological surveys measuring hedgehog distribution and population dynamics, using a combination of approaches including mammal footprint tunnels.

2.2Promote and coordinate citizen science hedgehog surveys within the HIA.

2.3Conduct habitat surveys including Phase 1, hedgerow surveys and other condition surveys.

2.4Organise and interpret ecological data using GIS and statistical analysis methods.

2.5Conduct social surveys designed to measure changes in attitudes, perceptions and habits within the community.

2.6Engage with local land owners to facilitate hedgehog surveys at key sites earmarked for development across Rugby.

2.7Facilitate and supportadditional hedgehog surveys in partnership with other organisations if and when they arise.

3.Habitat improvements and management

3.1Organise and lead practical habitat management projects on private and community sites.

3.2Ensure that volunteers, groups and businesses within the local community are recruited to provide assistance with habitat improvement works.

3.3Undertake risk assessments for sites and activities and that all records are kept and assessments are reviewed in the required timescale for all practical activities.

3.4Provide hedgehog friendly habitat management plans for stakeholders where necessary.

3.5Produce reflective reports and learning papers that inform future hedgehog conservation best-practice guidance.

4.Marketing and communications

4.1Research and produceinterpretative materials about hedgehogs and hedgehog conservation issues, using a range of media whilst ensuring that it is suitable for a variety of audiences.

4.2Support the Trust’s websites, member communications and social media activity through providing regular content, including video.

4.3Provide a public face for the HIA projects and other relevant activities to the media and be prepared to give interviews to the press, radio and television when required.

5.General

5.1Promote the work, mission and vision of the Trust at all appropriate times.

5.2Use every opportunity commensurate with other duties to contribute to the Trust’s membership recruitment, fundraising and engagement of people.

5.3Ensure a high level of customer service in all dealings with the public.

5.4Ensure continuous development of skills and knowledge required for the post, undergoing training and performance review as required by the Trust.

5.5Work within all the policies and procedures of the Trust, ensuring own compliance with the Trust’s health and safety policies and procedures and that of any resources for whom you are responsible.

5.6Work at all times within the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust’s Equal Opportunities Policy and to promote equal opportunities.

5.7Comply with all legal and contractual obligations concerning the responsibilities of your post.

5.8Assist in the preparation of annual budgets, work programmes and reporting requirements for your area of work.

5.9Supervise and support volunteers as appropriate to your role.

5.10Carry out any other reasonable duties commensurate with the level of responsibility of the post, as requested by your line manager or the Chief Executive.

5.11Be available to work out of hours with weekend and evening working a requirement of the role.

Person specification:

The post-holder will have a range of knowledge, skills and experience. The following is a summary indication of the key requirements for this post:

Experience / Essential / Desirable
Previous relevant experience in community engagement activities / 
Broad experience of developing and fostering relationships with community groups or outreach programmes / 
Experience of capture-mark-recapture mammal surveys / 
Experience in dealing with the public in face-to face situations / 
Experience of delivering innovative interpretation and public engagement activities / 
Working as part of a team and in partnership with other organisations / 
Managing public events / 
Working with volunteers / 
Practical habitat management experience / 
Health and safety management, including writing risk assessments / 
Knowledge / Essential / Desirable
Relevant degree / postgraduate qualification / 
Knowledge of urban wildlife conservation issues and survey approaches / 
Knowledge of methods of encouraging participation from a wide audience / 
Evidence of understanding of rural and urban communities / 
General natural history and issues in conservation / 
Basic knowledge of marketing, campaigning and communications methods and opportunities / 
Interest and understanding of how to engage others in wildlife, wild places, the outdoors, arts and culture / 
Understanding of community structures and organisations / 
Knowledge of the Wildlife Trusts and their work / 
Knowledge of the habitats, wildlife and wild places found in Warwickshire / 
Skills / Essential / Desirable
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including public speaking and literacy / 
An infectious ability to enthuse, motivate and engage with diverse audiences. / 
Strong ecological survey skills, specifically mammal and habitat surveys / 
Basic knowledge of marketing, campaigning and communications methods and opportunities / 
Good organisational and time management skills; able to prioritise workloads effectively, meet deadlines and monitor the outcomes / 
Innovative and enthusiastic about interpreting wildlife and the environment / 
Highly organised, with effective planning skills / 
Ability to take initiative, work alone and within a team / 
Self-motivated, to be able to work confidently on own initiative / 
The ability to think creatively and convert ideas to practical activities / 
IT literate and competent in Microsoft Office packages / GIS platforms / 
Flexible approach / 
Full UK driving licence / 
Hold or has the capability to acquire a First aid qualification / 

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GENERAL INFORMATION FOR THE POST OF HEDEGHOG OFFICER

Warwickshire Wildlife Trust

Warwickshire Wildlife Trust was established in 1970 and now manages some 64 nature reserves, has 23,500 members and is supported by more than 1000 volunteers. The Trust is the largest local conservation charity working across Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull.

Our main purpose is to promote the interests of wildlife, wild places and the natural environment for the wider benefit of society, people and local communities.

The Trust is also a member of the network of 47 Wildlife Trusts covering the whole of the UK, the Isle of Man and Alderney. We are working for an environment rich in wildlife for everyone. With more than 800,000 members, we are the largest UK voluntary organisation dedicated to conserving the full range of the UK’s habitats and species whether they be in the country, in cities or at sea. More than 150,000 of our members belong to our junior branch, Wildlife Watch. We manage around 2,300 nature reserves covering more than 90,000 hectares; we stand up for wildlife; we inspire people about the natural world and we foster sustainable living. Last year, we reviewed more than 70,000 planning applications. The Wildlife Trusts have a vision to create A Living Landscape and secure Living Seas for the whole UK.

Further information on the Trust and our strategic plan can be found on our web site:

Selection and Assessment

Please submit a completed application form marked “Private and confidential” to reach us by 5.00pm on Wednesday 10th of February 2016.

You can send the form either via email to or by post to:

Hedgehog Officer Post, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, Brandon Lane, Coventry, Warwickshire, CV3 3GW.

Candidates who appear to best meet the person specification will be invited to attend an interview. We recommend that applicants pay particular attention to demonstrating how they meet the person specification on the application form.

Successful candidates shortlisted for interview will be required to undertake a pre-interview exercise and a presentation at interviewdesigned to give candidates an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and suitability for the post. Further details on the subject of the presentation and the exercise will be sent to short-listed candidates.

Appointment

All our offers of employment are made subject to some pre-employment checks including

• Satisfactory References;
• Eligibility to work in the United Kingdom;
• Checks on relevant certificates and qualifications;
• A Disclosure and Barring Service check is required.

Salary

Your initial salary will be based on your skills, knowledge and experience, and progression will be based on your performance. You will be paid monthly in arrears by credit transfer to a bank or building society account.

Location

This post will be based at the Trust’s offices at the Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, Coventry. Employees may be required to work at other Trust or non-Trust sites from time to time. The successful candidate will be expected to travel to visit reserves and other sites around the county; some reserves are in remote locations and many include rough terrain as an integral part of their character. The role will involve some lone working.

Hours of Work

Our employees work a 35 hour week (full time). In view of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust’s work, employees can be called upon from time to time to work a reasonable period outside of the set hours. No overtime will be payablehowever time off in lieu will be given for any hours worked in excess of your normal working hours.

Holiday Entitlement

Our holiday year runs from April to March. Full time employees get 25 days holiday per year plus bank holidays. For permanent members of staff this increases to 27 days after 2 years and 28 days after 5 years’ service.

Pension

You will be automatically enrolled in the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Stakeholder Pension Scheme if you meet the eligibility criteria, though you may opt out. Both the Trust and employee contribute 3.5% of salary to the scheme.

Notice

If you choose to leave the Trust you will be required to give 1 months’ notice due the grade of the post.

Equal Opportunities

Warwickshire Wildlife Trust is committed to equal opportunities and appoints on merit. We welcome applicants from all sections of society regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, disability, marital status, age and religion, perceived community background or political beliefs.

CVs

Please be advised that CV's cannot be accepted and will not be considered if submitted without a completed application form. A completed Warwickshire Wildlife Trust application form only will be accepted.

Responding to Applications

Thank you for showing an interest in this job and for taking the time to apply. Unfortunately, due to administration costs borne by the charity, we regret that only short-listed candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date then please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Job advert:

Warwickshire Wildlife Trust

Hedgehog Officer

Full time: 35 hours per week; £17,697 (Grade 2a).Fixed term contract with the possibility of extension (subject to additional funding being secured); 25 days leave per annum

The Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen to deliver a community-based hedgehog conservation project or Hedgehog Improvement Area (HIA) in Rugby, Warwickshire The post holder will plan, organise and carry out habitat improvement works, comprehensive ecological surveys and a range of community engagement activities alongside the aims of this innovative project.

The Candidate

We are looking for a dynamic and talented individual to deliver the HIA project during 2016. The post holder will have a broad range of conservation skills and experience, and will have a genuine passion for nature conservation with specific knowledge and experience in urban mammal ecology.

We are looking for someone with excellent community engagement skills, whocan inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to rally together to help this struggling species and influence real change at a local level through a variety of public engagement activities. A key element of this position is ecological survey work, both throughplanning and delivering a range of scientifically rigorous hedgehog population surveys and co-ordinating large-scale ongoing citizen science projects. Another central component of this role is delivering a wide-range of habitat improvement works throughout the project area; therefore a working knowledge of conservation/habitat management principles is required.

We are situated at the heart of England, in a beautiful part of the country with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who work hard to deliver the Trust’s aspirations. As part of our team you will have a creative approach and the ability to drive change and make exciting things happen.

We believe this is a great opportunity for someone who wants to make a real and lasting contribution: if this is you, we would love to hear from you. In return we can offer a great place to work in a supportive and friendly environment and competitive benefits.

How to apply

Visit our website for further information and an application form:

If you require any assistance to participate in the recruitment process such as an alternative format application form or accessible interview location please contact us.

Closing Date: 17.00 Wednesday10th February 2016

Interview dates: TBC – Week commencing 29thFebruary 2016

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