Volunteer Reserves Officer (VRO)

Low Barns

Vacancy – Volunteer Reserves Officer (VRO) x 2

Post Title: Volunteer Reserves Officer (VRO)

Location: Based at Low Barns Nature Reserve, Witton-le-Wear DL14 0AG

Responsible to: Reserves Officer (Western Reserves)

Time commitment: 3 days p/w (ideally Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) plus one Saturday p/m for a minimum of 12 months.

General Brief: To assist the Reserves Team in implementing all practical reserves management on DWT nature reserves.

Requirements: Enthusiastic person with good communication skills, dedicated to nature conservation and working with people. Applicants must hold a full clean driving licence*, have good communication and people skills and a willingness to learn.

Benefits: Full training is provided (including access to external courses) and travel expenses. Applicants will gain practical experience in conservation skills co-ordinating and leading tasks. Qualifications include:

Essential qualifications

Chainsaw

Pesticides

First Aid

MIDAS (industry standard minibus course)

Off Road (4x4)

ATV

Safe use of brushcutters and other machinery

In-house training opportunities:

Many other in-house training opportunities including priority on monthly training days and health and safety related courses. Including (where possible);

o  Lifting and handling

o  Team leadership

o  Hand tool use and maintenance

o  Tool store maintenance

o  Trailer handling and driving

o  Land Rover driving - road

o  Land Rover maintenance

o  Special management for BAP target species and habitats

o  Livestock handling

o  Management planning

o  GPS and GIS

o  Grassland Management

o  Woodland Management

o  Heathland management

o  Wetland Management

o  Access improvements

o  Boundary works

o  Hedgerow Management

o  Species and habitat survey and monitoring

If required:

D1 minibus driving qualification (required if test passed after 1997)

Trailer towing qualification (required if test passed after 1997)

Possible options:

Residential course

NVQ in Countryside Management

Application: CV with covering letter outlining why you think you are suitable for the post.

Closing date: 12 noon Monday 1st September 2014. Successful candidates will be invited to interview 8th September 2014 at Low Barns Nature Reserve.

Applications / chat: Michael Rogers, Reserve Officer (West) or 01388 488728. Mark Dinning, Reserves Officer (East) or 0191 5843112

* Due to changes in legislation inexperienced drivers, those that have been driving for less than 2 years, cannot drive the minibus. As this is an essential part of the VRO post unfortunately we need to ask that people only apply if they have held a full licence for over 2 years.