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IDENTIFICATION OF JOB
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JOB TITLE-Water Vole Officer
TEAM-Conservation
WORKING BASE-Home based
RESPONSIBLE TO-Conservation Manager (West)
RESPONSIBLE FOR-Volunteers
SALARY-£17,000
POST TERM-Fixed term for 12 months Jan-Dec 2014
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OVERALL PURPOSE OF JOB
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To undertake the Welsh Government Resilient Ecosystem Fund funded ‘Reconnecting our South Wales Water Voles’ project in accordance with the funding terms and conditions. To work with private landowners to increase our understanding of Water Vole distribution in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire through landowner liaison and site survey, and to create an inventory of positive management opportunities and database of new records and habitat condition. Considerable lone working involved and a highly self-motivated and organised applicant will be required to undertake this post.
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MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
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Main Responsibilities
To establish contact with and develop a strong working relationship with a network of private landowners in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire, aroundknown Water Vole populations, using maps and GIS.
- To update and contribute to the maintenance of the Water Vole database
- To undertake Water Vole surveys on private land in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire including recording of other relevant information such as presence of American Mink
- To maintain a GIS database of land surveyed including habitat condition for Water Vole
- To create an inventory of potential habitat enhancement works for Water Vole with costings and secure landowner consent for future delivery
- To increase awareness of the conservation needs of Water Vole
- To assist landowners to take advantage of potential funding to support conservation measures such as Glastir
- Recruitment and supervision of volunteers as appropriate
JOB SPECIFICATION
- Management and supervision
The post holder will be required to recruit, supervise and train volunteers as appropriate to project delivery
- Accountability and resources
The post holder will have limited responsibility for the management of the REF project budget as agreed with Welsh Government / NRW
- Job impact
This role has significant external impact in the mid Wales area (Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire) due to the level of partnership working involved, and the potential for publicity and awareness-raising. There is also a significant external impact through contact with private landowners.Internal impact is lower as the project influences other WTSWW posts relatively little.
- Independence and judgement
This role requires significant independence and an ability to make decisions based on a sound and individual understanding of the local context in which this role is to be delivered. Assistance is available from all members of the Senior Management Team when required but the post requires the holder to exercise knowledge of the local area and apply it to decisions about local work and also the strategic delivery of the project plan.
- People and contacts
This post will require regular partnership working. A very large number of private landowners will be key to this role. This may also include senior staff, for example, in other conservation organisations.
- Creativity and Innovation
Moderate innovation is required in the delivery of an inventory of future project opportunities on private land.
- Working conditions
The post-holder will normally be based at home but will occasionally be required to travel to Trust offices. A significant number of site visits to private land holdings is a key part of the role (at least two per week during the season). It is anticipated that significant travel for business purposes will be required in the post holder’s own car. Travel costs will be reimbursed at the standard WTSWW rate.
PERSON SPECIFICATIONJOB TITLE-Water Vole Officer
TEAM-Conservation
(This section details the experience, competence, knowledge, skills and personal qualities required for the post.)
Experience
The post holder should have a minimum of 2 years experience of practical conservation or survey and monitoring projects.
Competence/knowledge and skills
Essential
The post holder should either have appropriate academic/professional/industry qualification or relevant experience to cover the requirements of the post.
An understanding of water vole ecology and demonstrable experience of water vole survey
Knowledge of H&S legislation, particularly in relation to lone working in a remote location
Experience of working with volunteers
Driving licence
First Aid qualification
Ability to work in an out-posted situation and remote locations
Welsh speaker
Experience in the use of GIS, preferably Mapinfo, database management, and report writing
Desirable
Knowledge of land management grant schemes in Wales
Understanding of Welsh agriculture
Experience of American Mink control
Water Vole survey licence
Experience of writing publicity materials and use of social media
Project management (including contracts and budgets)
Experience of BARS
Personal qualities
It is essential that the post-holder is a positive, self-motivated individual capable of managing both themselves and volunteers effectively with limited day-to-day supervision and in an out-posted situation. They also need to be passionate and strong communicators, able to keep in regular contact with other staff when working over large geographical areas and able to manage a high proportion of lone working within the post. A thorough and meticulous approach to record keeping.
Dr Lizzie Wilberforce, Conservation Manager
October 2013