Assistant Warden — Cornwall Nature Reserves

RSPB; Penzance; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 31,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension Scheme

Life Assurance Scheme

26 days' Annual Leave (pro rata)

Job summary

RSPB Hayle Estuary and Marazion Marsh is seeking an Assistant Warden to manage two Cornwall nature reserves, working with volunteers and staff to protect wildlife and welcome visitors.

Based at the Cornwall Reserves office in Penzance, you will deliver the reserve management plan, coordinate habitat work, and ensure safe, welcoming environments. The role requires travel between sites and occasional long hours to support events and standby duties.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable habitat and estate management experience.
• Ability to plan, organise, prioritise, and adapt work programmes.
• Experience leading and recruiting staff and/or volunteers.
• Ability to communicate with volunteers, visitors, communities and colleagues.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel and Outlook for records and planning.

Responsibilities

• Develop annual and seasonal work programmes aligned with reserve plans.
• Coordinate safe, compliant delivery of site operations and risk controls.
• Act as a key contact for local communities, visitors and stakeholders.
• Coordinate and support volunteers to deliver practical conservation tasks.
• Maintain site infrastructure, equipment and vehicles to support reserves.

Skills

Habitat management

Estate management

Planning & organisation

Volunteer leadership

Health & safety procedures

MS Office proficiency

Education

Lantra certification (brushcutters/PA1/PA6W)

Job description

RSPB Hayle Estuary and Marazion Marsh is seeking an Assistant Warden to manage two Cornwall nature reserves, working with volunteers and staff to protect wildlife and welcome visitors.

Based at the Cornwall Reserves office in Penzance, you will deliver the reserve management plan, coordinate habitat work, and ensure safe, welcoming environments. The role requires travel between sites and occasional long hours to support events and standby duties.