Ribble Assistant Warden (Fixed-Term)

RSPB; Liverpool City Region; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a passionate team dedicated to conservation at a leading nature charity. This full-time role focuses on conducting vital surveys and monitoring bird populations within the Ribble Estuary. Ideal for individuals with strong bird identification skills and a commitment to wildlife conservation, this position offers a unique opportunity to work in beautiful natural settings while contributing to the protection of important species. Flexibility is key, as the role requires working at various hours, including weekends and early mornings. If you're eager to make a difference and have a love for nature, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Pension Scheme

Life Assurance Scheme

26 Days Annual Leave (pro rata)

Qualifications

• Experience conducting biological surveys and excellent birdwatching skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage volunteers effectively.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Breeding Bird Surveys and monitor Black-tailed Godwit success.
• Assist with estate maintenance and predator pressure monitoring.

Skills

Bird Identification Skills

Data Recording and Reporting

Practical Habitat Management

Teamwork and Independent Working

Volunteer Management

Predator Control

Full UK Driving License

Education

Lantra Qualification or Equivalent

Job description

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Reference: JAN20254816

Expiry date: 23:59, Sun, 23rd Feb 2025

Location: Marshside

Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave (pro rata)

RSPB Ribble Sites form an essential part of the Ribble Estuary NNR. In the spring and summer, the estuary and surrounding marshes provide habitat for nationally important populations of breeding waders and gulls. The RSPB works with partner organisations and farmers throughout the NNR to monitor these species and secure their future fortunes.

What's the role about?

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Ribble sites team for a six month period on a full time basis. The main focus of the role will involve survey work on our reserves and the wider Ribble NNR. The successful candidate will have excellent bird identification skills and experience conducting Breeding Bird Surveys as well as bespoke monitoring. The role will involve lone working, often at unsociable hours. We are looking for an individual with a broad understanding of conservation work with particular skills in avian monitoring.

Main areas of work:

1. Breeding Bird Surveys: Responsible for conducting and recording breeding bird data from various sites on the Ribble NNR.
2. Black Tailed Godwit Monitoring: Responsible for monitoring the success of breeding Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) including clutch size, productivity, mortality and marking of individuals.
3. Large Gull Monitoring: Assist with the census of a large colony (herring and lesser black-backed gulls) and nest productivity monitoring.
4. Predator Pressure Monitoring: Assist with monitoring the pressures from predators across the NNR.
5. Estate Maintenance: Assist with estate maintenance and daily tasks across the NNR, including opening and closing of car parks, assisting with work parties, fence maintenance, and infrastructure repairs.

What we need from you:

Essential skills include:

• Excellent birdwatching skills and knowledge, and experience of biological surveys.
• Experience recording data and producing reports.
• Basic knowledge and experience of practical habitat and estate management.
• Proven track record of completing work alone and working within a varied team.
• Experience of working with volunteers from a range of backgrounds.
• Willingness to assist with predator control to benefit ground nesting birds.
• Full driving licence valid for use in the UK.

Desirable qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience:

• Direct experience of conducting wet grassland/saltmarsh breeding bird surveys and species specific targeted monitoring.
• Experience of staff or volunteer line management.
• Implementing and updating health and safety records and assessments.
• Lantra or equivalent qualification in using equipment such as brushcutter.
• Knowledge of servicing and maintaining vehicles, machinery, tools and equipment to agreed standards.

Additional information:

• This role will involve lone working and working in remote locations.
• This role will require weekend, early morning and evening working; flexibility is essential.

This is a 6 month Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week.

The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising, dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position on 4th March 2025. For further information please contact [e-mail]

As part of this application process, you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.