Seasonal SPA Warden & Public Engagement

Natural England; Reading; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Natural England is seeking a hands-on wardening role on the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area. You will engage with visitors, deliver educational activities and support communications, while working with partners and landowners to protect sensitive wildlife.

The role involves events, surveys and data collection, with some weekend or early morning work as needed, and will require travel to support activities across the TBH SPA and partner sites.

Qualifications

• A relevant qualification or experience in education, countryside or animal management, nature conservation, or a related discipline.
• Knowledge of lowland heathland habitats and the development and pressures affecting them.
• Experience engaging with the public, outdoors in conservation or countryside access roles.
• Knowledge of Natural England's purpose and how this work contributes to its aims.
• Experience engaging with children and with dogs or dog walkers.

Responsibilities

• Engage with the public on the SPA and educate visitors about ground-nesting birds and related conservation messages.
• Organise and deliver onsite events, pop-ups and wider engagement activities.
• Support communications with social media content, articles and newsletters, and assist with data collection.
• Work with Heathland Hounds project to reach dog walkers and promote responsible behaviours.
• Undertake administrative tasks and maintain records like visitor logs and surveys.
• Develop relationships with stakeholders and landowners to support events and engagement programmes.

Skills

Public engagement

Outdoor education

Stakeholder relations

Conservation

Education

Relevant qualification in education/countryside/conservation

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Teams

Outlook

Job description

Natural England is seeking a hands-on wardening role on the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area. You will engage with visitors, deliver educational activities and support communications, while working with partners and landowners to protect sensitive wildlife.

The role involves events, surveys and data collection, with some weekend or early morning work as needed, and will require travel to support activities across the TBH SPA and partner sites.