We are looking for an enthusiastic seasonal assistant warden to join our small, hard-working team based at Wat Tyler Country Park.

The RSPB South Essex team manage 6 reserves along the Thames estuary, covering a total land area of 750ha. The reserves are comprised of lowland wet grassland, reedbed, fresh and saline lagoons and saltmarsh providing habitat for threatened species such as Avocet, Lapwing, Water Vole and Bearded Tit. We also manage a unique, nationally important brownfield site through scrub removal and bare ground creation to provide habitat for invertebrates such as Shrill and Brown-banded Carder Bees.

Key activities will include:

• Habitat management including vegetation control, anti-predator fence maintenance, water control and scrub clearance
• Reserves maintenance
• Habitat monitoring
• Monthly High Tide Bird Counts
• Supervising contractors
• Managing volunteers and leading weekly work parties
• Liaising with graziers
• Assisting with events

Applicants should have the following knowledge, skills and experience:

Essential

• Managing lowland wet grassland, lagoon, reedbed and scrub habitats.
• Maintaining reserves infrastructure.
• Lantra or equivalent qualifications in brushcutter.
• Using and maintaining machinery along with other tools and equipment.
• Working well in a small team, using good communication and organisational skills.
• Working efficiently and safely on your own in remote locations.
• Communicating with volunteers, contractors and visitors.
• Full driving licence - to use RSPB vehicles to carry out the role 

Desirable

• Carrying out winter bird surveys with strong visual bird ID.
• Following the requirements of agri-environment and cross-compliance regulations.
• Implementing health and safety regulations through carrying out appropriate assessments and keeping suitable records.
• Lantra or equivalent qualifications in chainsaw, pesticide, 4x4 driving and tractor.

This is a  6 month contract role 37.5 hour 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.

If you have any questions, please email ruth.gillies@rspb.org.uk

For further information please contact (insert email address)

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

This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

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