Sherwood Forest & Budby South Forest is an ancient landscape alive with nature, history and folklore. Today it is a magical destination visited by people from across the globe, home to the enduring legend of Robin Hood & the famous Major Oak, estimated to be more than 1,000 years old.

We care for over 450 hectares of ancient wood pasture and rolling heathland which is home to thousands of species of bird, insect, mammal, fungi, tree and plant. Wooded for centuries & once part of a vast royal hunting ground, for the 350,000 people who come to visit each year it is an incredible place to visit, boasting a unique collection of ancient oaks which have been thriving here for over 600 years.

What’s the role about?

We are looking for a dynamic individual with the relevant skills and experience to join our team. Your main objective will be to assist in delivering the reserve's management plan objectives. To do this you will: 

•    Work closely with the Site Manager, Warden, Assistant Warden & Estate Worker. 
•    Regularly lead and develop a high performing team of volunteers to undertake required works to achieve our objectives and high standards
•    Work in line with Health & Safety and Cross Compliance requirements
•    Work with and assist in the supervision of contractors & projects 
•    Regularly use and maintain machinery & equipment
•    Get involved with work planning and record keeping
•    Get involved with surveying & recording of key species
•    Play your part in the wider team engaging with visitor operations & facilities
•    Need to be able to work flexibly including weekends, early mornings, evenings and holidays

Essentials skills, knowledge and experience:

• A positive & effective communicator who can provide clear information & direction in written & verbal formats
• Ability to shape, communicate, lead and deliver agreed work programmes from written objectives through to practical delivery of a high standard
• Knowledge & experience of practical habitat & land management techniques for woodlands and heathlands
• Good natural history knowledge and experience of surveying, monitoring & reporting of key species and taxonomic groups
• Knowledge & experience of the safe & practical use and maintenance of machinery & equipment associated with the role
• Knowledge & experience of using Microsoft Office packages – Outlook, Excel, Teams, SharePoint; general administration and report writing to ensure admin is up to date and systematically organised
• Knowledge & experience of leading a diverse range of volunteers and staff safely & effectively through clear direction setting and agreed ways of working
• Ability to follow all Health & Safety procedures including writing and following Risk Assessments, adhering to Codes of Practice and mandatory record keeping.
• Ability to self-motivate, work alone and prioritise your time effectively to work to agreed objectives  
• Full, manual driving licence and competency driving on all terrains to site movement risk assessments 

Desirable qualifications, knowledge and experience:

• Lantra, NPTC or equivalent qualifications in ATV, Chainsaw, Tractor driving, Brushcutter, Pesticides (PA1 & PA6), Livestock Management, First Aid
• Knowledge & experience of working on designated sites, under agri-environment schemes & to cross compliance regulations
• Implementing & updating health & safety records & assessments
• Leading walks & talks, attending public engagement events
• Problem solving and coming up with well thought through practical solutions
• Budget Management & Line management experience
• Biological recoding and experience of mapping and gathering/managing electronic data

This is a Permanent, Full-Time role. We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 24th October 2022. For further information please contact Chloe.Ryder@rspb.org.uk or Gemma.Howarth@rspb.org.uk

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.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. 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.