Working in partnership with the Somerset Wildlife Trust, the RSPB has been successful in securing Green Recovery Challenge Funding for the Avalon Marshes Wetland Wonderland project.  The project enables us to employ a Reserves Assistant to help the team deliver project objectives and to carry out other work on site.

This is a great opportunity to work at the beautiful Ham Wall reserve - part of the Avalon Marshes and one of the UK’s best wetland sites.   

About Avalon Marshes

The Avalon Marshes is one of the largest & most important wetland areas in the UK, home to a range of wildfowl, waders, rare insects, plants & reptiles & threatened native species. This vital landscape is at risk from fluctuating water levels, agri-environment transition & habitat fragmentation. Covid-19 has resulted in habitat management delays, as well as seeing a huge increase in visitor numbers which our current infrastructure cannot accommodate.

At the heart of this landscape is the Avalon Marshes Landscape Partnership, consisting of Natural England, the RSPB, Hawk and Owl Trust, Somerset Wildlife Trust, South West Heritage Trust and the Environment Agency.  Together the partnership are working towards a joint vision by which communities, landowners and businesses work together to manage the land to achieve a thriving, nature-rich wetland landscape which is resilient and able to adapt to climate change, and providing significant income to the local and county economies through regenerative agriculture and eco-tourism.  

About the Role

This is a temporary contract until March 2023. The role will assist the reserve team with the practical estate management of RSPB Ham Wall nature reserve on the Somerset Levels. 

Some of the tasks for the role will include:

•    Undertake practical site management and general site maintenance work. This may involve working with other reserves staff, volunteers and contractors and graziers to ensure that quality site management, efficiency and value for money is maximised.
•    Working with the Warden to assist in the planning, organisation and implementation of specific work tasks in accordance with the site management plans, and in consultation with others as appropriate. 
•    Assist with the smooth operation of the work base by taking day to day responsibility for the maintenance of tools and equipment.
•    Work with the Warden and Assistant Warden to develop and increase volunteer input to reserves management and work proactively with volunteers across all relevant aspects of work, according to agreed RSPB procedure. This may include leading volunteer workgroups. (This element of the work will be dependent upon what is possible under Coronavirus restrictions).
•    Help to deliver communications and visitor management with the public, RSPB members, volunteers, and other landowners in relation to RSPB Ham Wall, working with other staff across the organisation. Being responsible for completing all above tasks in compliance with Health & Safety policy to minimise risk to the RSPB.

What we need from you

Essentials:

•    Degree or diploma in Countryside Management or related subject or equivalent work experience
•    Broad understanding of British wildlife
•    Knowledge of farming, forestry and other land management
•    Knowledge of simple biological survey and monitoring techniques
•    Knowledge of Health and Safety issues related to reserves and their management
•    Current full driving license
•    Servicing and maintaining vehicles, machinery, tools and equipment to agreed standards
•    Chainsaw certificates (formerly known as CS30 & 31)
•    Brushcutter certificates (maintenance & operation)
•    Computer literacy
•    Proactive with the ability to work under own initiative
•    Current First Aid at Work certificate
•    Good communication skills
•    Ability to work alone or as member of small team
•    Self-motivated and enthusiastic
•    Flexible approach

Desirable:

•    Experience of organising volunteers and dealing with people face to face
•    Experience of working with volunteers and contractors whilst implementing conservation projects

Additional information:

• This role is based in a remote and rural location.
• This role will involve lone working.
• This role may require occasional weekend and evening working.          

The RSPB works for a healthy environment for all and we, therefore, expect you to take action in accordance with our Environmental Policy and objectives. Together we can make a positive difference in our world.

In the RSPB, volunteers are a major resource and make a vital contribution to the RSPB’s aim to take action for the conservation of wild birds and the environment. Employees are responsible for encouraging, developing and supporting volunteers in their work for the RSPB.

For all application/role enquiries please contact - alison.blaney@rspb.org.uk

Please note that you will be required to only complete an online application form.

Before applying to this role we would encourage you to read through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.