Warburg Reserve Warden

Hours of work: 35 hours per week

Type of contract: Fixed Term, Maternity cover

Based at: The Warburg Nature Reserve near Henley in Oxfordshire, hybrid working available

Rank: 6

Background

BBOWT is one of 46 Wildlife Trusts working across the UK, each is a corporate member of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts.

Our mission – To create a Living Landscape across our towns, cities and countryside and inspire our communities to act for nature.

Our aim – To lead the way for nature’s recovery and connect people with nature, so that:

• Our soil and water resources are managed to create functioning ecosystems and wildlife-rich places.

• Local communities, decision-makers, landowners and businesses work with and for nature.

• People recognise their dependence upon nature and its value to their mental and physical wellbeing.

Job Purpose

To implement all aspects of management of the Warburg Reserve

Reporting Line

Reports to the Senior Land Manger (Oxon)

Line Management

No line reports. Will oversee and develop the Warburg Wildlife Trainee

Budgetary Responsibilities

To manage own budget, under control from line manager

Key Responsibilities

· Carry out all aspects of on-site management of the nature reserves; estate and conservation management, tools and equipment, access and infrastructure maintenance and improvement

· Co-ordinate with ecology team for survey and monitoring of key species

· Organise, supervise and support BBOWT volunteers

· Implement and supervise reserve management contracts

· Responsible for the Warburg sheep and ponies. Fulfil all legal and ethical obligations with regards to welfare and ownership.

· Work to set programmes and budgets, guided by the Senior Land Manager, reserve management plans and other planning documents

· Contribute to the annual programme of BBOWT guided walks, volunteer training, events and workshops. Represent BBOWT at other events from time to time

· Seek to maintain positive relationships with site neighbours and refer them to BBOWT’s Land Advice service where relevant

· Work closely with all BBOWT personnel and promote other BBOWT activities as and when necessary

· Adhere to all BBOWT policies, procedures and systems. To represent BBOWT in a professional manner and to act at all times in a manner which will not damage its reputation

· To ensure that all health and safety obligations are met in all aspects of the role

· To provide regular reports

· Reply to external enquiries

· To engender a culture of membership recruitment within the team

· Any other duties as delegated by the line manager, Team Director or Chief Executive

Person Specification

• Significant experience of applied nature conservation management (paid or voluntary)

• In-depth knowledge of ecological principles and habitat management, and assessment for a range of habitat types

• Excellent identification skills for common biotic groups

• Able to communicate appropriately and effectively with a variety of audiences

• Proficient using Microsoft Office applications

• Excellent project management skills, including managing contractors

• A current UK-valid car driving licence

• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as necessary

• Ability to work with a minimum of supervision and achieve results with limited human and financial resources

• Ability to manage volunteers, including ‘stock watchers’

• Knowledge of Health and Safety management principles and legislation

• Ability and willingness to demonstrate BBOWT behaviours and values

• First Aid at Work Forestry + qualification*

• NPTC Transport of Livestock by Road (Short Journeys)*

* means that the certification must be achieved within 6 months of being appointed in post (if not already qualified). In these instances, the candidate appointed will receive appropriate training and two opportunities to pass assessments to ensure that they do meet the criteria. Failure to achieve an adequate standard in tests for these skills is likely to mean that the employment will be terminated.

This post will be DBS checked at basic level. A criminal conviction will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining the position. BBOWT will not unfairly discriminate on the basis of criminal convictions. BBOWT’s policy regarding this matter and the Disclosure and Barring Service Code of Practice are available on request.