The Ouse Valley team are looking for an Assistant Warden to join them at Fen Drayton Lakes and Ouse Fen reserves. This is an exciting opportunity to work on two incredible wetland reserves We are looking for a self-motivated and enthusiastic candidate to join our team delivering on our objectives to carry out conservation management across a variety of habitats. The job is varied with practical habitat management, estate work, species surveying, habitat monitoring, supervising contractors, engaging with graziers and stakeholders, maintenance tasks, and managing some amazing volunteers. Ouse Fen and Fen Drayton Lakes cover approximately 700 ha comprising of reedbed, lakes, wet grassland, fen and woodlands. Ouse Fen is an expanding reserve through its partnership with an aggregate extraction company and is providing important habitat for Bitterns, Cranes, Bearded Tits and Marsh Harriers. By the end of the partnership, Ouse Fen will be the largest inland reedbed in the UK. Fen Drayton lakes comprises ten lakes and provides important habitat for many species including dragonflies, terns, warblers, waders and Turtle Dove. This role offers a unique opportunity to develop a broad range of skills and experience across many operational areas and to join with a wider team at the forefront of habitat creation in the Fens. This role will also contribute to the development of visitor and habitat development in the Ouse Valley as we enter an exciting new phase. Key areas of work will include: Habitat management on reedbed, wet grassland and woodlands as defined by the reserves management plan Maintenance of tools and machinery Monitoring of critical species and habitats Planning and leading volunteer work parties Assist with management and welfare of the reserve livestock Assist with ensuring legal compliance of conservation & land management operations Assist with the supervision of contractors Essential qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience: Knowledge and experience of practical habitat and estate management Proven track record of completing work alone and working within a varied team Comfortable managing volunteers from a range of backgrounds Reasonable birdwatching knowledge and experience of biological surveys A full, manual driving licence that is valid in the UK Desirable qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience: Lantra or equivalent qualification in using equipment such as chainsaws, brushcutters, PA1/6W pesticides, as well as off-road driving and powerboat usage Knowledge of servicing and maintaining vehicles, machinery, tools and equipment to agreed standards Experience of volunteer recruitment and line management Implementing and updating health and safety records and assessments Livestock husbandry Good communication skills to engage with visitors and other stakeholders Knowledge and experience in following and delivering a management plan First aid in the work place Additional information: This role will involve lone working and working in remote locations This role will require occasional weekend, early morning and evening working so will need someone who is able to be flexible This is a Permanent Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week. We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 7th May 2025. For further information please contact iain.whellerrspb.org.uk Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert 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. We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application. The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract. Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.