Elmley National Nature Reserve - Nature Engagement Officer and Warden
1 day per week
The part-time position of Engagement Officer and Warden requires a highly enthusiastic and creative person with a passion for the natural environment to help support and deliver small scale nature recovery projects, to create and deliver a programme of ecologically focused educational activities to share with schools and youth groups. You will work closely with Elmley's Lead Nature Guide and Warden, help mentor our Nature Guide Trainee and work to communicate Elmley’s nature recovery story through a variety of media.
The candidate would need to have some experience in the delivery of nature recovery projects and primarily be someone who can engage and inspire, with previous communications and education experience. Being a good team player as well as someone able to operate on their own and organise their own workload is essential. This is a hands-on practical position but good IT skills are also a priority.
This role is about people and nature and the responsibilities are:
* Engaging and managing visitors both new and established
* Administrating and growing the 'Friends of Elmley' membership
* Being responsible for the Reserve’s hides and facilities
* Coordination and administration of the Reserve’s Gate Wardens and Volunteer Wardens
* Supporting the Land Management team with exciting projects like the Curlew Recovery Project
* Developing a close working relationship with the team running our overnight stays and events
* Leading group or private tours when needed
Key skills:
* Excellent communicator with proven relationship building experience
* Practical thinker
* Good knowledge of UK wildlife, especially wetland birds
* Strong administration and organisational skills
* A can do attitude is essential
* Experience of working with volunteers preferred
About Elmley:
Elmley is the only family managed National Nature Reserve in the UK. Over the last 40 years the entire estate has been restored to nature, and it is now one of the most significant wildlife sites in the UK – particularly known for breeding waders, over wintering wildfowl, marsh harriers, abundant owls (short eared, long eared, little, and barn) and hare populations, along with rare insects such as the shrill carder bee and large tortoiseshell butterfly.
* The Nature Reserve welcomes around 15,000 day visitors per year and around 300 members (Friends of Elmley)
* The conservation role is managed by the The Elmley Nature Reserve Community Interest Company
* The hub of the Reserve is Kingshill Farm which also hosts overnight stays, weddings and a small number of immersive events
Finding Elmley:
Kingshill Farm, Elmley Nature Reserve, Sheerness, Kent ME12 3RW will be the place of work. Note if researching location using online maps, please be aware that some apps will add 30 mins to the journey time to account for a footpath, it is suggested that the postcode ME12 3RN is used instead.
Elmley is located in North Kent, it is 30mins from Faversham, Maidstone and the Medway Towns, 45mins from Canterbury, 1 hour from South London.
Due to the rural location, own transport is advised.
If you are interested in applying for the role please send a Cover Note along with your CV to Grace Spooner at gracesp@elmleynaturereserve.co.uk.
About Elmley Enterprises:
Elmley Nature Reserve is an award winning hospitality venue based on Isle of Sheppey North Kent.Based on National Nature Reserve of internatinoal wildlife significance, Elmley offers luxurious stays in nature and bespoke events.In 2019 Elmley was awarded Best Sheppey Business at the Swale Business Awards.In 2017 Elmley was awarded Best Small Accommodation Provider at the Visit Kent Awards.