APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED FOR THIS POSITION. Spurn Bird Observatory is seeking a dedicated and passionate individual to join our team as an Assistant Warden. The Assistant Warden will work closely with the Observatory Manager, Warden, Little Tern Head Warden and other team members to actively support the daily operations of the observatory, assist with conservation efforts, conduct bird surveys, engage with visitors, and contribute to the overall success of our conservation and research initiatives.
05 January 2024
Position: Spurn Bird Observatory Assistant Warden
Location: Spurn Bird Observatory, East Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Job Type: Full Time, seasonal (flexible start, depending on successful applicants availability: mid-March to 1st April, until 15th November 2024), 37.5 hours p/w
Overview:
Spurn Bird Observatory is seeking a dedicated and passionate individual to join our team as an Assistant Warden. The Assistant Warden will work closely with the Observatory Manager, Warden, Little Tern Head Warden and other team members to actively support the daily operations of the observatory, assist with conservation efforts, conduct bird surveys, engage with visitors, and contribute to the overall success of our conservation and research initiatives.
Responsibilities:
1. Volunteer Management: Assist the Observatory Manager in the management for the seasonal volunteers, ensure the correct guidance and Health & Safety procedures are followed. Create a weekly rota for the volunteers, alongside the Little Tern Head Warden between May and August, and for the spring & Autumn volunteers to ensure jobs are done when they are required and that coverage is complete for spring and autumn daily point count surveys.
2. Run the Observatory Accommodation on a daily basis. Change and wash bedding, ensuring its cleanliness and hygiene levels, updating the welcome board and ensuring that Health & Safety and Risk Assessments are implemented whilst working with the Observatory Manager to ensure these are kept up to date.
3. Monitoring: Conduct bird surveys, monitoring, and recording of bird and other wildlife sightings through a combination of structured and ad-hoc recording schemes. Collect data for conservation and research purposes. Input daily sightings into the Daily Log and ensure accuracy of records submitted, with the support of the Observatory Manager and Warden.
4. Equipment and Facility Maintenance: Ensure proper maintenance of equipment and facilities, especially the Observatory Accommodation, to uphold safety standards and preserve the observatory's infrastructure. Assist in the implementation of the Land Management Plan and carry out estate maintenance works on our landholdings.
5. Visitor Engagement: Interact with visitors, providing information about bird species, wildlife conservation, and the observatory's mission. Conduct guided tours and educational sessions for groups.
6. Administrative Tasks: Assist in administrative duties such as maintaining records, compiling reports and contributing to our newsletter. Assisting in managing social media platforms to disseminate news and sightings and engage with a wide audience.
7. Work with the Observatory Manager to run and maintain the Spurn Info Hub, and the organising and running of events such as Global Bird Fair and Spurn Migration Festival.
Requirements:
Essential
- Experience of wardening or monitoring duties either in volunteer or professional capacity.
- Strong passion for wildlife conservation, particularly birdlife, with knowledge of UK and Western Palearctic bird species. For regularly occurring UK species: ID by both sight and sound.
- Excellent and mature communication and interpersonal skills for engaging with staff, visitors, volunteers and stakeholders of all ages and backgrounds.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic, outdoor, remote environment with few local amenities.
- Experience in ecological data collection and various bird survey techniques.
- An understanding of bird ringing and its purpose.
- Flexibility to work irregular hours, including weekends and holidays, as needed.
- Good time management skills.
- Practical skills for habitat management and maintenance.
- Lone working, occasionally in remote locations.
Desirable
- A BTO Ringing Permit.
- Previous experience of working with volunteers.
- Brushcutter/hedge trimmer/pesticide application certificates.
Benefits:
- Salary: Up to £22,308 per annum pro rata (NLW).
- Annual leave of 28 days per annum pro rata, plus bank holidays.
- Opportunity to work in a unique and diverse ecological setting.
- Hands-on experience in conservation, bird monitoring techniques, volunteer management and research initiatives.
- Engagement with a vibrant community of birders and conservationists.
- Training opportunities and professional development in ornithology and conservation.
Application Process:
Closing date for receipt of applications is 23:59 on Sunday 18 February 2024 and interviews will be held at Spurn Bird Observatory during the week commencing the 26 February. If you have any questions, please contact Rob Hunton, Observatory Manager, at info@spurnbirdobservatory.co.uk
To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest in the position and relevant experience to Rob Hunton, Observatory Manager, at info@spurnbirdobservatory.co.uk
