APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED FOR THESE POSITIONS.

 

Job Title: Seasonal Little Tern Warden

 

Location: Beacon Lagoons, Kilnsea, East Yorkshire 

 

Job Type: Seasonal, Full-time

 

Positions: 3.

• Position 1: 1st May until 31st August

• Position 2: 15th May until 15th August

• Position 3: 1st June until 31st August

 

Overview:

As a Seasonal Little Tern Warden at Beacon Lagoons, you'll play a crucial role in the protection and conservation of the vulnerable Little Tern species. Your responsibilities will involve monitoring nesting sites of Little Tern, Ringed Plover and Oystercatcher as well as any other casual breeding shore nesting bird such as Avocet and Little Ringed Plover, educating the public, and implementing conservation measures to ensure the safety and success of these delicate seabirds during their breeding season.

 

Key Responsibilities:

- Nest Site Monitoring: Conduct regular patrols of Little Tern nesting areas to monitor breeding activities, track nesting success, and identify potential threats or disturbances, as well as monitoring other shore nesting species present.

- Working alongside volunteers - both residential observatory volunteers and visiting/local volunteers

- Protection and Conservation: Implement protective measures to safeguard nesting sites, including erecting and maintaining electric fencing, signage, and coordinating with local authorities for necessary support.

- Predator management: deterring predators from entering the area by using flags and horns and chasing them away from the colony.

- Public Education: Engage with visitors and beachgoers to raise awareness about Little Terns, their habitat, and the importance of conservation efforts. Offer guidance on responsible behaviour to minimise disruptions to nesting areas. Run guided walks to show the colony on the Little Tern open day event.

- Data Collection: Maintain accurate records of nesting activity, population counts, and any incidents or disturbances affecting the Little Terns or any species using Beacon Ponds in any capacity. Compile reports as required.

- Collaboration: Coordinate efforts with other wardens, conservation organisations, and relevant stakeholders to ensure a cohesive conservation strategy and effective implementation of protective measures.

 

Qualifications:

- Passion for wildlife conservation and environmental protection.

- Excellent communication skills to interact effectively with visitors and stakeholders.

- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

- Previous experience working with volunteers.

- Previous experience in conservation, wildlife monitoring, or related fields.

- Knowledge of local bird species and their habitats.

- Physical ability to conduct regular patrols along the beachfront and endure outdoor conditions.

- Time management skills.

 

Duration and Hours:

This is a seasonal position during the Little Tern breeding period, typically running from 1st May to 31st August. The position will require full-time availability, including weekends and holidays, with flexibility based on nesting activity and monitoring needs. 24 hour wardening takes place and the wardens will work on a rota to ensure constant coverage is maintained.

 

One of these three positions will be for the role of Head Little Tern Warden who will be responsible for coordinating the Little Tern wardening rotas, and managing volunteers alongside the Assistant Warden.

 

Benefits:

- Salary paid monthly. Rates of pay equal to National Living Wage or National Minimum wage depending upon age.

- Cheap accommodation at Spurn Bird Observatory in a specific cabin for use by the Little Tern Wardens at £50 per week.

- Fantastic opportunity to bolster your CV with paid conservation work on an award winning project. Previous wardens have gone on to bigger roles in the conservation sector after being a warden on the project.

 

Application Process:

Closing date for receipt of applications is 23:59 on Sunday 18 February 2024 and interviews will be held virtually or 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