Job Description

Post:Assistant Warden(fixed-term contract)Grade:5

Centre:Steart MarshesDirectorate: Centre Development

Reporting to: Site Manager

Main function of post:To assist with activities associated with the successful operation of the reserve, with ecological recording and surveying. To play a key role in public engagement, events and supervise volunteers. To carryout the maintenance of the visitor facilities and grounds.

Supervisory responsibilities: Volunteers

Hours worked: 37.5 hours per week including weekends and bank holidays.

Fixed term contract to start as soon as possible until 31 March 2015 with possibility of extension

Main duties of post:

  1. To assist with the development and day-to-day running of the reserveand a visitor facilities.
  1. Operate a variety of farm and plant machinery with a high regard to safety regulations, use all tools safely and correctly and observe and apply Health and Safety regulations at all times.
  1. In conjunction with other staff, deal with telephone calls, correspondence and direct enquires from the public and visitors on a daily basis including out of office hours.
  1. To undertake guided walks and to actively liaise with WWT visitors on a daily basis.
  1. To update the WWT Steart Marshes website and social media with visitor information regarding species sightings on the reserve.
  1. To prioritise workloads and implement the reserve work programs at busy times.
  1. To assist with the estate work and maintenance and up-keep of the reserve,bird hides and buildings to ensure theyare safe for staff, volunteers and visitors at all times.
  1. To carryout scientific research, survey and monitoring programmes, collecting data and recording information as required.
  1. To assist with the maintenance of trust vehicles, including tractors, to ensure they are safe and available for use.
  1. To assist with the supervision of volunteers and trainees on work experience.
  1. To support other staff at the visitor centre and carry out a duty manager role.
  1. To act at all times in accordance with the Trust’s Health & Safety Policy and to ensure the safety, welfare and enjoyment of visitors.

In addition to the duties and responsibilities listed, the postholder is required to perform any other reasonable duties that may be assigned by the supervisor shown above from time to time.

Date raised: 28th January 2015Amended:

Person Specification

Qualifications:

Essential:

  • Good basic education to GCSE standard (grades A – C) or equivalent, including English and Mathematics
  • Tractor driving skills and lantra training
  • Full UK driving licence
  • Working with the general public
  • First Aid at Work qualification

Desirable

  • Environmental science qualification (and/or experience)
  • Brush cutter skills

Experience

Essential:

  • Agricultural/land-management experience including use of machinery and power tools
  • Interpersonal/communication skills
  • Team working skills
  • Computer skills including word processing and spreadsheets
  • Knowledge of wetland species.

Managerial & Supervisory

Essential:

  • None

Type of staff / Number managed or supervised
Permanent Staff / 0
Supervised / Managed / 0
Volunteers / Casual Workers / 12 volunteers

Desirable:

  • Experience of supervising volunteers.

Responsibility:

Essential:

  • To assist with the day to day running of the reserve under supervision from the Site Manger.
  • To be responsible for the maintenance and up keep of the site’s fixtures and fittings

Levels of financial responsibility

Type of Responsibility / Level (£’s)
Expenditure (exc payroll) / £100
Cash Handling / £50
Assets (required for job, exc buildings)
Visitors (per annum) / n/a

Creative Ability

Essential:

  • Ability to use initiative when dealing with issues on the reserve and centre

Contact

Essential:

  • Daily contact with centre staff, volunteers and trainees
  • Deal with general public and outside bodies on routine matters

General Notes

This position requires a flexible approach to working hours to meet the needs of the job. Weekend working is essential, with some work on statutory holidays. Working outside normal office hours may be required for which agreed TOIL can be taken.

This position is an opportunity to experience a wide variety of jobs in nature conservation and to gain an understanding of agricultural.