Reserve Warden Kenfig Nature Reserve

Job Description

Position - Reserve Warden Kenfig Nature Reserve. Closing date for applications 11th January 2021BackgroundKenfig National Nature Reserve comprised of approximately 1300 acres of managed coastal dunes and wetlands on the Bridgend coastline between Porthcawl and Port Talbot, is regarded as one of the finest examples of sand dune habitats in Europe.Kenfig Pool and Dunes was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest ( SSSI) in 1953, a Local Nature Reserve in 1978, and a National Nature Reserve in (NNR) in 1989. Furthermore, in 2006 the majority of Kenfig dunes were designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under the EC Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43 EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Flora and Fauna) giving the site both national and international protection.Main DutiesDay to day responsibility for all aspects of the management of the Kenfig Nature Reserve in respect of the approved management plan including -

Production, updating and review of the site management plan.

Carry out, and supervise others in carrying out, estate management, habitat/species management, survey and monitoring, administration, ensuring legal and other obligations are met.

Maintain a presence on site, and an awareness sufficient to identify threats and to prevent undesirable or damaging activities occurring on both the reserve, associated SSSI and any other designations. e.g. SAC

Budget management.

Maintain and develop relationships with appropriate external organisations and individuals, including:

Liaison with local communities and local residents, neighbours and adjoining land owners and individuals with a specific interest in the site, countryside staff and other organisations.

Liaison with any other relevant organisations in respect of the management of the KNNR. e.g. The national Trust, NRW, RSPB etc.

Liaison with educational groups and the general public as appropriate.

Dissemination of practical information and advice.

Provision of information and understanding to a range of audiences through talks, articles, demonstrations and guidance both on and off site, including attendance of selected events where required.

Other duties, including:

Ensure balance in the management operations, resources and the people for whom you are responsible.

Ensure that your staff are well managed, well led, well motivated and continually learning.

Take responsible care for the health and safety of yourself and others and comply with all health and safety legislation as appropriate.

Carry out and regularly review appropriate risk assessments, including stress, on all of your staff.

Ensure you and your staff consistently meet the standards required to fulfil the service expectations of your internal and external customers/citizens and partners and constantly strive to improve.

Carry out other general duties as necessary.

Where the RW is also responsible for non KNNR areas of designated sites that are adjacent or close to the KNNR:

Provision of professional advice and guidance for site and species management on relevant SSSI and SACs.

Provision of estate/habitat/species management advice as required, and possible lead on some casework.

Draft consent/assents and the agreed management policy (AMP) section of site management agreements, as required, and monitor compliance in liaison with Kenfig Nature Corporation directors.

Job Competences Essential

A degree or equivalent in countryside management, Environment management, Biology or Rural Land Use.

Knowledge and experience of a wide range of practical conservation management techniques and principles, with significant practical experience of managing habitats for nature conservation, countryside or rural land use purposes.

A good understanding of ecology principles, general Natural History and taxonomic skills, including the ability to identify most common species relevant to the reserve habitats and an understanding of their ecological needs.

Knowledge and experience of the law relating to wildlife conservation and an understanding of current issues affecting the management of habitats.

Thorough knowledge and experience of biological monitoring and surveying.

Appropriate experience of supervising staff, volunteers and contractors and the ability to manage staff, volunteers and contractors through direct supervision and coordinating tasks.

Good knowledge and understanding of site management planning and recording.

Extensive experience in management of a budget, including preparation of contract specifications, tendering and letting of contracts.

Good administration and IT skills including experience of using computers and a range of computer software packages - Mapinfo, Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and other packages used to run the KNNR.

Thorough working knowledge and experience of Health and Safety legislation and an understanding of key responsibilities.

Excellent communication skills especially when dealing with members of the public, including experience of managing difficult people in difficult situations.

Experience of carrying out guided walks and field education.

Good report writing and correspondence skills

An organised approach to work and the ability to work to tight deadlines.

Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team.

Effective verbal and written communication skills.

A Full valid UK driving licence.

An awareness of Welsh culture, and a positive attitude to linguistic and cultural diversity.

The ability to communicate effectively in both Welsh and English.

Desirable

First Aid Certificate, knowledge and skills,

Broad experience and training in a range of certificated conservation management skills, e.g. Chainsaw certification, ATV certificate etc.

Knowledge and experience of dealing with the media.

Knowledge of social media including Twitter etc.

Salary - £20 - 24K per annum. Depending on experience.Hours are 37.5hrs per week. Including Sat and Sun shifts fortnightly. (Two days off together during week of weekend working).If you are interested in applying for the position please fill in the attached application for and email it via the button below.