Residential on Reserve (More than 4 weeks) (Dee Estuary wardening team based at Burton Mere 3-6 months from Late Sept 2022)

Opportunity image

All applicants must be over the age of 18 and hold a full clean drivers licence.

Key Tasks:

Assist Warden staff with day to day reserve management:

  • General estate skills
  • Wider reserve management
  • Health and safety checks
  • Bird monitoring: Breeding, WeBS, roost surveys
  • Leading volunteer work parties
  • Drive between sites.

Key Skills

  • Good practical aptitude
  • Experience in use of hand tools
  • Good ecological knowledge
  • Conscientious eye for detail Basic Bird ID skills
  • Leadership ability
  • Friendly, outgoing personality
  • Strong belief in RSPB’s mission

Why We Want You:

The Dee Estuary is one of the RSPB’s largest and most up and coming reserves; after modest beginnings over 40 years ago, in the past decade, we have flourished with the development of Burton Mere Wetlands where more than 200 pairs of breeding waders thrive and nearly 50,000 annual visitors come to enjoy the rich and varied wildlife. With satellite sites at Parkgate, Point of Ayr and Woolston Eyes to also manage, the small staff team need support from residential volunteers in order to keep on top of everything and be able to continually improve the reserve for both wildlife and visitors. Our residential volunteers are key members of the reserve team.

What’s In It For you:

If you’re seeking a career in conservation, this placement would be perfect. You will gain priceless experience of getting to grips with practical reserve management (such as water level control, coppicing, reed management, estate work and bird monitoring) On top of all of that, you get to live in well-equipped accommodation in the heart of a truly special nature reserve with egrets out of the living room window, a badger hide on your doorstep and boasting some of the best sunsets in the country.

Notes

Appropriate training will be provided and expenses will be re-imbursed where necessary. The RSPB is the UK charity working to secure a healthy environment for birds and wildlife, helping to create a better world for all of us. We belong to BirdLife International, the global partnership of bird conservation organisations. Your time and skills could make a real difference to the work of the RSPB and it would be great if you could join us.