Residential on Reserve (More than 4 weeks) (Residential Volunteer Warden - Dorset)

Why We Need You We are looking for enthusiastic residential volunteers to join our Dorset Warden Team, based at Arne, for 6-12 months. You will get a rare opportunity to travel across the county and play a role in the management of the other RSPB reserves in Dorset whilst exploring a diverse range of incredible habitats.

You will become a vital member of the team, helping us to carry out habitat management work to benefit key species including the Dartford Warbler, Nightjar, Southern Damselfly, Dormice and Smooth Snake to name but a few. You will also be involved in the estate management required to upkeep a flagship RSPB reserve that attracts tens of thousands of visitors a year and generates countless new memberships, alongside vital funding to support conservation management.

What’s In It For You You will gain a huge range of skills during your time with us. From practical habitat and estate management and volunteer leadership to public engagement skills and wildlife surveys, with occasional opportunities to support visitor events and species monitoring depending on need.

You will volunteer, not just at one reserve, but across all our Dorset reserves - gaining vital experience, working in wetlands, reedbeds, lowland heath, acid grassland, hazel coppice, ancient woodland, wood pasture and tidal estuaries.

The range of habitats and practical tasks across Dorset will give you an excellent foundation if you are looking for a career in conservation or if you just want to contribute to fighting the climate crisis. Training will be essential to many of the tasks you will carry out and will be provided as needed.

You will be provided with self catering accommodation at Arne reserve, set in the heart of this fantastic area of lowland heath, giving you a chance to get to know all the local wildlife and see the stunning sights of Dorset.

Requirements You must be at least 18 years of age, with a good level of fitness, confident to live in a remote place (potentially on your own), have a full UK driving licence and be a confident driver, show enthusiasm for and passion for wildlife. Due to the physically demanding nature of the work, you must be prepared to undertake strenuous manual labour outside in all weathers.

Though good wildlife ID and some experience of practical skills and knowledge would be of benefit, they are not essential. Your willingness and enthusiasm to learn will make a huge difference to wildlife either way.

Accommodation, including bills, is provided. Appropriate training will be provided and pre-agreed expenses will be reimbursed where necessary.