Join Our Team as a Seasonal Assistant Warden!
17 December 2024
Join Our Team as a Seasonal Assistant Warden!
Full-time, Seasonal (1st April - 15th November 2025), 37.5 hours/week
We are seeking a dedicated, passionate, proactive, and hands-on individual to join our team as an Assistant Warden. The successful candidate will be the face of the Observatory, working closely with the Observatory Manager, Warden, Little Tern Head Warden, and other team members to support the Observatory’s daily operations. They will also manage the team of residential volunteers.
The role will primarily focus on land management (involving manual labour in the field), estate maintenance, visitor liaison and some bird surveying. Additionally, this role includes assisting with conservation efforts and contributing to the success of our research and conservation initiatives. There may be opportunities to take part in bird ringing activities outside of the working day with the Warden.
What You’ll Be Doing:
Leading & Supporting Volunteers
Manage and support our seasonal volunteers as they conduct surveys and practical conservation work. You’ll guide their work, create the weekly rota in conversation with other staff,, and make sure everyone’s safe, supported and motivated.
Keeping the Observatory Running Smoothly
Oversee the Observatory’s accommodation by changing bedding, maintaining cleanliness, taking bookings and helping keep our visitor spaces welcoming.
Maintaining Equipment & Grounds
Carry out land management and estate upkeep. Working on repairs, equipment maintenance, habitat management and keeping the observatories infrastructure in top shape and safe for visitors to our land.
Helping with Records & Outreach
Assist with wildlife and survey record-keeping, social media updates, and the Observatory’s newsletter. You’ll help keep our community and visitors informed and engaged with the latest sightings and events. To think creatively about how to expand our supporter-base and share our important work.
Supporting Events
Join the team in the running and promotion of the Spurn Info Hub and shop, and with events such as Global Bird Fair and Spurn Migration Festival.
Surveying Birds & other wildlife
Conduct structured bird surveys, and record daily sightings in the recording area. Ensure data is recorded accurately, with help from colleagues. and submitted promptly.
Engaging Visitors - Share your knowledge with visitors through guided walks and events- helping us to inspire and educate others about the importance of wildlife and habitat monitoring, bird ringing and conservation.
What We’re Looking For:
Experience & Passion for Conservation
We’re looking for someone with experience in wildlife monitoring, a good understanding of UK bird species, and a genuine love for nature and conservation.
Friendly & Communicative
You’ll be engaging with visitors, volunteers, and fellow team members, so excellent communication skills and a warm, welcoming approach are key.
Independent & Reliable
Our Assistant Warden needs to be able to work independently and manage a variety of tasks in a remote, outdoor environment. You will need to be able to use your own initiative to complete and prioritise tasks.
Skills & Flexibility
Experience in practical habitat management and ecological data collection. You’ll also need to be flexible with working hours, as nature and overnight guests do not always keep a 9-to-5 schedule!
Extra Experience That’s a Bonus:
Volunteer management experience
Familiarity with bird survey techniques
Familiarity with brushcutters, hedge trimmers, or pesticide application
What We Offer:
Salary: £19,500 to £23,809.50 per annum (pro-rata)
Leave: 28 days of annual leave, including bank holidays (pro-rata)
Hands-on Conservation Experience: Work closely with nature in a unique setting, gaining practical skills in bird monitoring, land management and volunteer management.
A Welcoming Community: Join a friendly, vibrant network of birders and conservationists
Training & Development: Grow your skills in ornithology and conservation
Ready to Apply?
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you! Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining why you’re interested in the role and your relevant experience to Rob Hunton, Observatory Manager, at info@spurnbirdobservatory.co.uk.
Application Deadline: 23:59 on Sunday, 19th January 2025
Interviews: Scheduled for the week of 27th January 2025 at Spurn Bird Observatory.
For questions, feel free to contact us at info@spurnbirdobservatory.co.uk.
