Job Title: East Kent Coastal Warden

Job Description

East Kent Coastal Warden

JOB DESCRIPTION

Function: To manage Sandwich Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve, Ham Fen Nature Reserve and other nature conservation sites in the Sandwich and Pegwell Bay area on behalf of KWT and the SPB NNR Steering Group

Responsible to: Head of Reserves East

Responsible for: Line management responsibilities for the SPB NNR Warden, Seasonal Contract Wardens, Reserve Honorary Wardens, volunteers and contractors

About Kent Wildlife Trust Kent Wildlife Trust is one of the largest of the 47 Wildlife Trusts, which together make up the Wildlife Trusts Partnership. We are supported and governed by our 31,000 members, and have the simple aim of protecting Kent’s wildlife for the future. To this end, we own or manage 65 nature reserves covering 8,200 acres; we campaign and lobby politicians, decision makers and landowners to ensure site protection and good habitat management; and we run a full programme of education work with schools, colleges and adult groups. The Trust also has five Visitor Centres.

The Trust operates from its headquarters at Tyland Barn, just north of Maidstone. The 85 professional and support staff work within five sections of Reserves; Conservation, Policy and Evidence; People Engagement; Marketing and Membership; Finance and Support Services.

Visit our website to see the range of our activities – www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk.

About the post The post is responsible for the management of two important KWT nature reserves: Sandwich & Pegwell Bay NNR and Ham Fen Nature Reserve.

The primary responsibility is to ensure high quality core management of the Sandwich & Pegwell NNR, which covers some 635 ha [1,570 acres] of inter-tidal mudflat, shingle and sandy beach, sand dune, salt marsh, coastal scrub, chalk cliff and wave-cut platform and artificially created grassland. This complex of coastal habitats supports a very high biodiversity of both flora and fauna and is particularly important for migratory and over wintering birds, invertebrates especially moths, dune-land flora and marine algae. Consequently the complex is protected by a raft of designations including: Local Nature Reserve, National Nature Reserve, Site of Special Scientific Interest, Ramsar, Special Protection Area, Special Area of Conservation Job Description

The land is owned by a combination of organisations including: Dover District Council, Kent County Council, Kent Wildlife Trust, National Trust, RSPB and Thanet District Council. Kent Wildlife Trust is responsible for the management of the reserve and reports to the Sandwich & Pegwell Bay NNR Steering Group, which is responsible for the overall strategic management and development of the reserve. The Steering Group is composed of the land owners plus English Nature & Discovery Park.

The NNR receives an estimated 250,000 visits per annum for a variety of amenity pursuits. This number is likely to grow with the advent of the All England Coast Path and new housing developments around both Dover and Thanet.

The East Kent Coast warden responsibilities include the management of other nature reserves and conservation sites within the Sandwich Area, including Ham Fen and the KWT’s Beaver Project. The post is also responsible for disseminating conservation management advice to neighbours and land owners and assisting with partnership initiatives.

1 Principal Duties

Primary Duties

 To ensure the smooth and safe routine management and maintenance of the Sandwich & Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve and Ham Fen Nature Reserve  To ensure that all Trust activities meet all legal and regulatory requirements  To protect and manage the special habitats and associated flora & fauna of the SPB NNR and Ham Fen NR  To prepare, in consultation with the Head of Reserves East, management plans, budgets, reports, maintain records [including ecological, RPA cross compliance and site usage data] for KWT, regulatory authorities and The SPB NNR Steering Group  To provide help and guidance to visitors and neighbours.  To co-ordinate the management and monitoring of the reserve  To assist with nature conservation developments in the East Kent Coastal Area and to seek connectivity opportunities  To ensure that the highest standards of health and safety are maintained for Trust personnel, contractors and visitors at all times  Line manage the East Kent Coastal reserves management team – contract staff, volunteer trainees, volunteers and honorary wardens  To develop and maintain an effective and well trained group of conservation volunteers  Promote the cause of nature conservation and the work of KWT and The SPB NNR Steering Group  To manage and develop the Ham Fen Beaver Project

Specific Duties

1. Management:

A Preparation of management plans and annual work programmes in consultation with the Head of Reserves East for approval by the SPB Steering Group and KWT B Secure necessary agreements, licences and consents to carry out agreed projects and works C Produce an annual reserve report and interim reports for relevant Job Description

committee meetings and funding organisations D Manage the NNR and Ham Fen and specific projects associated with the East Kent Coastal Area E Maintain and where possible enhance the wildlife habitats associated with the NNR. F Implement rare species monitoring and protection on the NNR and Ham Fen G Maintain good relations with the public, neighbours and stake holders. H Help promote levels of wildlife conservation understanding and awareness by assisting with positive PR and articles and news features I Promote appropriate locations within the catchment area as a focal points for local visitors and tourism interests J Monitor public use of the NNR and other conservation sites within the catchment area K Organise and carry out practical management work in accordance with approved management and working plans L Store, maintain and ensure correct use of tools and equipment M Maintain an inventory of tools and equipment, and keep storage facilities, tools and materials in good working order N Carry out scientific monitoring and recording of the flora, fauna, water levels and other environmental parameters within the catchment area O Have due regard to health and safety at all times, including ensuring that all works by volunteers, staff and contractors conform to Health & Safety Best Practice (i.e. as a minimum are in accordance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974) and the Trust’s Health & Safety Manual P Share with all staff a common duty to recruit members and volunteers, raise funds and enhance the good reputation of KWT wherever the opportunity arises.

Targets will be regularly agreed with the post holder and achievement assessed as part of the appraisal process.

The Job Description will be subject to review and revision from time to time.

2 Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Essential  At least 3 years’ experience of practical wardening and/or conservation project management work.  A good knowledge of nature conservation management, natural history and biological monitoring and surveying techniques.  Physical fitness and an aptitude for outdoor work  Strong self-motivation and commitment to nature conservation and ability to manage and work with people.  An understanding of community working and awareness raising activities  Full clean driving licence.

Desirable  A degree or equivalent in a biological/environmental subject is highly desirable  Experience in the preparation and delivery of management plans and reports.  Experience of leading/managing staff and volunteers.  Practical skills in machine and power tool use with appropriate certification.

Personal Qualities Applicants must demonstrate a mature approach and the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, the public and local communities. To work both as an effective team member; with an ability to use one’s own initiative. Job Description

Qualifications  A qualification to HND or Degree level in ecology and countryside management  Applicants without formal qualifications will be considered but must demonstrate at least 3 years’ experience of practical habitat and volunteer management  Certification and competence in chainsaw and brush cutter use (we will need to see copies of these and any other relevant certificates.)

Essential  At least 3 years’ full-time employed experience of site and practical habitat management  Significant experience in the preparation and delivery of management plans, reports and grant claims  Experience of developing and delivering baseline monitoring programmes  An understanding of community working and awareness raising activities.  Experience of leading/managing staff, volunteers and contractors  Demonstrable capacity to speak confidently at public meetings and presentations  Full clean driving licence

Desirable  Experience of delivering conservation objectives in an arable context  Experience of managing grazing stock for conservation purposes  Experience of managing some or all of the following habitats: coastal grasslands, wetlands and marshland, and/or fen

3 Other Considerations

1. The post is advertised as a full-time post but flexible, part-time arrangements will be considered providing that they apply throughout the year. 2. The post is offered on a continuing contract. 3. Appointment will be subject to a six month probationary period. 4. No person shall be treated less favourably than another on the grounds of sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, ethnic or national origin, religion, colour, age or disability. 5. Appointment is conditional upon receipt of satisfactory 6. The Trust operates a no smoking policy 7. Kent Wildlife Trust is an equal opportunities employer and applicants for staff vacancies shall be short-listed for interview and appointed purely on the grounds of their suitability for the post as laid out in the advertised job description (subject to 5). 8. All staff share a common duty to recruit members and volunteers and enhance the good reputation of the Trust whenever the opportunity arises 9. KWT aims actively to enhance, wherever possible, the opportunities for people with disabilities to experience, understand and enjoy the natural environment. All staff share the responsibility in achieving this. Further information is available from the Head of People Engagement 10. Under Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, all staff have a legal responsibility to: a. take all reasonable care of their health and safety while at work; b. ensure as far as reasonably practicable the safety of other persons, whether other employees or members of the public, who may be adversely affected by their own actions c. co-operate with the Trust to enable it to discharge its obligations satisfactorily Job Description

4 Employment Package

All posts within the Trust operate within pay bands; the relevant band for the EKC Warden is points 5-13/bar 16 currently £17,628 - £23,986/bar £26,366, with annual increments of circa £500. The point on the scale at which the successful applicant starts will depend on skills and experience. Finances permitting, these bands are updated once a year to allow for the rate of inflation. Incremental rises also happen annually depending on available finances and performance.

A vehicle will be provided. Because of the tax implications for the user, private use of the vehicle is permitted only after formal approval by the Chief Executive.

Normal working hours are a 37½ hour week. Office hours are 9.00am until 5.30 pm (including an hour for lunch), although the job will involve some evening and weekend working. Overtime is not paid, but time may be taken off in lieu. The holiday allowance is 23 days a year plus statutory holidays.

After 3 months in post, eligible staff will be automatically enrolled into a workplace pension scheme. Trust will contribute 9% of gross salary provided the employee contributes a minimum of 4%.

5 Procedure For Applicants

Applications Applicants should complete an application form (clearly, and in black pen please, for copying purposes). Please DO NOT include your CV. In your application, you should clearly indicate how your skills, knowledge, qualifications, training and experience meet both the requirements of the job and those qualities considered essential and desirable in a successful candidate.

The provision of false or misleading information by a candidate who is appointed will be grounds for termination of employment without notice.

Applications should be sent to Dot Hughes, Kent Wildlife Trust, Tyland Barn, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3BD. They will not normally be acknowledged. If you would like yours to be acknowledged, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard.

If you wish to discuss this post, please telephone John McAllister, Head of Reserves East on 01622 662012.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon Friday 20th November 2015

Interviews

Interviews will be held at the Trust offices at Tyland Barn on: Monday 30 th November 2015

During the interview, candidates will be asked to give a ten minute presentation. If necessary candidates may be called for a second interview.