Dear Applicant, Skokholm Island, General Background Information

Skokholm Island was the UK‟s first Bird Observatory in 1933, ringing ceased in the 1970s. Since these early days the island has been managed for wildlife and was declared a National Nature Reserve on 06 December 2008. Skokholm Island‟s future was fully secured by the Wildlife Trust of South and West in 2006 when then island was purchased from a local estate.

Since purchasing the island Skokholm has gone through a major renovation project which has seen some old buildings brought back into comfortable living spaces. The island can once again accommodate up to 21 overnight guests (self-catered) who will be the wardens responsibility in terms of the quality of experience they have on the island. The bookings are handled by the Wildlife Trust's administrator on the mainland.

In order to give Skokholm back its heart we are aiming to re-establish full Bird Observatory status over the next few years.

The appointed warden for this role will play a significant part in driving the re-accreditation of the Bird Observatory – through ensuring daily census counts are carried out, overseeing ringing activities, being responsible for record keeping/production of annual reports and developing research. The warden must also look after the infrastructure of the island.

In 2013 two long-term volunteers will be recruited to assist with this. We aim to appoint a seasonal Assistant Warden in 2014.

The Friends of Skokholm and are an active “local” group who will also provide the warden with a huge amount of support, encouragement and fun. You will also be working closely with the Skomer Warden.

The Wildlife Trust is looking for someone who can be the face of the Island. You will have a passion for wildlife which you must be willing to share with others. You must enjoy living and working as part of a small, like-minded community– it is not an island where you will simply get away from the busy/hectic life.

The island is fairly remote and we aim to have the island inhabited from March – October. There are usually only two boats a week when visitors are on the island (April - October). Accommodation (included as part of the contract) is basic but comfortable. The successful candidate will be expected to arrange their own accommodation for the winter months (Nov-Feb). The role is fully absorbing as you will be living and breathing Skokholm– a flexible TOIL system is in operation. We would be open to couples applying for the role as a job share.

For an insight into island life visit the Skokholm Blog http://skokholm.blogspot.co.uk/ or The Friends of Skokholm and Skomer website http://www.friendsofskokholmandskomer.org/

If you have any further questions about the role please contact:

Chris Taylor –Skomer Warden. [email protected] 07971 114302

Chris Taylor – Skomer Warden August 2012 General Terms and Conditions:

Duration of post: Permanent Pay: £14,500 Hours of work: Up to 48 hours per week. The post may sometimes involve working long days and / or unsociable hours. The Trust does not operate an overtime system but a time off in lieu system is in operation. Holidays: 20 days initially plus statutory days and any additional days granted by the Trustees to all staff

Closing dates for applicants:

Deadline for applicants: 12pm 14 September 2012 Invitation for interviews by 20 September 2012 Interviews: 27/28 September 2012 (on Skokholm or mainland alternative) Start date for job: 7 January 2013

Application forms are available from http://www.welshwildlife.org/about-us/jobs/ Or contact Wendy-Barnes Jones on 01239 621600.

Completed application forms:

Please email them to [email protected]

Or post to:

Skokholm Island Application The Welsh Wildlife Centre Cardigan Pembrokeshire SA43 2TB

Chris Taylor – Skomer Warden August 2012 JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE - Skokholm Island Warden

TEAM - Conservation

WORKING BASE - Skokholm Island

RESPONSIBLE TO - Skomer Warden

RESPONSIBLE FOR - Long-Term Volunteers Assistant Warden (2014 – onwards)

------OVERALL PURPOSE OF JOB ------. The day to day management of Skokholm Island National Nature Reserve; . The management of visitors to the island and . The development and management of the Skokholm Bird Observatory.

------MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES ------

The day to day management of Skokholm Island National Nature Reserve 1) Habitat and species management; 2) Biological surveys in accordance with the management plan (mainly monitoring, vegetation monitoring); 3) Management planning in conjunction with the Islands Advisory Committee; 4) Recruiting and training long term volunteers; 5) Island administration, including financial management; 6) Reporting island activities through the Annual Report and reporting to the Islands Advisory Committee; 7) Health and Safety matters relating to all activities on the island (risk assessments, training, emergency procedures).

The management of visitors to the island 1) Running of accommodation for up to 21 overnight guests; 2) Buildings/machinery maintenance; 3) Promotion of the island (Media, Facebook/Twitter, etc.).

The development and management of the Skokholm Bird Observatory 1) Development of Bird Observatory activities and status (daily census counts, supervising ringing activities, development of research); 2) Develop/supervise research activities.

Chris Taylor – Skomer Warden August 2012

JOB SPECIFICATION

 Management and supervision The post holder will be required to work as part of the Conservation Team under the line management of the Skomer Warden but with input from members of the Senior Management Team (SMT) when appropriate. The post holder will be responsible for the on-site supervision of volunteers and in the future, seasonal staff. The post holder will also have a supervisory responsibility for any researchers and ringers based on the island. The post holder may have responsibility for supervision of contractors. Because of the nature of the location there will be limited direct supervision and contact with line manager and SMT will, during the summer season, be mainly by phone and email.

 Accountability and resources The post holder will be responsible for the safe delivery of practical and survey/monitoring work to specified and professional standards. The post holder will be responsible for the inspection & basic maintenance and repairs to buildings, tools, machinery and vehicles and for the reporting of and defects. They will also be expected to minimise the wastage of materials and resources. The post holder will be responsible for holding, supervising and budgeting the island‟s finances with support from the Skomer Warden and members of SMT.

 Job impact This role has significant external impact through media, social media, blogs etc. The warden will be expected to be the „face‟ of the island and of the Wildlife Trust. There is also significant external impact through the management of visitors, volunteers and contact with partner organisations including government agencies and universities. There is significant internal & external impact regarding the safe delivery of work and the safety of visitors to the reserve.

 Independence and judgement This role requires a significant element of independence and an ability to problem solve on a regular basis.

 People and contacts This post will require regular working with a wide range of staff, volunteers and partner organisations requiring excellent people skills and a breadth of skills in communicating by different means.

 Creativity and Innovation The post holder will be expected to bring creativity and innovation to work programming, work planning and the writing of management plans as well as inputting to the strategic development of the island as a business.

 Working conditions The post holder will be based on Skokholm between March and October with a mainland base during the winter months. It will be the responsibility of the post holder to arrange winter accommodation.

Chris Taylor – Skomer Warden August 2012

PERSON SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE - Skokholm Warden

TEAM - Conservation

Experience: 3 + years experience in a relevant role

Competency All round bird identification by sight and sound Bird ringing experience and knowledge (see below) Good record keeping and report writing skills General buildings maintenance Engine maintenance (diesel dumper truck and small petrol engines) Recruiting, developing and engaging volunteers. Managing staff or long-term volunteer placements

Knowledge Understanding of Bird Observatory activities Understanding of coastal habitats, seabird ecology and conservation Knowledge of a wide range of monitoring methods (, vegetation, other birds) Up to date knowledge of health and safety related to the post

Personal qualities Demonstrable experience of sharing your passion for wildlife with people from a wide variety of ages and backgrounds Excellent interpersonal skills

Desirable BTO "A" permit Trainer ideally but will consider „C‟ or „T‟ permit holder with a willingness to develop their skills or a non ringer with relevant experience in other areas Full first-aid at work Experience of living in a remote location Experience with social media (blogging, twitter, facebook) Experience with running overnight accommodation Experience of more advanced provision of services including water, electrical systems/generators, sewage treatment, gas. Experience of driving tractors or other agricultural machinery

Chris Taylor – Skomer Warden August 2012