Job Application Pack for the Post of Hedgehog Officer

Job Application Pack for the post of Hedgehog Officer

Job Description:

Accountable to: Wildlife Engagement Officer

Location: Parkridge Centre, Solihull, West Midlands

Salary: £17350 (Grade 2a) 1 year Fixed Term Contract with the possibility of extension (subject to additional funding being secured)

Liaison with: Community, other staff, volunteers, external partners and organisations

Responsible for: Volunteers, ecological surveys, running events, tools and equipment

Hours: Full time: 35 hours per week; 25 days leave per annum.

We are looking for a dynamic individual to deliver the nation’s first dedicated hedgehog conservation area or Hedgehog Improvement Area (HIA) in Solihull during 2015. This innovative mixed-method approach to community-based conservation aims to bolster local hedgehog populations in Solihull through habitat improvements, ecological survey work and community engagement. Funded by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) and developed in collaboration with Reading University, the project will aim to empower local people and organisations to take action to make a measurable positive difference for their local hedgehog populations.

The post holder will have a broad range of conservation skills and experience that are required for this position and will have a genuine passion for nature conservation with a specific interest in urban mammal ecology.

We are looking for someone with excellent community engagement skills, who can inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to rally together to help this struggling species and influence real change at a local level through a variety of public engagement activities. A key element of this position is ecological survey work, both through designing, planning and delivering a range of scientifically rigorous hedgehog population surveys and co-ordinating large-scale ongoing citizen science projects. Another central component of this role is delivering a wide-range of habitat improvement works throughout the project area; therefore a working knowledge of conservation/habitat management principles is required. Please note that training for particular mammal surveys and practical habitat management tasks will be given for this post.

The post holder will work closely with staff members, volunteers and local organisations but will also need to be confident working independently and have the initiative required to make this dynamic project a success.

1 Job Purpose:

To deliver the nation’s first dedicated community-based hedgehog conservation area or Hedgehog Improvement Area (HIA) in Solihull, West Midlands throughout 2015. The post holder will plan, organise and carry out habitat improvement works, comprehensive ecological surveys and a range of community engagement activities alongside the aims of the new exciting HIA initiative.

Key Responsibilities:

1. People engagement and supporter development 1.1 Be responsible for the co-ordination and successful delivery of the HIA project including assisting with the Help for Hedgehogs Campaign elsewhere in the county where necessary. 1.2 Plan, organise and deliver a broad range of exciting and innovative events, activities and programmes that empower local communities to help hedgehogs in Solihull. 1.3 Raise awareness of hedgehog conservation issues in and around the HIA through regular press releases, community talks and school visits. 1.4 Develop strong links and active relationships with local community groups, schools, businesses and other key stakeholders in Solihull, persuading them to support the project. 1.5 Liaise with private land owners and land managers to encourage habitat improvement works on their sites. 1.6 Foster strong working relationships with local businesses, encouraging them to volunteer time and funds towards the HIA. 1.7 Establish, manage and work with a group of regular HIA volunteers on all aspects of the project. 1.8 Promote volunteering for the Trust alongside the Help for Hedgehogs Campaign and HIA project. 1.9 Act as an ambassador for Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and embed Warwickshire Wildlife Trust values, behaviours and messages in all work.

2. Survey work and monitoring 2.1 Plan, organise and deliver a range of ecological surveys measuring hedgehog distribution and population dynamics, using a combination of approaches including mammal footprint tunnels and capture-mark-recapture methods. 2.2 Promote and coordinate citizen science hedgehog surveys within the HIA. 2.3 Conduct habitat surveys including Phase 1, hedgerow surveys and other condition surveys. 2.4 Organise and interpret ecological data using GIS and statistical analysis methods. 2.5 Conduct social surveys designed to measure changes in attitudes, perceptions and habits within the community. 2.6 Facilitate and support additional hedgehog surveys in partnership with other organisations as and if they arise.

3. Habitat improvements and management 3.1 Organise and lead practical habitat management projects on private and community sites. 3.2 Ensure that volunteers, groups and businesses within the local community are recruited to provide assistance with habitat improvement works. 2 3.3 Undertake risk assessments for sites and activities and that all records are kept and assessments are reviewed in the required timescale for all practical activities. 3.4 Provide hedgehog friendly habitat management plans for stakeholders where necessary. 3.5 Produce reflective reports and learning papers that inform future hedgehog conservation best-practice guidance.

4. Marketing and communications 4.1 Research and produce interpretative materials about hedgehogs and hedgehog conservation issues, using a range of media whilst ensuring that it is suitable for a variety of audiences. 4.2 Support the Trust’s website, member communications and social media activity through providing regular content, including video. 4.3 Provide a public face for the HIA project and other relevant activities to the media and be prepared to give interviews to the press, radio and television when required.

5. General 5.1 Promote the work, mission and vision of the Trust at all appropriate times. 5.2 Use every opportunity commensurate with other duties to contribute to the Trust’s membership recruitment, fundraising and engagement of people. 5.3 Ensure a high level of customer service in all dealings with the public. 5.4 Ensure continuous development of skills and knowledge required for the post, undergoing training and performance review as required by the Trust. 5.5 Work within all the policies and procedures of the Trust, ensuring own compliance with the Trust’s health and safety policies and procedures and that of any resources for whom you are responsible. 5.6 Work at all times within the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust’s Equal Opportunities Policy and to promote equal opportunities. 5.7 Comply with all legal and contractual obligations concerning the responsibilities of your post. 5.8 Assist in the preparation of annual budgets, work programmes and reporting requirements for your area of work. 5.9 Supervise and support volunteers as appropriate to your role. 5.10 Carry out any other reasonable duties commensurate with the level of responsibility of the post, as requested by your line manager or the Chief Executive.

3 Person specification: The post-holder will have a range of knowledge, skills and experience. The following is a summary indication of the key requirements for this post: Experience Essential Desirable Previous relevant experience in community engagement activities  Broad experience of developing and fostering relationships with community groups or outreach programmes  Experience of capture-mark-recapture mammal surveys  Experience in dealing with the public in face-to face situations  Experience of delivering innovative interpretation and public engagement activities  Working as part of a team and in partnership with other organisations  Managing public events  Working with volunteers  Practical habitat management experience  Health and safety management, including writing risk assessments  Knowledge Essential Desirable Relevant degree / postgraduate qualification  Knowledge of urban wildlife conservation issues and survey approaches  Knowledge of methods of encouraging participation from a wide audience  Evidence of understanding of rural and urban communities  General natural history and issues in conservation  Basic knowledge of marketing, campaigning and communications methods and opportunities  Interest and understanding of how to engage others in wildlife, wild places, the outdoors, arts and culture  Understanding of community structures and organisations  Knowledge of the Wildlife Trusts and their work  Knowledge of the habitats, wildlife and wild places found in Warwickshire  Skills Essential Desirable Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including public speaking and literacy  An infectious ability to enthuse, motivate and engage with diverse audiences.  Strong ecological survey skills, specifically mammal and habitat surveys  Basic knowledge of marketing, campaigning and communications methods and opportunities  Good organisational and time management skills; able to prioritise workloads effectively, meet deadlines and monitor the outcomes  Innovative and enthusiastic about interpreting wildlife and the environment  Highly organised, with effective planning skills  Ability to take initiative, work alone and within a team  Self-motivated, to be able to work confidently on own initiative  The ability to think creatively and convert ideas to practical activities 

4 IT literate and competent in Microsoft Office packages / GIS platforms  Flexible approach  Full UK driving licence  Hold or has the capability to acquire a First aid qualification 

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR THE POST OF HEDEGHOG OFFICER

Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Warwickshire Wildlife Trust was established in 1970 and now manages some 60 nature reserves, has 23,500 members and is supported by more than 700 volunteers. The Trust is the largest local conservation charity working across Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull.

Our main purpose is to promote the interests of wildlife, wild places and the natural environment for the wider benefit of society, people and local communities. The Trust is also a member of the network of 47 Wildlife Trusts covering the whole of the UK, the Isle of Man and Alderney. We are working for an environment rich in wildlife for everyone. With more than 800,000 members, we are the largest UK voluntary organisation dedicated to conserving the full range of the UK’s habitats and species whether they be in the country, in cities or at sea. More than 150,000 of our members belong to our junior branch, Wildlife Watch. We manage around 2,300 nature reserves covering more than 90,000 hectares; we stand up for wildlife; we inspire people about the natural world and we foster sustainable living. Last year, we reviewed more than 70,000 planning applications The Wildlife Trusts have a vision to create A Living Landscape and secure Living Seas for the whole UK.

Further information on the Trust can be found on our web site: www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

Selection and Assessment The candidates who appear to best meet the person specification will be invited to attend for interview. We recommend that applicants pay particular attention to demonstrating how they meet the person specification on the application form.

The assessment will consist of an interview, practical exercise and a presentation designed to give candidates an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and suitability for the post. Details will be sent to short-listed candidates.

Appointment All our offers of employment are made, subject to some pre-employment checks including: Satisfactory References, Checks on eligibility to work in the United Kingdom, Checks on relevant certificates. Due to the anticipated level of contact with children or other vulnerable members of society involved with this role, an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check will be required.

Salary Your initial salary will be based on your skills, knowledge and experience, and progression will be based on your performance. You will be paid monthly in arrears by credit transfer to a bank or building society account.

Location This post will be based at the Trust’s offices at the Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Solihull. Employees may be required to work at other Trust or non-Trust sites from time to time. The successful candidate will be expected to travel to visit reserves and other sites around the county; 5 some reserves are in remote locations and many include rough terrain as an integral part of their character. The role will involve some lone working.

Hours of Work Our employees work a 35 hour week (full time). In view of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust’s work, employees can be called upon from time to time to work a reasonable period outside of the set hours. No overtime will be payable. Time Off in Lieu will be given for any hours worked in excess of the 35 hours.

Holiday Entitlement Our holiday year runs from April to March. Full time employees get 25 days holiday per year plus bank holidays. For permanent members of staff this increases to 28 days after 3 years and 30 days after 10.

Pension You will be automatically enrolled in the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Stakeholder Pension Scheme if you meet the eligibility criteria, though you may opt out. Both the Trust and employee contribute 3% of salary to the scheme.

Notice If you choose to leave the Trust you will be required to give one months’ notice.

Equal Opportunities Warwickshire Wildlife Trust is committed to equal opportunities and appoints on merit. We welcome applicants from all sections of society regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, disability, marital status, age and religion, perceived community background or political beliefs.

CVs Please be advised that CV's cannot be accepted on their own and will not be considered if submitted without a completed application form. A completed Warwickshire Wildlife Trust application form only will be accepted.

Responding to Applications Thank you for showing an interest in this job and for taking the time to apply. Unfortunately, due to administration costs borne by the charity, we regret that only short-listed candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date then please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

The purpose of this information is solely to provide prospective candidates with details relating to the post. It may not be construed as an offer of employment, nor does it form part of the contract of employment or the role profile.

6 Job advert:

Warwickshire Wildlife Trust

Hedgehog Officer Full time: 35 hours per week; £17350 (Grade 2a). Fixed term contract with the possibility of extension (subject to additional funding being secured); 25 days leave per annum

The Role An exciting new opportunity has arisen to deliver the nation’s first dedicated community-based hedgehog conservation area or Hedgehog Improvement Area (HIA) in Solihull, West Midlands. The post holder will plan, organise and carry out habitat improvement works, comprehensive ecological surveys and a range of community engagement activities alongside the aims of this innovative project.

The Candidate We are looking for a dynamic and talented individual to deliver the HIA project during 2015. The post holder will have a broad range of conservation skills and experience, and will have a genuine passion for nature conservation with specific knowledge and experience in urban mammal ecology.

We are situated at the heart of England, in a beautiful part of the country with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who work hard to deliver the Trust’s aspirations. As part of our team you will have a creative approach and the ability to drive change and make exciting things happen.

We believe this is a great opportunity for someone who wants to make a real and lasting contribution: if this is you, we would love to hear from you. In return we can offer a great place to work in a supportive and friendly environment and competitive benefits.

How to apply Visit our website for further information and an application form: www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk If you require any assistance to participate in the recruitment process such as an alternative format application form or accessible interview location please contact us. 7 Closing Date: 17.00 Monday the 1st of December 2014

Interview dates: TBC – 15th/16th December 2014