Dear Applicant,

Community Involvement Ranger – £16,350 - £18,500

Thank you for your enquiry regarding our advertised vacancy. An application form is enclosed, together with a job description, person specification and other background information about the Eastern Moors, RSPB and National Trust. If you have seen this vacancy advertised on our website, please refer to ‘Working for the RSPB’ which contains information about our benefits and terms and conditions. This document can be downloaded if required.

If you require further information about this post, please contact Lisa Crossland, telephone 07713 392036, email lisa.crossland@rspb.org.uk.

Please complete the enclosed application form in blue or black ink. Please refer to the person specification when completing the form. Your completed application form should clearly describe how you meet each of the criteria that have been identified as being necessary for this post as this will form the basis of short-listing candidates. If you enclose a CV, it may be referred to for supplementary information, however, please ensure that all the questions asked on the application form are fully answered.

We take all practicable steps to safeguard the safety and welfare of children and vulnerable adults while they are in contact with the RSPB and have a Child Safety and Welfare Policy that supports this. If the post you have applied for involves unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults, further checks will be carried out. We also confirm your eligibility to work in the UK prior to appointment.

Completed forms should be returned to Lisa Crossland, RSPB Denby Dale, Westleigh Mews, Wakefield Road, Denby Dale, Huddersfield, HD8 8QD. Please check the postage required on your application as incorrect postage may lead to your application being delayed and missing the closing date. If you require acknowledgement of receipt of your application, please enclose a stamped, addressed envelope. Alternatively, you can email your application to lisa.crossland@rspb.org.uk.

The closing date for receipt of completed application forms is Friday 6 March 2015. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 7 April.

If you are an external candidate, may we take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in employment with the RSPB. As a charity, we try to keep our administration costs to a minimum and therefore you will only be contacted if we wish to progress with your application. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date, you should assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. However, if you are able to supply us with an e-mail address, we will endeavour to advise you if you have not been shortlisted.

We look forward to receiving your application in due course.

With best wishes,

Katherine ClarkeKatherine ClarkeVisitor Services Manager

Vacancy pack

This pack contains all the information you need to apply, including:

Useful InformationDetails on our Diversity Policy statement, how we use CVs, shortlisting and employment checks and UK Identification requirements

Applicant letterDetails on how to apply plus closing date and interview date(s)

Job descriptionA breakdown of the vacancy, including the purpose of the job, requirements, duties and responsibilities

Person specificationA list of criteria that potential candidates should aim to meet

Department information*Details of the department advertising the post

Application FormPDF version

Please print out, complete and return to the address on the Applicant letterWord version

Applicants are encouraged to complete electronically and return by e-mail

* This information will only be provided if it is relevant to this post

Applications from candidates requiring a certificate of sponsorship under the UK points-based immigration system will not be considered if there are suitable candidates who do not require sponsorship. This is because employers need to demonstrate that they are unable to recruit a resident worker, before they can recruit a non-resident worker*.

The resident worker rule does not prevent applicants requiring sponsorship from applying for our vacancies, but such applications should be made on the understanding that they can only be considered subject to the restrictions above.

For further information, please visit the Home Office UK Border Agency website.

*This rule does not apply to those applying for roles that require a bachelor, postgraduate degree or postgraduate certificate in education qualification. It is necessary for the qualification to be an essential requirement for the role and the applicant to prove that they possess such a qualification (or have completed a minimum of 12 months study in the UK towards a UK PhD), which is recognised in the UK.

Useful InformationThe RSPB is currently going through a job evaluation review.  We just wanted to let you know that all jobs are subject to this review, including our current job vacancies.  The results of the job evaluation review and the new payband structure will be implemented across the RSPB later in 2015 and you will be kept fully informed of the outcomes.

Diversity Policy StatementThe RSPB is part of a global network that incorporates a diversity of traditions and cultures, and which represents different inheritances, backgrounds, influences, perspectives and experiences. A better understanding of people’s differences will help us to appreciate and value everyone’s contribution, and recognise that we are all an integral and invaluable part of the Society.

Everyone has the right to be treated with consideration and respect. The Society is committed to achieving a truly inclusive environment for all, by developing better working relationships that release the full potential, creativity and productivity of each individual, and an atmosphere where everyone can learn, work and live free from prejudice, discrimination, harassment and violence.

The Society aims to ensure that all staff, volunteers, partners, clients, contractors, members and the general public are treated fairly. Unless it can be shown to be justified, this will be regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender re-assignment, marital or civil partnership status, race (including colour, nationality, ethnicity, or national origin), disability, medical status, age, religion or belief, political opinion, social or economic status, or ex-offender status.

Use of Curriculum Vitae (CVs)Our policy is to recruit and employ our employees on the basis of their suitability for the work to be done. An application form allows us to compare individuals based on like for like information and as such we do not accept a CV unless accompanied by a fully completed application.

ShortlistingThe RSPB is an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to ensuring all applications are treated fairly. Applications are sought only from those eligible to work in the UK in the first instance.

All applications are subject to our shortlisting process where we only assess information provided against the Person Specification. If you are shortlisted we will contact you and invite you to attend an interview. You will also be advised at this point if there will be any skills test, presentations etc.

As a charity, we lack the resources to advise all candidates if their application is unsuccessful. If you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, we will have decided not to take your application any further. However, if you are able to supply us with an e-mail address, we will endeavour to advise you if you have not been shortlisted. If this is the case, please do not be discouraged from re-applying as your skills and experience may be just what we need for our next vacancy. We also have a number of volunteering opportunities across the organisation.

Employment ChecksAll offers of employment are made subject to the following criteria:

Proof of eligibility to work in the UK, Proof of Residency, Satisfactory Employment Health Check, Two references satisfactory to the Society and where required a Satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau Check.

Job Description

Job Title: Community Involvement Ranger NT/RSPB Eastern Moors

Dept/Section/Region/Reserve: Eastern Moors, Northern England Regional Reserves

Location of Job: Eastern Moors, Peak District

Post holder reports to: Eastern Moors Visitor Services Manager

Reporting To Post holder: Contractors and Volunteers

Other onsite relations: Eastern Moors Site Manger, Eastern Moors Projects Manager, Eastern Moors Warden team, Reserves Administrator, National Trust Staff. RSPB Staff.

Background

The Eastern Moors is 10 square miles of stunning upland habitat in the Peak DistrictNational Park, just a stone's throw from the city of Sheffield and looked after by theEastern Moors Partnership, a joint initiative between the RSPB and the National Trust. Home to an abundance of wildlife from allusive adders to elegant red deer, teeming with fascinating cultural history and enjoyed by thousands of people from mountain bikers to fell runners, wildlife enthusiasts to artists, the Eastern Moors is a place cherished by local people and visitors from afar. The Community Involvement Ranger will fit seamlessly within the dedicated, dynamic Eastern Moors team, who strive to celebrate, protect and enhance the Eastern Moors for people and wildlife, whilst remaining true to the site's unique spirit. At the heart of the management of the Eastern Moors are the dedicated people who volunteer their time, enthusiasm, experience and expertise to look after the public site. The Community Involvement Ranger will harness the existing support from local communities and visitors whilst inspiring more people from a range of ages and backgrounds, to become guardians of the moors. Through activities, events and initiatives which better connect people with nature, the Visitor Experience Ranger will fuel intrigue, inspire a sense of ownership and responsibility and enable people to become involved in looking after the Eastern Moors and wider environment.

This post is supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Overall Purpose of the Job:

To develop inspiring, inclusive volunteering opportunities on the Eastern Moors, enthusing and enabling people to take ownership of, responsibility for and action to look after the site for public enjoyment, wildlife enhancement and the conservation and celebration of the site’s cultural heritage.

To develop a fun, informative and inspiring programme of events and activities connecting people with nature and promoting a range of volunteering opportunities.

To take the lead in the day-to-day upkeep and maintenance of the site’s visitor infrastructure and be the friendly approachable face of the Eastern Moors Partnership, striving to exceed visitor expectation across the site.

To contribute, as part of an enthused team, to the creation of an exemplar site, demonstrating a future model of upland management, where community involvement is key to long-term success.

Main Duties:

1. Plan, organise, promote and deliver on-site community volunteering projects and activities including the Youth Ranger programme, family Muck In Days and Junior Rangers, inspiring and enthusing people to play an integral role in the management of the Eastern Moors.

2. Assist the Visitor Services Manger and Senior Warden with the on-going development of the volunteer team, matching volunteers to tasks, ensuring they have the kit and equipment to do their jobs safely and effectively and identify and organise appropriate individual and group training.

3. Recruit and manage a new team of Patrol Volunteers to assist you in your task of leading on the day to day upkeep and maintenance of the site’s visitor infrastructure, including litter picking and patrolling, and being the friendly approachable face of the Eastern Moors Partnership, striving to exceed visitor expectation across the site.

4. Plan, organise, promote and deliver events and activities on the Eastern Moors, getting people closer and more connected to nature and promoting opportunities for further involvement in the management of the Eastern Moors through membership, volunteering and stakeholder engagement.

5. Identify and source contractors, equipment and materials required to safely and effectively deliver a programme of fun, informative and inspiring volunteering and engagement activities on the Eastern Moors.

6. Monitor and evaluate the volunteering opportunities provided on the Eastern Moors, identifying potential for increased capability and effectiveness, ensuring volunteering on the Eastern Moors is accessible for all.

7. Work in partnership with the National Trust at Longshaw, the RSPB Northern Region, Peak District National Park and other organisations within the Peak District, Sheffield Moors and surrounding area, to deliver projects, activities and events promoting the outdoors as a place for recreation, wildlife conservation and conservation and celebration of our cultural heritage.

8. Engage with existing site users, creating relevant, effective and inclusive opportunities for them to contribute to the management of the site, utilising their expertise and experience and inputting their ideas as appropriate.

Other Duties:

1. Assist the Visitor Services Manager in fully integrating the work of connecting people with nature, within the wider management of the Eastern Moors. This will include working closely with the site Warden team, creating real opportunities for people’s involvement in the delivery of the Eastern Moors Management Plan.

2. Assist the Visitor Services Manager in identifying partnership and funding opportunities to support ongoing volunteering on the Eastern and Sheffield Moors.

3. Assist with the recruitment and registration of volunteers using the RSPB Volunteer Management System (VMS) database.

4. Adhere to RSPB Health and Safety policies and procedures at all times, including carrying out risk assessments and gaining relevant permissions for public and volunteer activities and events.

5. Attend relevant training including child and vulnerable adult welfare, first aid and VMS training.

6. Supported by the Reserves Administrator and Visitor Services Manager, carry out evaluation and keep records of, all volunteering and engagement activities and sessions.

7. As part of the wider team, provide out of hours response for a range of issues.

8. Take responsibility for the health and safety of themselves and those around them.

9. Be responsible for and maintain equipment used in the course of duties.

10. Complete PVG registration as this role involves working with children and vulnerable adults as a main and regular activity of the job.

11. Any other duties commensurate with the post as directed.

We expect you to carry out your job responsibilities in an environmentally aware manner, ensuring as little damage to the environment as possible. Our aim is to ensure all resources are utilised effectively and efficiently. You will be expected to apply ‘sound value for money’ principles in undertaking purchasing or supply of goods and services.

In the RSPB volunteers are a major resource and make a vital contribution to the RSPB’s aim to take action for the conservation of wild birds and the environment. You will be expected to encourage, develop and support volunteer involvement in our work.

PVG RegistrationThis role involves working with children, vulnerable adults and management of those who work with children and vulnerable adults as a main activity of the job and requires the job holder to be registered in the PVG scheme.  The activities carried out are: Leading groups on NT/RSPB events involving regular contact with children in a teaching and supervisory role.

Person SpecificationJob Title: Community Involvement Ranger

Region /Dept: Northern region, Eastern Moors PartnershipHow criteria will be tested : A = Application Form, T = Test, I = Interview, P = Personality test, O = Other

Essential DesirableQualifications A T I P O Qualifications1 Minimum GCSE level qualification. X A Countryside Management / Environmental Education or

equivalent qualificationB Forest Schools qualification or similar.

C MLTB Mountain Leadership Qualification or similar.D MIDAS Minibus training and qualification

E NPTC brush-cutter/pesticidesF Lantra 4x4

G Relevant and current first aid certificateH Guided walk training or equivalent

Experience Experience2 Previous experience of working with volunteers during

conservation work parties and/or community involvement activitiesX X I Previous experience leading conservation volunteer work parties

and/or community involvement activities3 Previous experience of delivering outdoor events aimed at getting

people closer to or connected to nature, for people from a range of ages, backgrounds and interests

X X J Previous experience of providing organised learning for groups of people in an outdoor setting

4 Previous experience of having regular face to face contact with visitors, appropriately interacting and attending to their visitor experience needs, whilst representing the values and commitments or the organisation.

X X K Previous experience of planning, organising and publicising outdoor events and activities.

5 Previous experience of maintaining visitor experience infrastructure to a high standard, striving to exceed visitor expectation.

X X L Previous experience of writing risk assessments

M Previous experience of managing events booking systemsSkills/Abilities Skills/Abilities6 Confidence and ability to effectively work with a range of ages and

abilities and in a variety or settings, mainly outdoors.X X N Good working practice of conservation improvement projects

7 Confidence and ability to effectively manage conflict situations, keeping yourself, your colleagues and the public safe, whilst representing the values and commitments of the organisation.

X X O Ability to design innovative, relevant and appropriate interpretation in the countryside

8 Inspirational approach to working with people of all ages and abilities, and from varying backgrounds.

X X

9 Confidence within a remote countryside setting, having appropriate hill-skills to keep self and others safe.

X X P Confident in map and compass navigation skills.

10 Confidence and ability to be adaptable and flexible when planning and delivering activities in changeable weather conditions

X X X

11 Ability to design innovative, fun and relevant events and activities getting people closer or connected with nature

X X

12 Computer literate with an ability to effectively use Microsoft Word, Office and Outlook

X X

13 Ability to produce appropriate, inspiring publicity materials including posters and press releases, using Publisher and Word programmes

X X X

Knowledge Knowledge14 Good general knowledge of natural history and conservation

issuesX X Q Good general knowledge of the habitats and wildlife on and

around the Eastern Moors15 Good understanding of Health and Safety and Child Welfare

issues particularly in the outdoor environmentX X X R Some local cultural history knowledge

16 Basic knowledge of the movement to get people more connected to nature

X X S Basic knowledge of some of the documents and strategies which have led to the push to deliver campaigns, programmes and activities to get people more connected to nature.

Behaviours/Circumstances Behaviours/Circumstances17 A happy optimistic and inspiring disposition X X T Ability to work a flexible working week18 A great communicator, able to adapt communication techniques

to suit a variety of ages, abilities, backgrounds and interests.X X X U Prepared to prepare and deliver off-site presentations and talks

to a variety of audiences.19 Ability to work under own initiative and as an effective member

of a teamX X

20 A keen interest in wildlife, conservation and the environment X X21 A passion for connecting people with nature X X

22 A flexible and adaptable approach X X

PLEASE REFER TO VACANCY DETAILS FOR RETURN ADDRESSJob Ref. No. A5360215

Position applied for

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Do you hold a current, valid driving licence? Yes NoIf yes, what type? Full ProvisionalIf yes, do you have any current endorsements? Yes NoIf yes, please give details of any current endorsements.

Qualifications relevant to this application (including technical and/or professional).Please provide details (note that these may be verified on appointment)

Current membership of any professional or technical organisations. Please provide details (note that these may be verified on appointment)

Application Pack July 2012 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales No. 207076 Scotland No. SC037654

APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT

STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

Employment historyPlease give details of all jobs held, including part-time and unpaid work, starting with your current or most recent employer. Continue on a separate sheet if necessary.

Employer’s full name & address

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Relevant skills/knowledge/experienceYou should outline below how your skills/knowledge/experience meet the requirements of the Person Specification. You may draw on past employment and/or out of work activities. Please include details of any scientific papers you have had published. Continue on a separate sheet if necessary.

Why are you interested in applying for this post?Continue on a separate sheet if necessary.

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Declaration

The information on this form will be used for recruitment and selection purposes only and if your application is successful it will form part of your employment record. All unsuccessful applications will be destroyed twelve months after the closing date for positions advertised in Scotland, England and Wales and three years after the closing date for positions advertised in Northern Ireland.

Are you eligible to work in the UK ? Yes No

For Internal applicants only: In the event of my application being successful give my permission for the HR Department to approach my line manager for an internal reference.

If it is discovered that you have given any information, which you know to be false, or withhold any relevant information your application may be rejected or any subsequent employment terminated.

I confirm that the information contained in this application form is correct.

Signature .....................................................................................……………………………………….

Date .................................................................................................................................................

Application Pack July 2012 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales No. 207076 Scotland No. SC037654