Vacancy packDear Applicant

Assistant Warden, RSPB Loch Lomond - £14,500-16,000

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 RSPB. 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 any further information about this post please contact: Paula Baker, Site Manager, RSPB Loch Lomond. Email: paula.baker@rspb.org.uk Phone: 01389830670/07714920478

Please can you complete the enclosed application form in blue or black ink or electronically. 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 or 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 will also confirm your eligibility to work in the UK prior to appointment. Completed forms should be returned to Clare Bunyard, Administration Manager, South and West Scotland Regional Office, 10 Park Quadrant, Glasgow, G3 6BS. 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 an acknowledgement of receipt of your application, please enclose a stamped, addressed envelope. Alternatively, you can email your application to clare.bunyard@rspb.org.uk

The closing date for receipt of completed application forms is Friday 31st January 2014. Interviews will be held Friday 14th February 2014.

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 administrative costs to a minimum and therefore you will only be contacted if we wish to progress your application. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful 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.

Paula BakerSite Manager, RSPB Loch Lomond

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 InformationDiversity 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: Assistant Warden, RSPB Loch Lomond

Job Title: Assistant Warden

Dept/Section/Region/Reserve: South and West Scotland Region

Location Of Job: RSPB Loch Lomond, Gartocharn, W. Dunbartonshire

Post holder reports to: Site Manager

Reporting To Post holder: Volunteers

Overall Purpose Of The Job: To assist the site manager with the ongoing management and maintenance of habitats, species and reserve infrastructure at RSPB Loch Lomond, for the benefit of both wildlife and visitor enjoyment.

Main Duties:

A) Estate work, maintenance and monitoring: Agricultural infrastructure maintenance and monitoring e.g. fencing repairs Vegetation management including maintenance of core path at the Shore Wood and invasive

non-native plant removal General handy work such as bridge building, nestbox, sluice and path maintenance etc Operation and maintenance of reserve equipment and vehicles including brushcutters, RTV,

handtools etc. Liaison with the local graziers and assistance in the implementation of the reserves grazing

plans and stock management, including daily checks and accurate record keeping Monitor and manage unauthorised/undesirable activities on site e.g. angling, in accordance with

SOAC and legal guidance Work closely with SNH site team and colleagues in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National

Park to achieve objectives for the Loch Lomond NNR.

B) Research, survey & monitoring: Assist with the co-ordination and implementation of reserve bird survey work. This will include

breeding bird surveys & WeBS as well as keeping detailed records and reports of ad-hoc bird activity on site

Undertake survey/monitoring work of other wildlife (e.g. lepidoptera, mammals) as required

C) Health & Safety, Biosecurity and Compliance Ensure that day-to-day operations are compliant with all legal duties (e.g. SSSI, SOAC)

agricultural waste regulations and cross compliance Have a thorough knowledge of health & safety issues, risk assessment, legislation and

requirements for all aspects concerning reserve machinery, livestock, contractors, staff and volunteers

Work within the sites biosecurity policy and assist with the enforcement of this.

D) Volunteer management Recruit, enthuse, supervise and manage small teams of volunteers, carrying out a wide range of

practical tasks

E) Administration and record keeping

Collect detailed records of wildlife activity, water levels, visitor activity etc and where required, produce reports

Undertake administration work such as maintaining site records and MapMate/Merlin. Maintain communication and a good relationship with neighbours, outside organisations,

statutory bodies, local police, community groups, and individuals. To maintain records of work and repairs carried out on site and ensure inspections and audits

are completed on time.

Other Duties:

Work alongside the RSPB Loch Lomond Community Engagement Officer for the provision of guided walks, external talks, displays, exhibitions, demonstrations, events, open days and education programme

With guidance from the site manager, help to organise and supervise contractors working on site Assist in the production, update and review of budgets and annual report. Assist the site manager with the delivery of site projects Support the wider team in deliver of area reserves objectives which may involve work on other

sites. Occasional travel to off-site meetings, training and development events will be required

Other relevant factors of the job: The site is not accessible by public transport so postholder must be able to travel independentlyRegular early morning work and some evening and weekend working requiredLone working on site may be required and will be carried out in accordance with the RSPB’s Lone Working Code of Practice.May handle potentially hazardous equipment and materials. May be required to maintain confidential information.

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.

The SiteRSPB Loch Lomond is part of the 430ha Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve sitting within the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. The NNR is incredibly diverse supporting oak woodlands, a mosaic of wetland habitats and a broad range of species and is covered by a range of designations including SSSI, SPA, SAC, Ramsar and National Scenic Area (NSA). Being situated on the dividing line between highlands and lowlands means species and habitats at the limits of their northern and southern ranges are present, increasing the uniqueness of the site.

The RSPB section of the NNR was purchased in spring 2012 but the NNR has been in existence since 1962. There has been a varied history of management across the reserve as it has been in a variety of private ownership since designation. This has limited some of the activities and has ultimately led to a decline in the condition of the habitats over the last ten years.

One of the unique features about this site will be the partnership approach to management. This will be through an agreement with SNH and the National Park Authority who will have input at a strategic level and give support to the development and delivery on site.

Another unique aspect of the site is its variety of nature. An eighth of all plant species in the UK are represented with one 20-acre area of fen supporting 120 species alone. There is the Scottish dock found only on Loch Lomondside within the UK. The Endrick Water, which flows through the

site, is an amazingly natural functioning river with spawning salmon and three species of lamprey. In fact the river lamprey in the Endrick are unlike any other population as they remain in the freshwater of the Loch instead of migrating to the sea, a behavioural trait recorded nowhere else in the UK.

Bugs abound with beetles like this recently recorded zircon reed beetle first recorded on the site in 2011. This species has had a dramatic 81% loss from sites in Scotland and requires good quality wetlands with a variety of sedge species, like those at RSPB Loch Lomond.

An important feature of the site is the internationally important wintering numbers of Greenland white-fronted geese. These roost on the reserve and feed on the surrounding fields. One aspiration for the site is to get more of the undesignated grassland into better condition to hold grazing geese during the day.

Zircon reed beetle

Other species on site include breeding snipe, redshank, water rail and the odd spotted crake. The fens support a very healthy population of grasshopper warblers, which have recently been closely researched as part of an RSPB project into the requirements of this elusive but noisy species.

The woodlands on site have breeding wood warbler, tree pipit and redstart along with the more common woodland species. In the past osprey have nested on site but due to persecution in the nineties they moved on. Would you like to help get them breeding back on site?

The above details are just a taster of what makes the site so special and does not include the wealth of bryophytes and lichens, the otters and water voles, the potential for re-colonisation by red squirrel and the geological and cultural interests.

The Assistant Warden RoleWe need you to join the site team to enhance the site habitats and wildlife and help us develop it to become the best place to connect with nature within the National Park. You will have experience of working with habitats and species on a nature reserve and be able to develop and manage a growing team of volunteers. You will have practical estate and habitat maintenance/management skills, fantastic bird survey skills and a passion for nature conservation and ecology as well as a love of working in the great outdoors.

You will join the existing team of the Site Manager and Community Engagement Officer who are already working on the site and in the local community to make RSPB Loch Lomond the best it can be for wildlife and people.

The site sits within the Forth and Lomond team of the South and West Scotland Region. An Area Reserves Manager oversees the work within the wider Forth and Lomond team, which has two members of staff coving five reserves including Inversnaid, Skinflats, Fannyside, Inchmickery and Fidra.

The regional office is in Glasgow where the support of our conservation officers, public affairs team, a Reserve Manager and Regional Director are only a call away. In fact with Glasgow being only 20 miles away the regional office is conveniently placed in relation to the site.

What’s it like living here?

Fantastic! You have the National park (http://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/) as a playground.

Nearest Town: Balloch/Alexandria 4.5 miles with train station, bus station, library, schools and swimming pool, Co-op, take-aways, pubs and a garage

Nearest Village: Gartocharn with bus stop, village store, petrol station, primary school and nursery (very good reputation) and busy community hall

The Trossachs is great for long walks, cycling or if you like your activity a little less energetic why not take your camera on a leisurely boat trip up Loch Lomond or on Loch Katrine.

If you like culture and hustle & bustle the city of Glasgow (http://www.seeglasgow.com/) is only 23 miles away or 40 minutes by train with a regular half hourly service from Balloch. Further afield, Stirling (30 minutes by car) and Edinburgh (1hr 50mins by train) are very reachable.

Person SpecificationJob Title: Assistant Warden

Region /Dept: RSPB Loch Lomond, S&W ScotlandHow criteria will be tested : A = Application Form, T = Test, I = Interview, P = Personality test, O = Other

Essential DesirableQualifications A T I P O Qualifications A T I P O1 Up-to-date LANTRA/NPTC award: brushcutter/strimmer

maintenance and operationX X A Up to date LANTRA/NPTC award: Sit-in ATV (conventional

steer) all terrain use including loadsX X

2 Standard grades including English & Maths X B Other relevant recognised land management qualifications including chainsaw, fencing, tractor

X X

3 Full driving licence to be able to use the vehicles required in connection with the role.

X

Experience Experience4 Of bird surveying with a proven track record X X X C Wildlife and ecological surveying techniques X X5 Of estate infrastructure management and maintenance X X D Assisting with the successful running of events and

activitiesX X

E Working in a community engagement or customer facing role

X X

F Using RSPB systems such as MapMate, Merlin, eBis and VMS

X X

G Working with livestock and of practical cross compliance management

X X

H Experience of wardening or volunteering at a nature reserve, national park or other relevant location for at least 1 year

X X

I Recruiting, managing and motivating a team of volunteers to complete practical conservation tasks

X X

Skills/Abilities Skills/Abilities6 Able to identify birds by sight & sound X X X J Speaking to and liaising with members of the public,

colleagues and peersX X

7 Practical construction skills including woodwork, tool use and general maintenance of tools, equipment, machinery and facilities

X X K Project management X X

8 To keep detailed records for a variety of work areas and projects

X X L Contractor management X X

9 Ability to produce clear and concise written work and reports. X X

10 Good at problem solving including identifying solutions for managing ecological and agricultural work on site

X X X

11 Computer literate including Word, Excel and Publisher X X12 An aptitude for practical work including the use of machinery

and equipmentX X

Knowledge Knowledge13 Of the wildlife of Loch Lomond X X M Of the work of the RSPB14 Of the wildlife of Scotland X X N Of grazing management, in particular conservation grazing X X15 Good working knowledge of health and safety X X O Of cross compliance best practice X X16 Of ecology and nature conservation issues X X P Of specialised conservation management for a variety of

habitats including woodlands, wetlands and grasslands X X

Behaviours/Circumstances Behaviours/Circumstances17 Passionate and enthusiastic about wildlife and nature

conservation in the UKX X

18 Able to work flexibly including early mornings, evenings and weekends

X X

19 Able to travel independently, without the use of public transport

X X

20 Well organised: Able to coordinate people and resources to achieve objectives

X X

21 Able to work under own initiative X X

22 Happy and able to work alone X X23 Able to withstand the rigours of the role and happy to work

outside in a wide variety of weather conditionsX X

24 Courteous and tactful with neighbours, graziers, local community and site visitors

X X

PLEASE REFER TO VACANCY DETAILS FOR RETURN ADDRESSJob Ref. No. 5940114

Position applied for

Location

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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)

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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

Job title/Key achievements & areas of responsibility

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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.

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

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 Personnel 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 .................................................................................................................................................