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.
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
2.
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
3.
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
People engagement and supporter development
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.
Plan, organise and deliver a broad range of exciting and innovative events, activities and
programmes that empower local communities to help hedgehogs in Solihull.
Raise awareness of hedgehog conservation issues in and around the HIA through regular
press releases, community talks and school visits.
Develop strong links and active relationships with local community groups, schools,
businesses and other key stakeholders in Solihull, persuading them to support the project.
Liaise with private land owners and land managers to encourage habitat improvement works
on their sites.
Foster strong working relationships with local businesses, encouraging them to volunteer
time and funds towards the HIA.
Establish, manage and work with a group of regular HIA volunteers on all aspects of the
project.
Promote volunteering for the Trust alongside the Help for Hedgehogs Campaign and HIA
project.
Act as an ambassador for Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and embed Warwickshire Wildlife
Trust values, behaviours and messages in all work.
Survey work and monitoring
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.
Promote and coordinate citizen science hedgehog surveys within the HIA.
Conduct habitat surveys including Phase 1, hedgerow surveys and other condition surveys.
Organise and interpret ecological data using GIS and statistical analysis methods.
Conduct social surveys designed to measure changes in attitudes, perceptions and habits
within the community.
Facilitate and support additional hedgehog surveys in partnership with other organisations
as and if they arise.
Habitat improvements and management
Organise and lead practical habitat management projects on private and community sites.
Ensure that volunteers, groups and businesses within the local community are recruited to
provide assistance with habitat improvement works.
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.
Provide hedgehog friendly habitat management plans for stakeholders where necessary.
2
3.5
Produce reflective reports and learning papers that inform future hedgehog conservation
best-practice guidance.
4.
4.1
Marketing and communications
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.
Support the Trust’s website, member communications and social media activity through
providing regular content, including video.
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.
4.2
4.3
5.
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7
5.8
5.9
5.10
General
Promote the work, mission and vision of the Trust at all appropriate times.
Use every opportunity commensurate with other duties to contribute to the Trust’s
membership recruitment, fundraising and engagement of people.
Ensure a high level of customer service in all dealings with the public.
Ensure continuous development of skills and knowledge required for the post, undergoing
training and performance review as required by the Trust.
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.
Work at all times within the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust’s Equal Opportunities Policy and to
promote equal opportunities.
Comply with all legal and contractual obligations concerning the responsibilities of your post.
Assist in the preparation of annual budgets, work programmes and reporting requirements
for your area of work.
Supervise and support volunteers as appropriate to your role.
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
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
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
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
4

Essential
Desirable










Essential














Desirable
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;
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.
5
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 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.
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
7
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.
Closing Date: 17.00 Monday the 1st of December 2014
Interview dates: TBC – 15th/16th December 2014
8