Job Description
East Kent Coastal Warden
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
East Kent Coastal Warden
Function:
To manage Sandwich Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve,
Ham Fen Nature Reserve and other nature conservation sites
in the Sandwich and Pegwell Bay area on behalf of KWT and
the SPB NNR Steering Group
Responsible to:
Head of Reserves East
Responsible for: Line management responsibilities for the SPB NNR Warden,
Seasonal Contract Wardens, Reserve Honorary Wardens,
volunteers and contractors
About Kent Wildlife Trust
Kent Wildlife Trust is one of the largest of the 47 Wildlife Trusts, which together make up
the Wildlife Trusts Partnership. We are supported and governed by our 31,000 members,
and have the simple aim of protecting Kent’s wildlife for the future. To this end, we own or
manage 65 nature reserves covering 8,200 acres; we campaign and lobby politicians,
decision makers and landowners to ensure site protection and good habitat management;
and we run a full programme of education work with schools, colleges and adult groups.
The Trust also has five Visitor Centres.
The Trust operates from its headquarters at Tyland Barn, just north of Maidstone. The 85
professional and support staff work within five sections of Reserves; Conservation, Policy
and Evidence; People Engagement; Marketing and Membership; Finance and Support
Services.
Visit our website to see the range of our activities – www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk.
About the post
The post is responsible for the management of two important KWT nature reserves:
Sandwich & Pegwell Bay NNR and Ham Fen Nature Reserve.
The primary responsibility is to ensure high quality core management of the Sandwich &
Pegwell NNR, which covers some 635 ha [1,570 acres] of inter-tidal mudflat, shingle and
sandy beach, sand dune, salt marsh, coastal scrub, chalk cliff and wave-cut platform and
artificially created grassland. This complex of coastal habitats supports a very high
biodiversity of both flora and fauna and is particularly important for migratory and over
wintering birds, invertebrates especially moths, dune-land flora and marine algae.
Consequently the complex is protected by a raft of designations including: Local Nature
Reserve, National Nature Reserve, Site of Special Scientific Interest, Ramsar, Special
Protection Area, Special Area of Conservation
Job Description
The land is owned by a combination of organisations including: Dover District Council,
Kent County Council, Kent Wildlife Trust, National Trust, RSPB and Thanet District
Council. Kent Wildlife Trust is responsible for the management of the reserve and reports
to the Sandwich & Pegwell Bay NNR Steering Group, which is responsible for the overall
strategic management and development of the reserve. The Steering Group is composed
of the land owners plus English Nature & Discovery Park.
The NNR receives an estimated 250,000 visits per annum for a variety of amenity
pursuits. This number is likely to grow with the advent of the All England Coast
Path and new housing developments around both Dover and Thanet.
The East Kent Coast warden responsibilities include the management of other
nature reserves and conservation sites within the Sandwich Area, including Ham
Fen and the KWT’s Beaver Project.
The post is also responsible for
disseminating conservation management advice to neighbours and land owners
and assisting with partnership initiatives.
1
Principal Duties
Primary Duties
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To ensure the smooth and safe routine management and maintenance of the
Sandwich & Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve and Ham Fen Nature
Reserve
To ensure that all Trust activities meet all legal and regulatory requirements
To protect and manage the special habitats and associated flora & fauna of
the SPB NNR and Ham Fen NR
To prepare, in consultation with the Head of Reserves East, management
plans, budgets, reports, maintain records [including ecological, RPA cross
compliance and site usage data] for KWT, regulatory authorities and The SPB
NNR Steering Group
To provide help and guidance to visitors and neighbours.
To co-ordinate the management and monitoring of the reserve
To assist with nature conservation developments in the East Kent Coastal
Area and to seek connectivity opportunities
To ensure that the highest standards of health and safety are maintained for
Trust personnel, contractors and visitors at all times
Line manage the East Kent Coastal reserves management team – contract
staff, volunteer trainees, volunteers and honorary wardens
To develop and maintain an effective and well trained group of conservation
volunteers
Promote the cause of nature conservation and the work of KWT and The
SPB NNR Steering Group
To manage and develop the Ham Fen Beaver Project
Specific Duties
1. Management:
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B
Preparation of management plans and annual work programmes in
consultation with the Head of Reserves East for approval by the SPB
Steering Group and KWT
Secure necessary agreements, licences and consents to carry out
agreed projects and works
Job Description
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Produce an annual reserve report and interim reports for relevant
committee meetings and funding organisations
Manage the NNR and Ham Fen and specific projects associated with the
East Kent Coastal Area
Maintain and where possible enhance the wildlife habitats associated
with the NNR.
Implement rare species monitoring and protection on the NNR and Ham
Fen
Maintain good relations with the public, neighbours and stake holders.
Help promote levels of wildlife conservation understanding and
awareness by assisting with positive PR and articles and news features
Promote appropriate locations within the catchment area as a focal points
for local visitors and tourism interests
Monitor public use of the NNR and other conservation sites within the
catchment area
Organise and carry out practical management work in accordance with
approved management and working plans
Store, maintain and ensure correct use of tools and equipment
Maintain an inventory of tools and equipment, and keep storage facilities,
tools and materials in good working order
Carry out scientific monitoring and recording of the flora, fauna, water
levels and other environmental parameters within the catchment area
Have due regard to health and safety at all times, including ensuring that
all works by volunteers, staff and contractors conform to Health & Safety
Best Practice (i.e. as a minimum are in accordance with the Health &
Safety at Work Act 1974) and the Trust’s Health & Safety Manual
Share with all staff a common duty to recruit members and volunteers,
raise funds and enhance the good reputation of KWT wherever the
opportunity arises.
Targets will be regularly agreed with the post holder and achievement assessed as part of
the appraisal process.
The Job Description will be subject to review and revision from time to time.
2
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
Essential
 At least 3 years’ experience of practical wardening and/or conservation
project management work.
 A good knowledge of nature conservation management, natural history and
biological monitoring and surveying techniques.
 Physical fitness and an aptitude for outdoor work
 Strong self-motivation and commitment to nature conservation and ability to
manage and work with people.
 An understanding of community working and awareness raising activities
 Full clean driving licence.
Desirable
 A degree or equivalent in a biological/environmental subject is highly
desirable
 Experience in the preparation and delivery of management plans and reports.
 Experience of leading/managing staff and volunteers.
 Practical skills in machine and power tool use with appropriate certification.
Personal Qualities
Applicants must demonstrate a mature approach and the ability to communicate
effectively with colleagues, the public and local communities. To work both as an
effective team member; with an ability to use one’s own initiative.
Job Description
Qualifications
 A qualification to HND or Degree level in ecology and countryside
management
 Applicants without formal qualifications will be considered but must
demonstrate at least 3 years’ experience of practical habitat and volunteer
management
 Certification and competence in chainsaw and brush cutter use (we will need
to see copies of these and any other relevant certificates.)
Essential
 At least 3 years’ full-time employed experience of site and practical habitat
management
 Significant experience in the preparation and delivery of management plans,
reports and grant claims
 Experience of developing and delivering baseline monitoring programmes
 An understanding of community working and awareness raising activities.
 Experience of leading/managing staff, volunteers and contractors
 Demonstrable capacity to speak confidently at public meetings and
presentations
 Full clean driving licence
Desirable
 Experience of delivering conservation objectives in an arable context
 Experience of managing grazing stock for conservation purposes
 Experience of managing some or all of the following habitats: coastal
grasslands, wetlands and marshland, and/or fen
3
Other Considerations
1. The post is advertised as a full-time post but flexible, part-time arrangements will be
considered providing that they apply throughout the year.
2. The post is offered on a continuing contract.
3. Appointment will be subject to a six month probationary period.
4. No person shall be treated less favourably than another on the grounds of sex, sexual
orientation, marital status, race, ethnic or national origin, religion, colour, age or disability.
5. Appointment is conditional upon receipt of satisfactory
6. The Trust operates a no smoking policy
7. Kent Wildlife Trust is an equal opportunities employer and applicants for staff vacancies
shall be short-listed for interview and appointed purely on the grounds of their suitability
for the post as laid out in the advertised job description (subject to 5).
8. All staff share a common duty to recruit members and volunteers and enhance the good
reputation of the Trust whenever the opportunity arises
9. KWT aims actively to enhance, wherever possible, the opportunities for people with
disabilities to experience, understand and enjoy the natural environment. All staff share
the responsibility in achieving this. Further information is available from the Head of
People Engagement
10. Under Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, all staff have a legal
responsibility to:
a.
take all reasonable care of their health and safety while at work;
b.
ensure as far as reasonably practicable the safety of other persons,
whether other employees or members of the public, who may be
adversely affected by their own actions
c.
co-operate with the Trust to enable it to discharge its obligations
satisfactorily
Job Description
4
Employment Package
All posts within the Trust operate within pay bands; the relevant band for the EKC
Warden is points 5-13/bar 16 currently £17,628 - £23,986/bar £26,366, with annual
increments of circa £500. The point on the scale at which the successful applicant
starts will depend on skills and experience. Finances permitting, these bands are
updated once a year to allow for the rate of inflation. Incremental rises also happen
annually depending on available finances and performance.
A vehicle will be provided. Because of the tax implications for the user, private use of
the vehicle is permitted only after formal approval by the Chief Executive.
Normal working hours are a 37½ hour week. Office hours are 9.00am until 5.30 pm
(including an hour for lunch), although the job will involve some evening and weekend
working. Overtime is not paid, but time may be taken off in lieu. The holiday
allowance is 23 days a year plus statutory holidays.
After 3 months in post, eligible staff will be automatically enrolled into a workplace
pension scheme. Trust will contribute 9% of gross salary provided the employee
contributes a minimum of 4%.
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Procedure For Applicants
Applications
Applicants should complete an application form (clearly, and in black pen please, for
copying purposes). Please DO NOT include your CV. In your application, you should
clearly indicate how your skills, knowledge, qualifications, training and experience
meet both the requirements of the job and those qualities considered essential and
desirable in a successful candidate.
The provision of false or misleading information by a candidate who is appointed will
be grounds for termination of employment without notice.
Applications should be sent to Dot Hughes, Kent Wildlife Trust, Tyland Barn, Sandling,
Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3BD. They will not normally be acknowledged. If you would
like yours to be acknowledged, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard.
If you wish to discuss this post, please telephone John McAllister, Head of Reserves
East on 01622 662012.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon Friday 20th November 2015
Interviews
Interviews will be held at the Trust offices at Tyland Barn on:
Monday 30th November 2015
During the interview, candidates will be asked to give a ten minute presentation.
If necessary candidates may be called for a second interview.