Overall purpose

The Assistant warden, managed by Manx Wildlife Trust, will help support the Estate warden and the Ornithological warden with their duties.

Job role and responsibilities

The role is a varied one and will involve helping with a variety of day to day responsibilities and duties, for example dealing with guests, estate maintenance or wildlife surveys.

Specific roles

Manx Shearwater Project - You will support the bait monitoring on the Calf to monitor signs of rat presence and to implement emergency contingency procedures should a rat be detected. Co-ordinating volunteers to help will also be required.

Visitor Liaison - This will include guiding visitor groups, induction of overnight guests and helping with the cleaning of the Observatory between groups.

General maintenance of the estate - Helping the estate warden with route maintenance the observatory, for example building maintenance, vehicle maintenance, harbour clearing and track repair.

Habitat management - Helping the Estate warden with habitat management, such as coppicing, pond clearance and bracken clearance, as outlined in the work plan.

Wildlife Surveys - Helping with bird and other wildlife surveys, such as sea watches, orchid surveys, butterfly transects and moth trapping. Co-ordinating the monthly seal counts around the Calf.

Personal specifications

Experience

Nature reserve or estate management
Nature conservation and land management
Wildlife Surveys
Dealing with the public and guiding groups
Working in rough coastal or isolated environments
Bird ringing or handling birds would be an advantage
Property management
Climbing and rope work
Knowledge

Relevant qualification in nature conservation or land management
Coastal habitats and ecosystems
Wildlife survey methods/techniques
Skills

Good communication and interpersonal skills, including working in a small team and communicating to the public
IT and computer literate
Species and bird identification
First Aid qualifications
Climbing and rope work
ATV and/or tractor driving qualifications
Habitat management
Personal qualities

Enjoyment of team work
Using your initiative
Self motivated and enthusiastic
Flexible approach to working outside of normal hours, including weekends and bank holidays
Interest in wildlife and conservation
Details of Placement

Length of stay

The post is from early March to the end of October.

Subsistence

An allowance of £30 per week towards food will be provided and will be paid monthly.

Accommodation and utilities will be provided.

Working week

The nature of the work will require a very flexible approach, with much of the work required outside of ‘normal’ hours, including weekends and bank holidays.

Location

The Assistant warden will be based on the Calf of Man. An islet off the south of the Isle of Man.

Leave

There is a leave entitlement of 10 days. Due to the nature of the work, holidays are normally taken only after consultation with the line manager.

Accommodation

The Assistant warden will be provided with accommodation in the farmhouse building. This accommodation is basic but adequate, and should be kept clean and in good condition. Living on the Calf requires careful use of water, diesel and gas fuel and supplies. Basic living facilities are provided including cooking utensils, bedding and satellite TV, heating etc but the post holder is responsible for ordering and paying for their own food and personal provisions.

Training

Training will be provided, such as ATV and tractor driving. Rodenticide training will also be given to support the Manx Shearwater project. PPE will also be provided, where necessary.

Please provide a CV and a cover letter explaining why you are suitable for the post to Lara Howe at enquiries@manxwt.org.uk. Closing date: Friday, 25th January 2019.  Skype interviews will be held on Thursday 31st January.