Something for the weekend: If the hustle and bustle of your daily commute is getting a bit too much and you are craving a bit of peace, then this may be the job for you.
Nature conservation charity the RSPB has begun searching for an assistant warden to help look after various reserves on the archipelago of Orkney, which is made up of more than 70 islands.
The charity has eight Orkney mainland reserves and supports a range of habitats, including areas of peatland and species such as curlew and hen harrier. These are located on upland moors, lowland wetlands, meadows and seabird cliffs. Some of the reserves are remote, while others have challenging terrains.
The lucky applicant will be working with the team based in the village of Stromness. They will work with the wardens, estate workers and regular volunteers, and should be adaptable with an enthusiastic, proactive attitude due to variation in the role depending on the seasons.
Their main tasks will involve assisting in delivering the management plan objectives for the various reserves on Orkney mainland, and helping with wildlife surveys, site management and infrastructure tasks across reserves, while adhering to health and safety requirements.
The successful applicant will also be expected to use and maintain machinery, such as brush-cutters, chainsaws and tractors, and be involved in work planning and record-keeping, surveying of key species across reserves, and recording and reporting. They would ideally be qualified in using equipment such as brush-cutter, chainsaw and tractor; certification in PA1/6 pesticides and sit astride ATV.
The salary is between £27,123 and £28,956 per annum, while benefits include a pension scheme, life assurance and 26 days of annual leave. The charity is looking for someone flexible, who can work the occasional weekend, early mornings and evenings.
The advert said: “Essential knowledge, skills and experience should include reasonable bird identification knowledge and ideally experience with biological surveys, such as O’Brien and Smith. Applicants need to have a full manual driving licence valid in the UK or ability to access remote locations without public transport, and a proven track record of completing work alone, and working within a varied team.”
Sounds like a real hoot of a job to us!
