Reserve Warden – Hoveton Wetlands Restoration Project

Set in the heart of the stunning Norfolk Broads, the Hoveton Wetlands Restoration Project aims to improve the quality, understanding and enjoyment of the internationally-important wetland of the middle Bure valley.   

The project is focused on the restoration of important wetland habitats within and immediately adjacent to the Bure Marshes National Nature reserve (NNR). This includes the restoration of Hoveton Great Broad, using a range of novel techniques. The project is also improving the access to and interpretation of the site, informing people about wetland conservation and better-explaining how the broads sits in the context of the middle Bure.

The project is run by Natural England, in partnership with the Environment Agency and the Hoveton Estate. The project is predominantly funded through external funding bodies; Life and HLF.   

Role description

This role offers an exciting opportunity to be part of the ambitious Hoveton Wetlands Restoration Project. We require someone with a wide range of skills to help explain this very special place to a diverse range of visitors.   

Existing public access to Hoveton Great Broad is via the Hoveton Great Broad Nature Trail – one of the oldest purpose-built nature trails in the country. This is accessible only by water, open from April to September and is staffed by Natural England Reserve Wardens. One Warden staffs the trail from Sunday to Thursday inclusive; we require a second Trail Warden to open the Trail on Fridays and Saturdays and provide support/cover for the other Trail Warden.   

Enhancement of the Trail is a key part of the project’s aims and the new Trail Warden will be asked to help participate in this work too.   

A small rowing boat is provided for the short commute from the nearest road access.   

The post holder will report to the Broads Senior Reserves Manager and will work closely with the Project Access and Engagement Officer and the existing Trail (Reserve) Warden.  Other members of the project team will also include staff from Natural England’s National Nature Reserves and Norfolk and Suffolk Area Team.  

The role holder will be responsible for:  

• Supporting the Hoveton Wetland Restoration Project Access & Engagement Officer and the existing Reserve Warden to:  
• Provide on-site assistance to visitors and assist with a programme of guided walks and other on-site events enabling the Trail to be staffed and open for 7 days per week from April to end of September. This will involve being on-site each Friday and Saturday during this period, plus one other day, necessitating a degree of flexibility. Some off-site work may be involved.
• Recruit and train volunteers in interpretation of the site and practical conservation management.
  
• Help to develop on-site interpretation. 
• Engage with universities and schools over educational site visits.
• Liaise with partners and stakeholders.
• Undertake onsite engagement monitoring to agreed protocols.
• Undertake onsite biological monitoring to agreed protocols.
• Maintain the infrastructure of the nature trail.
• Contribute to the annual Trail report and other reporting requirements.  

Technical/specialist knowledge/qualifications   

• Good communication skills (verbal and written) and be able to successfully engage with a wide range of visitors, including school groups, and stakeholders.
• Knowledge and understanding of the following: nature conservation, land management, community involvement and engagement, volunteers and health & safety.
• Small boat handling skills, powered and unpowered.
• Basic practical skills
• Good IT skills (Excel and Word).
• Good organisational skills.
• Ability to deliver and contribute to project-based work in line with Nature England’s project management standards.
• Competent at record-keeping and collating information.

Desirable

• Local knowledge of The Broads.
• Local natural history knowledge.
• Knowledge of lake restoration issues.
• Familiarity with social media.
• Use of hand tools.
• Flexible approach and ability to work alone

Key Capabilities 

We expect applicants to have a certain level of capability in a range of activities.  At the interview you will be asked questions to see how close you are to these levels in the following activities which are drawn from the skills framework for this role:  

Essential 

Securing environmental improvements (Basic Level) 

• Understand the importance of people accessing and engaging with the natural environment, and how to balance their needs with nature conservation objectives. 

Providing customer service (Practitioner Level) 

• Follow Natural England’s customer service standards for both internal and external customers. 

Working safely (Basic Level) 

• Understand the duty of care owed to all visitors to NNRs and adhere to appropriate legislation and Natural England policies and procedures. 
• Identify health and safety hazards and risks and take action to avoid or mitigate these. 

Work Delivery (Basic Level) 

• Manage and deliver your workload to meet agreed targets and deadlines. 

Personal effectiveness (Basic Level)

• Use standard ICT systems (e.g. Microsoft suite, teleconferencing), in line with relevant standards and guidelines.   

Communicating effectively (Basic Level)

• Use an appropriate range of communication styles and techniques that engage different people and audiences.   

Desirable 

Organisational awareness (Basic Level) 

• Understand the local and national aims and objectives of Natural England and how your work contributes to them.   

Collecting, monitoring and analysing data and evidence (Basic Level) 

• Carry out/contribute to relevant monitoring work.   

Additional information  

A driving licence is essential for the role, as is the ability or willingness to learn to manage small boats, both powered and rowed.  

Flexible working patterns will generally be accommodated unless stated otherwise.   

Candidates with disabilities will automatically be put forward to the interview stage provided that they satisfy the minimum criteria for the role. 

Job contact (vacancy manager): Karen Kramer-Wilson Telephone: 02080 264 934 Email: karen.wilson@naturalengland.org.uk  

Eligibility:   

For roles advertised internally within Natural England please see the eligibility table on our jobs intranet page  

If in any doubt about eligibility please check with the SSCL Recruitment Team: ssd.nerecruitment@defra.gsi.gov.uk   

How to apply:  

Application forms are available:  Internal applicants - Vacancies - Working in Natural England External applicants – find this job on Civil Service Vacancies and follow the application guidance.   

Completed application forms should be sent to: ssd.applications@defra.gsi.gov.uk

How to apply:

Application forms are available:  Internal applicants - Vacancies - Working in Natural England External applicants – find this job on Civil Service Vacancies and follow the application guidance. 

Completed application forms should be sent to: ssd.applications@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Short-listing: w/c 29 January 2018 

Interviews: w/c 5 February 2018