Warden/Keeper in King's Lynn

The Warden will be based on a significant 20,000 acre Estate, located in North Norfolk. The Game Department, together with other departments including Farm and Forestry, are committed to ensuring the Estate is managed responsibly to enhance and benefit the natural environment and is host to a variety of red list species and schedule 1 birds. They run a wild bird shoot with an emphasis on Grey Partridge and Pheasant production. The estate also has a very healthy brown hare population which is carefully managed.

Job Purpose

The Warden will manage an allocated beat area to support the management and conservation of wildlife and habitats. This role involves proactive habitat management, monitoring wildlife populations, carrying out good husbandry at the highest standards and ensuring a sustainable environment for game species. The Game Department prides itself on being forward-thinking with an aim to enhance and develop the predation control strategy within the department. As a team, they work together to achieve the best results possible. The Home/Estate farm is organic and we are continually looking at innovative ideas to increase biodiversity and strive to be leaders in wild game production, organically. Other areas of the Estate are let to tenant farmers who are either farming conventionally or adopting regenerative/organic processes.

Key Tasks and Main Responsibilities

• Manage allocated beat area to a high standard to rear wild game species, including feeding, breeding, and monitoring populations.
• Proactively take accountability for pest control measures on allocated beat and as part of wider department operations to protect game species.
• Support habitat management practices such as hedge planting, coppicing, topping and flaying and cutting to improve biodiversity and game cover.
• Assist in organising and managing shooting events, liaising with guests and stakeholders whilst leading on shoot day on allocated beat.
• Participate and contribute to deer management including processing of carcasses at the Pheasantries.
• Adhere to all health and safety regulations and ensure best practices are followed on the estate at all times.
• Assist with other teams/departments including kennels, as and when required.

Person Specification: The Candidate

The successful applicant must be self-motivated and personable with a conscientious attitude and be capable of working within the context of a diverse estate consisting of numerous other enterprises. They should also be able to communicate well with those both on and off the Estate. The candidate should show a strong work ethic and the ability to work independently are essential. The role is part of the whole organisation team and as such requires you to perform such reasonable tasks that are required, as and when necessary, to maintain, promote, develop, and expand the business of our organisation and its interests generally. The role will require you to work independently and adopt lone working practices. The candidate will be required to work flexible hours, evenings and weekends as required.

You must carry out your duties to the best of your ability, having consideration for the needs of your colleagues and the Organisation and its clients/customers. You need to have and maintain (with regular training and updates as necessary) the knowledge, technical skills and qualifications that are necessary to perform your job role to comply with the requirements of the Sandringham Estate and any applicable rules, regulations and with any law which applies to your job role.

Essential

• Shotgun/firearm licence
• Best Practice Tickets / Relevant Formal Qualifications
• Game and Wildlife Management
• Chainsaw
• ATV

Desirable

• Phostoxin ticket and Rodenticide certificate
• Tractor Experience
• Brush Cutting certificate
• First Aid certificate
• Tele-Handler Ticket

The successful person will be offered a competitive salary, which will include accommodation (GofQ), 23 days holiday (plus Bank holidays), and pension.