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- Tasks: Assist in managing beautiful nature reserves and conduct wildlife surveys.
- Company: Join the RSPB Scotland team dedicated to protecting nature.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, and 26 days of annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in conservation while working in stunning outdoor settings.
- Qualifications: Experience in habitat management and good communication skills required.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for career growth in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 27123 - 28956 £ per year.
Location: RSPB Scotland – Orkney
Hours: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £27,123.00 - £28,956.00 Per Annum
Benefits: Pension scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Stromness team working on various beautiful nature reserves across Orkney. From upland moors to lowland wetlands, meadows to seabird cliffs and islands, our eight RSPB Orkney mainland reserves support a range of amazing and important habitats including large areas of peatland, and species such as curlew and hen harrier. We are looking for an energetic, skilled Assistant Warden to join the Orkney team. The role is varied and changes with the seasons. Some reserves are remote, and several have challenging terrain to navigate, so you should be an adaptable individual with an enthusiastic, pro‑active attitude.
What we need from you
As an Assistant Warden, you will be working with the Wardens and Estate Worker, and our regular volunteers. It is important that you have good communication skills, and are also happy to work alone. Your main tasks will be to assist in delivering the management plan objectives for the various reserves on Orkney mainland; to help with a range of wildlife surveys; and to help with the site management and infrastructure tasks across our reserves, whilst adhering to all Health and Safety requirements. The Assistant Warden will be expected to use and maintain machinery, such as brush‑cutters, chainsaws and tractors. They will be involved in work planning and record‑keeping, surveying of the many key species across our reserves, and assisting in the recording and reporting of this. They will work closely with volunteers, and support for them will be crucial.
Essential knowledge, skills and experience
- Demonstrate knowledge and experience of practical habitat and estate management.
- Proven track record of completing work alone, and working within a varied team.
- Experience and comfort with managing volunteers from a range of backgrounds on practical tasks.
- Reasonable bird identification knowledge and ideally experience with biological surveys such as O'Brien & Smith.
- Full manual driving licence valid in the UK or ability to access remote locations without public transport.
Desirable qualifications, knowledge and experience
- Lantra or equivalent qualification in using equipment such as brush‑cutter, chainsaw and tractor; certification in PA1/6 pesticides and sit astride ATV.
- Knowledge of servicing and maintaining vehicles, machinery, tools and equipment to agreed standards.
- Experience of volunteer recruitment, line management and support.
- Competent in implementing and updating health and safety records and assessments.
Additional information
This role will involve lone working and working in remote locations. This role will require occasional weekend, early morning and evening work, so will need someone who is flexible. This is a Permanent Full‑Time role for 37.5 hours per week.
Closing date: 23:59, Wednesday, 29th April 2026
The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Assistant Warden MAR20267326 employer: Orkney Gin Company
Contact Detail:
Orkney Gin Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Warden MAR20267326
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the RSPB Scotland and their Orkney reserves. Understanding their mission and values will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Be ready to discuss your experience with habitat management and working with volunteers. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've tackled challenges in the past, especially in remote or varied environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible! Since the role involves lone working and adapting to different tasks, highlight your ability to be proactive and adaptable. Share stories that showcase your problem-solving skills and willingness to take on new challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Warden MAR20267326
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Nature: When writing your application, let your love for the outdoors and wildlife shine through. We want to see that you're genuinely excited about working in beautiful nature reserves and contributing to their management.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase any experience you have with habitat management, wildlife surveys, or working with volunteers. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so don’t hold back on sharing your skills!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to read the job description carefully and tailor your application to match. Use similar language and highlight how your background aligns with the role of Assistant Warden. We love seeing applicants who pay attention to detail!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace the digital age!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orkney Gin Company
✨Know Your Reserves
Before the interview, take some time to research the specific nature reserves in Orkney. Familiarise yourself with their unique habitats and species. This will not only show your enthusiasm for the role but also help you answer questions about how you can contribute to their management.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your practical habitat and estate management experience. Prepare examples of past work where you've successfully managed tasks alone or within a team. Highlight any relevant qualifications, especially those related to machinery use, as this is crucial for the Assistant Warden role.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since good communication skills are essential, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think about how you would explain complex tasks to volunteers or colleagues. You might even want to role-play common scenarios to boost your confidence.
✨Flexibility is Key
The role requires flexibility with working hours and locations. Be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to work weekends or early mornings. Showing that you're adaptable and ready for the challenges of remote working will make a positive impression.