Due to success in applying for external funding, we are now able to recruit for a Warden for our newest nature reserve in Northern Ireland, Inishcreenry. PEACEPLUS is a cross-border funding Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and supported by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland administration. This is a fantastic opportunity to be responsible for developing and delivering a management plan for the new reserve and will oversee the transition from farmland to nature reserve. You will be managed by the Senior Site Manager for West NI and will line manage the Assistant Warden.

Purchased thanks to funding, Inishcreenry is a 60 ha ASSI on Upper Lough Erne. It supports a range of habitats, including species rich grasslands, wetland habitats and wet woodland. It previously supported high numbers of breeding waders, and the Warden will take the lead in ensuring the waders return. The site is part of the Upper Lough Erne SPA, SAC and Ramsar site, and also supports other key species, such as cryptic wood white and Irish hare. The post holder will make sure that the reserve fulfils its potential as an exemplar wetland located within the Lough Erne landscape that can be used to inspire and inform others.

What’s the role about?

You will be responsible for setting up the reserve, producing a detailed conservation management plan and recruiting and managing the Assistant Warden. You will engage contractors to carry out capital works and graziers, and develop and deliver a conservation grazing plan.

You will also develop and coordinate a range of monitoring activities, including breeding wader surveys, to determine the success of the management, and develop a team of volunteers to help deliver management and monitoring activities. You will also work with the engagement team to develop and deliver a range of community events, including those targeted at the local farming community and at policy makers. You will ensure that work is delivered on time and in budget, and that project reporting is done, and develop longer term plans for the reserve to ensure that operations are sustainable.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Land especially conservation management, particularly related to breeding waders and wet grassland management.
• Relevant ecological knowledge.
• Health & Safety applying to site management (e.g. risk assessments).
• Individual and team management skills.
• Estate management including tasks such as fencing and scrub control.
• Biological monitoring including breeding waders, bird surveys and other taxa such as butterflies and plants.
• Working with graziers.
• Working with contractors.
• Working with staff or volunteers including line management.
• Machinery operations, equipment servicing including brushcutters and chainsaws.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Relevant knowledge of compliance requirements (eg agricultural and environmental legislation with particular reference to grazing livestock where relevant).
• Record keeping/data management.
• Organisational including time management and prioritisation.

This is a Fixed-Term Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week until 31st July 2029.

The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 6th October 2025. For further information please contact nancy.reed@rspb.org.uk

As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship – the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.