Overview

As a Wildlife Warden employed by East Devon District Council on behalf of the South East Devon Habitat Regulations Partnership, you will play a key role in helping to prevent recreational pressure which may harm the protected wildlife of the Exe Estuary, Dawlish Warren and the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths.

In this interesting role, you will have a varied remit which will include education of users, monitoring and enforcement. You will maintain an on-site presence to educate users of these protected sites to raise awareness of their nature conservation importance and encourage responsible behaviour. This will include preventing disturbing and/or damaging behaviour/activities and taking follow up action as required.

You will work closely as a team of two Wildlife Wardens across the region. Effective public engagement, including written and spoken communication skills are critical to the success of this role, as you will also need to actively engage with the local community by undertaking walking patrols, visitor events and working with local school groups and retailers. You will help to gather evidence relating to user activities, effects on wildlife and the effectiveness of mitigation measures. You will also undertake outreach work alongside other relevant organisations including the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust, Devon Wildlife Trust, RSPB and Exe Estuary Management Partnership.

Both posts are full time and there will be a requirement for the post holders to work 2 weekends per month and some bank holidays throughout the year. Whilst these are full time positions, some flexibility may be possible.

About you

With a good standard of education, you will have a keen interest in wildlife and conservation and a good understanding of nature conservation and countryside issues. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential in this role, and previous experience of engaging with the public and a range of different stakeholders will be extremely beneficial.

Tact, diplomacy and the ability to be assertive when dealing with difficult enforcement issues are also critical to the success of this role. You will be confident around dogs, as working with their owners and cross working with a related project forms a part of the role. You may have some experience of developing and delivering projects, ideally conservation related.

You will also need a driving license and be able to travel as required (reasonable adjustments may be possible according to the Equality Act).