Summary
Do you love nature and communicating the importance of the natural world to local communities? This is an opportunity to work on Orford Ness engaging with our visitors, those visiting the wider Suffolk coast, our local communities and stakeholders about the impact of recreational disturbance to wildlife, particularly Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
This project has been taking place on this unique place on the Suffolk Coast for the last four years.
Salary: £27,612 per annum - The advertised salary for this role will be in effect from 1st April.
This is a full time role for 6 months, to cover peak nesting/fledging and visitor seasons; indicatively 1st April to 30th September.
What it's like to work here
You will be based at Orford Ness, delivering a programme of practical work, regular patrols and public engagement around the protection and monitoring for Lesser black-backed gulls, a species amber listed in the UK Birds of Conservation Concern.
What you'll be doing
Working alongside a LBBG Ranger and a team of volunteers, you'll play a key role delivering strong messaging to promote the work being undertaken to increase protection for this important species alongside the wider work on Orford Ness and that of the National Trust.
You'll have strong communication, presentation, and engagement skills. You’ll be working with the public, responding to queries, and explaining the work being undertaken. Some of these conversations can be challenging, including dealing with anti-social behaviour.
You'll also work as part of the property Duty Management team, including weekend and Bank Holiday working on a rota basis. As Duty Manager, you'll be responsible on the day for the smooth running of the property during opening hours, acting as the main contact point for staff, volunteers, and customers in case of emergency, enquiry or complaint.
Due to the location of Orford Ness you will also need to be comfortable working on/near water and be happy to train towards RYA Powerboat 2 qualifications (if not already held).
Please contact Matt Wilson, Countryside Manager for the Suffolk & Essex Coast, if you would like to discuss this opportunity before applying:
Who we're looking for
Applications from redeployees are assessed against the minimum criteria for the role. In your application, please provide details of how you meet the minimum criteria below:
1. ability to carry out physical tasks to protect and improve land, habitats, and access
2. confidence in helping visitors understand and enjoy the place and its conservation work
3. understanding of safety procedures and ability to help others stay safe
4. experience in working well with colleagues and supporting volunteers
5. capability to organise work and use tools, time and materials responsibly
6. awareness of how to help the property run well and support its long-term future
7. a driver with a full UK driving licence
Criteria for all other applicants:
8. practically experienced in conservation work, to protect and improve habitats and landscapes
9. happy to talk to all kinds of people about the work you’re doing, and why it matters, including visitors, volunteers and the wider public
10. able to work safely, using risk assessments and following guidelines
11. experienced in managing land, access and conservation, and working outdoors in similar settings
12. experienced in habitat and species surveying, with good field identification skills
13. able to use machinery and equipment, with relevant certificates
14. experience of working with volunteers
15. a driver with a full UK driving licence
The package
The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
•Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
•Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
•Rental deposit loan scheme
•Season ticket loan
•EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
•Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
•Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
•Flexible working whenever possible
•Employee assistance programme
•Free parking at most Trust places