Dear Applicant,Skomer Island NNR, Pembrokeshire

Skomer Warden

In 1959 the Nature Conservancy bought Skomer Island for the nation with the assistance of a public appeal run by the West Wales Field Society. The 292ha island was declared a National Nature Reserve soon after its purchase, and since that time has been managed through a partnership between these two organisations and their successors. Today the owners of Skomer Island, the Countryside Council for Wales, lease the island to the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales (WTSWW) on a 25 year lease running to 2026. The day-to-day management of both the nature conservation and visitor aspects of the island are the responsibility of the Trust. Skokholm was bought by the Trust in 2006 and has recently appointed a new warden to oversee the final stages of a renovation project, manage the island as a nature reserve and to develop Skokholm Island as a recognised Bird Observatory. The Skokholm Warden is line managed by the Skomer Warden. The research and monitoring programme on the islands is agreed between the Trust and CCW, with advice from the Island’s Advisory Committee, and also contributed to by the JNCC. The research is aimed at furthering knowledge of the special features of these sites which also forms part of the Skomer and Skokholm SPA. We are very fortunate to also have a close relationship with the Friends of the Islands who support most aspects of Island management, particularly on Skokholm Island.

WTSWW are now looking for an exceptional candidate to take on this important position, managing two of the key NNRs in Wales, and flagship reserves for the Trust.

The overall purpose of the role is to manage Skomer Island National Nature Reserve in accordance with the approved Management Plan, to enhance the conservation programme and visitor experience through the ongoing development of the Management Plan as well as to support the Skokholm Warden with the conservation and management of Skokholm Island. The

Wildlife Trust is also responsible for all the building maintenance on the island. Despite being an island you will need to be able to share it with 1000s of people every year. The warden must have excellent interpersonal skills.

Skomer supports approximately one third of the world’s breeding population of Manx Shearwater, in addition to the largest Puffin colony in southern Britain and the largest populations of Kittiwake, Guillemot and Razorbill in Wales. As well as being a NNR, the island lies within Wales’ only Marine Nature Reserve, is part of the Pembrokeshire Islands Marine Special Area of Conservation, and along with adjacent Skokholm Island is a Special Protection Area for its seabirds. In addition to its importance in terms of natural heritage, Skomer is very important for its cultural heritage; most of the island is a Scheduled Ancient Monument for the Iron Age/Prehistoric remains, and the whole island identified as a Landscape of Historic Importance. Over the years the island has proved to be a focus for artists and writers as well as scientists and natural historians.

Skomer is visited by up to 250 visitors a day in peak season (occasionally this rises to 300), including educational groups, with overnight guests wanting to experience Skomer at night with all that offers, particularly the spectacular return to the island of the Manx Shearwaters. Balancing the wildlife and visitor interests are a large part of this role.

For an insight into island life visit the additional information sheet and the Skomer Blog http://skomerisland.blogspot.co.uk/.

Chris Taylor – Skomer WardenOctober 2012

General Terms and Conditions:

Duration of post: PermanentPay: £17,000Hours of work: Up to 48 hours per week. The post may sometimes involve working long

days and / or unsociable hours. The Trust does not operate an overtime system but a time off in lieu system is in operation.

Holidays: 20 days initially (rises by 1 day per year up to a limit of 25 days) plus statutory days and any additional days granted by the Trustees to all staff

Closing dates for applicants:

Deadline for applicants: 10am Monday 3rd December 2012Invitation for interviews by 10th December 2012Interviews: 17 December 2012 (Pembrokeshire)Anticipated start date for job: 21 January 2013

Application forms are available from http://www.welshwildlife.org/about-us/jobs/Or contact Wendy-Barnes Jones on 01239 621600.Please submit with a covering letter. CVs will not be considered.

Completed application forms:

Please email them to w.barnes-jones@welshwildlife.org

Or post to:

Skomer Island ApplicationThe Welsh Wildlife CentreCilgerranCardiganPembrokeshireSA43 2TB

If you would like more information or have an informal discussion about the role, please contact:Dr Lizzie Wilberforce : l.wilberforce@welshwildlife.orgOr Sarah Kessell: s.kessell@welshwildlife.org.Both can be contacted via 01656 724100.

Chris Taylor – Skomer WardenOctober 2012

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE - Skomer Island Warden (job share considered for a couple)

TEAM - Conservation

WORKING BASE - Skomer Island , Pembrokeshire

RESPONSIBLE TO - Conservation Manager

RESPONSIBLE FOR - Skokholm Warden (permanent position)Assistant Warden Field AssistantHostel Warden Volunteers (including Long-Term Volunteers)Contractors – as required

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------OVERALL PURPOSE OF JOB-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The day to day management of Skomer Island National Nature Reserve; The management of visitors to the island The line management of island staff, volunteers, researchers and contractors and To provide input into the strategic views of the island.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The day to day management of Skomer Island National Nature Reservei. Habitat and species management;ii. Biological surveys in accordance with the management plan (mainly seabird monitoring,

vegetation monitoring, breeding bird surveys);iii. Island administration, including financial management, purchasing of supplies, etc;iv. Reporting island activities through the Annual Report and reporting to the Islands Advisory

Committee;v. Health and Safety matters relating to all activities on the island (risk assessments, training,

emergency procedures) and ensuring different groups are properly instructed on safety matters relating to them.

vi. Ongoing buildings maintenance (including water systems, gas, sewage, electrical systems)vii. Engine maintenance (including two boat engines, two generators a tractor and small hand

tools)

The management of visitors to the islandi. To ensure the highest standards of visitor management for both day and residential visitors.

This includes liaison with Dale Sailing, Wildlife/Health and Safety introductory talks, management of the visitors (using staff and volunteers) whilst on the island to ensure an enjoyable visit whilst protecting the wildlife on the island and interpretation and information about the island’s wildlife.

ii. Promotion of the island (Media, Facebook/Twitter, etc.).

Chris Taylor – Skomer WardenOctober 2012

The line management of island staff, volunteers, researchers and contractors.i. The line management of island staff, contractors and volunteers, and to have responsibility

for research workers. You will line mange an Assistant Warden, a Hostel Warden, a Field Assistant, up to 6 volunteers and two long term volunteers. You will also be line managing the Skokholm Warden (permanent position);

ii. The recruitment and training of all the above.

To provide input into the strategic view of the Islands, including:i. Developing and supervise research proposals and fieldwork with guidance from the Islands

Advisory Committee (including SSSI consent applications);ii. Develop the Skomer NNR Management Plan;iii. Maximising income and the economical running of visitors to the island;iv. Provide input and assist with Skokholm renovations and Bird Observatory plans;v. Developing draft budget for both islands.

Chris Taylor – Skomer WardenOctober 2012

JOB SPECIFICATION

Management and supervisionThe post holder will be required to work as part of the Conservation Team under the line management of the Conservation Manager but with input from members of the Senior Management Team (SMT) when appropriate. The post holder will be responsible for all the activities listed above. Because of the nature of the location there will be limited direct supervision and contact with line manager and SMT will, during the summer season, be mainly by phone and email.

Accountability and resourcesThe post holder will be responsible for the safe delivery of practical and survey/monitoring work to specified and professional standards. The post holder will be responsible for the inspection & basic maintenance and repairs to buildings, tools, machinery and vehicles and for the reporting of and defects. They will also be expected to minimise the wastage of materials and resources. The post holder will be responsible for holding, supervising and budgeting the island’s finances with support from the Conservation Manager and members of SMT.

Job impactThis role has significant external impact through media, social media, blogs etc. The warden will be expected to be the ‘face’ of the island and of the Wildlife Trust.There is also significant external impact through the management of visitors, volunteers and contact with partner organisations including government agencies and universities.There is significant internal & external impact regarding the safe delivery of work and the safety of visitors to the reserve.

Independence and judgementThis role requires a significant element of independence and an ability to problem solve on a regular basis.

People and contactsThis post will require regular working with a wide range of staff, volunteers and partner organisations requiring excellent people skills and a breadth of skills in communicating by different means. Including:

i. Other Trust staff including the Islands Administrator, Lockley Lodge information staff, Pembrokeshire Wildlife Trust Officer, Trust Development Manager

ii. CCW staff, including Regional, MNR and HQiii. Research workersiv. Dale Sailing staffv. Contractors and maintenance techniciansvi. Volunteers including Island Advisory Committee members; Friends of Skokholm and Skomer

membersvii. Mediaviii. Funding agencies/sponsors

When off the island the post holder will be encouraged to promote the island at conferences, meetings and events, including attendance at the Friends of the Islands reunion in mid-February. Use of public transport is encouraged, pool cars are available but the use of a private car may be required.

Chris Taylor – Skomer WardenOctober 2012

Creativity and InnovationThe post holder will be expected to bring creativity and innovation to work programming, work planning and the writing of management plans as well as inputting to the strategic development of the island as a business.

Working conditionsThe post holder will be based on Skomer between March and November. It will be necessary for the post holder to arrange winter accommodation (annual leave is usually taken during this time).

Chris Taylor – Skomer WardenOctober 2012

PERSON SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE - Skomer Warden

TEAM - Conservation

Experience:i. a degree/higher degree in a relevant environmental discipline;ii. 3 + years experience in a relevant role including substantial experience of nature

conservation and nature reserve management; iii. substantial experience of visitor management at a high profile site andiv. Staff, visitor and volunteer management.

Competencyi. experience with small boats and offshore boat handling (including RYA Power Boat handling

qualification), their engines, radios and other equipment;ii. experience with driving and maintaining tractorsiii. mechanical aptitude and experience of using and maintaining a range of equipment and

machinery including alternative energy systems, water pumps, generators, etc.;iv. experience of conservation management planning, including use of CMS software;v. report writing and production;vi. Financial planning and management;vii. experience of media and public relations (including giving presentations), reserve

interpretation and writing for non-specialists.

Knowledgei. Seabird ecologyii. Seabird monitoring techniquesiii. Coastal habitatsiv. Practical management techniques (use of brushcutters; footpath maintenance; fencing;

grassland management);v. Relevant health and safety knowledge and implementation

Personal qualitiesi. friendly outgoing mannerii. ability to maintain high levels of enthusiasm and self motivation;iii. ability to work on own initiative and co-operate as part of a team;iv. integrity, tact and diplomacy, particularly in dealing with members of the public;v. mature, flexible approach to work;vi. self discipline and resourcefulness;vii. commitment to nature conservation.viii. Fit and hardy nature, able to embrace living in a remote and exposed situation and work

outside in extremes of weather.

Desirablei. experience of working in an island environment.ii. Welsh Speaker

Chris Taylor – Skomer WardenOctober 2012