Assistant Warden

Location: Holme Bird Observatory with travel to other reserves in north Norfolk. A vehicle will be provided for work use.
Contract: Full-time. Fixed-term, 8 months: mid-March to mid-November. Weekend working will be required during migration periods. (The NOA reserve the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on organisational needs at the end of the contract term.)
Start Date: 16th March 2026

Help us run our bird observatory and network of reserves.

A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen to join The Norfolk Ornithologists' Association (NOA) as Assistant Warden working alongside our Warden. This is a full-time, fixed-term opportunity to work at Holme Bird Observatory and across the NOA’s north Norfolk reserves network.

What you’ll do:

The Assistant Warden’s role is a wide and varied hands-on role ideal for someone passionate about birds, wildlife conservation, and public engagement.

Working alongside the Warden and volunteers, the role involves assisting with bird monitoring and ringing programmes, maintaining biological records and data, and contributing to reports, blogs, and other communications. You will also help with the day-to-day running of the Observatory, welcoming visitors and members, supporting events and group visits, and assisting with permit and retail sales.

The post includes supporting reserve management activities across the NOA’s network of reserves such as habitat management, practical maintenance and volunteer coordination, as well as liaising with landowners and partner conservation organisations where appropriate.

This role would suit someone with strong organisational skills, an interest in field-based conservation work, and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people.

What you’ll bring:

• Minimum BTO ‘C’ Ringing Permit.
• Experience and knowledge of environmental/wildlife surveys and biological monitoring.
• Knowledge and experience of practical habitat management, especially of scrub and woodland, as well as infrastructure maintenance.
• Experience in the safe operation and maintenance of machinery, tools and equipment, including brushcutter use.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Confidence working independently and collaboratively.
• Experience in practical problem solving and using high levels of initiative.
• Full UK driving licence.

Bonus if you have:

• Experience implementing risk assessments
• Experience in report writing
• Experience of managing and leading volunteers.

Why join us?

The NOA, a registered charity, is a small but passionate organisation dedicated to bird monitoring and conservation in Norfolk. It acts as the parent body to Holme Bird Observatory, one of the longest established in the UK and Norfolk’s only accredited observatory. As part of a small team, you will be key to delivering the NOA’s ornithological and conservation objectives.

Closing date: Thursday 29th January 2026
Interview date: Friday 6th February 2026