Warden

The RSPB is looking for a warden to lead the reserve team on our heathland nature reserves in Surrey and Hampshire; Farnham Heath, Hazeley Heath and Blackbushe Airport.

We acquired Farnham Heath in 2002 as a commercial conifer plantation, which had been planted on historic heathland. We have restored over 100ha of the site to lowland heath and it is now a haven for wildlife, with woodlark, Dartford warbler, nightjar, sand lizard and field cricket all thriving. The well-draining, sandy heathland soils at Farnham Heath make it particularly important for aculeata (ants, bees and stinging wasps), with over 300 species having been recorded since the RSPB acquired the site.

Hazeley Heath is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and forms part of the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area. Unlike Farnham the heathland at Hazeley is much wetter, with pools supporting great crested newts, a diverse range of odonata and rare plants such as sundews and heath spotted orchid.

Blackbushe airport is a recent acquisition and is also part of Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area. We are in the early stages of restoring the heathland habitat and the site already supports woodlark, Dartford warbler, nightjar, and one of the largest adder populations in the county.

The successful applicant will lead the assistant warden and over 80 volunteers in the implementation of the management plans for these exciting reserves. This will include all aspects of habitat management, estate maintenance, keeping our livestock and species surveying across the reserves

What do we need from you?

Essentials:

• Knowledge of heathland habitats and experience in environmental land management.
• Experience in motivating, supporting, and coordinating volunteers
• Experience in managing and leading conservation work parties
• Knowledge and experience of livestock management
• Proven experience in biological monitoring or wildlife recording
• Experience working with contractors
• Experience implementing risk assessments and updating health and safety records
• Experience in practical repairs and the upkeep of outdoor spaces
• Experience in report writing
• Experience in the safe operation and maintenance of machinery, tools and equipment

Desirables:

• Knowledge and experience of woodland management
• Experience in undertaking tree safety inspections
• Experience in writing nature reserve management plans
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and see a project through to completion
• Knowledge and experience of agri-environment schemes
• Chainsaw cross-cutting & maintenance and felling qualifications.
• Brushcutter qualification
• 1st aid qualification

This is a 12 month Contract, Full Time role for 37.5 hours per week.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 27th May 2026. For further information please contact [email protected]

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.

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

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

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.