Pine Marten Recovery Project FIELD ASSISTANT. Job Application Pack

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1 3 & 4 Bronsil Courtyard, Eastnor, Ledbury, Herefordshire HR8 1EP T F E enquiries@vwt.org.uk Pine Marten Recovery Project FIELD ASSISTANT Job Application Pack Contents: 1.0 Applying for this Post 2.0 Background to the Trust 3.0 The Pine Marten Recovery Project (PMRP) 4.0 Ideal Candidate Profile 5.0 Job Description 6.0 Training and Development 7.0 Outline Conditions 8.0 Office Location and Travel Requirements 9.0 Value Statement

2 1.0 APPLYING FOR THIS POST Please read all of the pack information that follows. If you feel you meet the job specification and job requirements, you are welcome to apply. Applications must be in the form of a comprehensive CV and extended covering letter detailing the following: 1. Why do you think you are suitable for the post? 2. Why do you want the post? Deadline for applications is 5pm Tuesday 4th August by to jennymacpherson@vwt.org.uk or by post to: Dr. Jenny MacPherson, The Vincent Wildlife Trust, Garth, 3 Mill Terrace, Maesllyn, Ceredigion SA44 5LD Successful short-listed candidates will be informed by Friday 7 th August and interviews will be held in Aberystwyth on Thursday 13th August. Applicants must be available to take up the post from Tuesday 1 st September. 2.0 BACKGROUND TO THE TRUST The Vincent Wildlife Trust is an independently funded charity that has been at the forefront of wildlife conservation for r 40 years. We are not campaigners or lobbyists; our specific niche is as an organisation that carries out pioneering research, undertakes surveys to assess how well our mammals are doing and offers expert advice to others through practical demonstration. Our work has always focused on the needs of British and Irish mammals. Currently our research is centred on the pine marten, polecat, stoat, weasel and rare bats. With the latter, our particular focus is the management of some 40 bat roosts for the greater and lesser horseshoe bats. VWT s strategic aims are: 1. To promote the conservation of threatened mammals through a greater understanding of their ecology 2. To conserve mammals through the practical management of strategically important sites 3. To advise on the needs of mammals within habitats and landscapes, working with others 4. To undertake and publish innovative applied studies on threatened mammal species. More detailed information is available on our website:

3 3.0 The Pine Marten Recovery Project (PMRP) Pine marten numbers declined dramatically during the 19th and early 20th century as a result of the combined impact of continued habitat loss and an increase in predator control associated with the growth in Victorian game shooting estates. Today, whilst the pine marten population in Scotland is recovering and expanding, the marten population in England and Wales has shown no sign of recovery and the likely outcome is extinction. The VWT s Pine Marten Recovery Project aims to restore viable populations of pine martens to Wales and England, focusing on those areas within the marten s natural range where habitat and other conditions are suitable. A major part of this work will involve the reinforcement or reintroduction of pine martens. Evidence suggests that pine martens are still present in parts of Wales in very low numbers in the Cambrian Mountains, parts of Carmarthenshire and Snowdonia. However, the population has shown no signs of recovery from its historical decline and is so small as to be vulnerable to extinction. As there is recent evidence of pine martens in parts of Wales, reinforcement can be considered. This means releasing individuals into an existing population, to increase population size and genetic diversity in order to improve population viability. 4.0 IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE Essential: 1. A degree (or equivalent) in a biological or environmental science subject and knowledge of field biology. 2. Some experience of field work and ecological survey methods. 3. Some knowledge of pine marten ecology. 4. An enthusiastic, outgoing and self-motivated individual with initiative and the ability and determination to carry out field work in a challenging environment. 5. A high level of accuracy and attention to detail. 6. IT skills, including the use of word processing, applications and spreadsheets in a Windows environment, as well as knowledge of databases and mapping software. 7. The ability to analyse and interpret raw data and write up research findings into a clear and concise report. 8. Experience of working in the countryside including night-time work. 9. The ability to work effectively on their own and as part of a team. 10. A full clean UK driving licence. 11. An awareness of Welsh culture, and a positive attitude to linguistic and cultural diversity. 12. Good interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work with the public, including volunteers and community groups.

4 Desirable: 13. Training in radio telemetry will be provided but it would be useful if the candidate has some prior experience in the methods. 14. Experience of driving off road in 4 wheel drive vehicles 15. A working knowledge of Welsh. 5.0 JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Pine Marten Recovery Project Field Assistant (fixed term contract twenty-four months) Grade/starting Officer Grade 2; ( 18,000-25,750); starting salary 20,000 salary: Location of Job: Responsible to: Responsible for: Job Purpose: Home-based with travel required to various site locations initially around North Ceredigion, and Powys Pine Marten Project Manager Assisting the pine marten project team in delivery of the project which will largely involve collecting and organising radio tracking and other field data. This job helps to sustain Wales natural heritage so that everyone can enjoy it and benefit from it. You will do this by providing field and administrative support to the Pine Marten Recovery Project as directed. This role will need to adapt to the changing needs of the project as it evolves. Main Duties: To provide field support to the pine marten recovery project, collecting and organising radio tracking and other monitoring data, mapping, data entry, coordinating volunteers and providing support to the pine marten recovery project. Other Duties: Office, training and personnel a) To attend such training courses as required b) To be familiar with and abide by the Trust s policies and procedures c) To provide training/briefings to staff and volunteers as required General a) To carry out other duties as from time to time required b) To present a friendly, professional, competent and tidy personal image c) To keep Health and Safety matters as the over-riding determinant at all times and in all circumstances

5 6.0 TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT As part of its commitment to investing in its people, The Vincent Wildlife Trust trains and supports its staff in the delivery of their duties. Advice will be given in drawing up a personal development plan and all suggestions considered according to resources available and the over-riding priorities of the Trust. 7.0 OUTLINE CONDITIONS A three-month probation period applies. This post is full-time, 40 hours per week for a period of twenty-four months. Due to the nature of the project, the job will necessitate some working at night, weekends and often long and unsociable hours for which time off in lieu is given. A contributory pension scheme is in operation and the post holder is entitled to 25 days paid leave per year in addition to public holidays. All staff are required to work within the policies and procedures of the Trust, to work harmoniously with each other and to provide appropriate assistance and advice to colleagues when desirable for the effective undertaking of their respective responsibilities, and to undertake other duties appropriate to the post as delegated by their line manager. A willingness to be flexible about working arrangements and to provide occasional cover for absent staff is desirable in order to maintain organisational effectiveness. 8.0 OFFICE LOCATION AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS The post will be home based with field work at a variety of locations in mid-wales. Visits to the VWT Head Office in Ledbury, Herefordshire, UK will be required from time to time and to other locations for staff and VWT meetings. 9.0 VALUE STATEMENT The Trust expects its staff to carry out their duties in a way which consistently exceeds the regulations and expectations of society at large in matters legal, ethical and environmental. Our aim is to ensure all resources are utilised effectively and efficiently. You will be expected to apply sound value for money principles in undertaking purchasing or supply of goods and services. The Trust will ensure that its staff receive appropriate training and development based on a documented personal annual appraisal.