Walthamstow Wetlands Nature Reserve Manager

Transcription

1 London Wildlife Trust Walthamstow Wetlands Nature Reserve Manager Job Description and Person Specification Responsible to: Works with: Located at: Staff Management: Director of Visitor Engagement Wetlands Director; other staff from London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF) and Thames Water staff Walthamstow Wetlands, Marine Engine House, London, 2 Forest Rd, London, N17 9NH Learning and Engagement Officer, Conservation Volunteering Officer, Rangers x3 Overall responsibilities: Walthamstow Wetlands is an 8.7million project that will open up the Walthamstow Reservoir complex to the public, transforming the 211 hectare site into one of the largest urban wetland nature reserves in Europe. It is a public, private and charity partnership between Thames Water (TW - site owners) Waltham Forest Council (LBWF - grant holder), and London Wildlife Trust (conservation delivery partner) to transform an operational reservoir (main source of London s drinking water) into the largest urban wetlands in Europe. Visitor facilities will and include a renovated Grade II listed Marine Engine House and Copper Mill Tower viewing platform and a new hub for volunteers and fisheries. The site is due to open as a visitor destination and attraction in autumn The Wetlands Nature Reserve Manager will act as public facing advocate and represent London Wildlife Trust as a key conservation delivery partner for the Walthamstow Wetlands project, and be responsible for the management of Walthamstow Wetlands as a nature reserve in relation to the scope of the HLF Activity Plan and Management and Maintenance Plan. This includes an outdoor learning programme for schools and community groups, conservation volunteering, landscape conservation management and delivery of wildlife themed public events. The post holder will be responsible for Activity Plan project management, nature reserve management, contributing to HLF reporting via LB Waltham Forest monitoring requirements and the line management of project staff who will oversee freelancers and volunteers. The post holder will develop necessary monitoring and evaluation frameworks and will ensure effective communication and collaboration with on-site Thames Water staff and the wider Walthamstow Wetlands commercial team (part of Waltham Forest Borough Council s Culture and Heritage directorate) to identify strategies, programmes and initiatives for further project development. Staff and project management: 1) To line manage and supervise Activity Plan project staff working from Walthamstow Wetlands; this includes full-time and part-time staff, and having oversight of freelancers, and volunteers; 2) To work in close partnership with the Walthamstow Wetlands Director and LB Waltham Forest Council s Culture and Heritage directorate; 3) To be part of the site management team and ability to represent the project with external stakeholders, media and potential funders; Protecting London s wildlife for the future The London Wildlife Trust is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales no and registered charity no

2 4) To act as project manager for wildlife conservation projects running at and from the site including monitoring, evaluating and reporting to funders; 5) To coordinate and manage staff to deliver a diverse programme of activities that promote the Walthamstow Wetlands project in line with the HLF Activity Plan programme 6) tot be responsible for the nature reserve operation and work with the Wetlands Director and Marketing & Events Manager (LBWF) to ensure that the Wetland offer and visitor experience is extended to all demographics and segments who are all welcomed equally. This will include design and delivery of an innovative and relevant nature and wildlife themed events and face- to- face engagement, review and maintenance of all interpretation and wayfinding and ongoing training and development to ensure that customer service is exemplary at all times. 7) To maintain effective liaison and communication with the wider wetlands operational team and partnership including London Wildlife Trust team, Waltham Forest Borough Council, Thames Water and also funders and relevant groups; 8) To maintain effective liaison and communication with on-site Thames Water staff and contractors; 9) To plan for and coordinate resources for the Walthamstow Wetlands HLF funded project in line with allocated budgets as set out in the HLF Activity Plan; 10) To contribute to the development and financial sustainability of activities provided at, and from Walthamstow Wetlands by working collaboratively with the Waltham Forest Council commercial team and the LWT s development team. 11) To maximise and develop the quality and scope of community engagement, conservation volunteering and outdoor learning work at the Walthamstow Wetlands site as set out in the HLF Activity Plan; 12) To coordinate the delivery of a high quality staff and volunteer training scheme on site. 13) To be the initial LWT point of contact for the partnership at Walthamstow Wetlands, to strengthen existing partnerships and develop new partnerships with the neighbouring Local Authorities, developers, social landlords, wildlife groups, community groups and businesses, and to represent the interests of Walthamstow Wetlands at all times; 14) Working with the Wetlands marketing team, to maximise PR and publicity for London Wildlife Trust and Walthamstow Wetlands in liaison with the Waltham Forest Borough Council, Thames Water and LWT communications teams and the broader WW partnership; 15) To maximise opportunities for LWT member recruitment at Walthamstow Wetlands through coordinating with the LWT Development team. 16) To represent London Wildlife Trust s interests at Walthamstow Wetlands at relevant meetings and partnerships, and to ensure that the WW project gets maximum benefit from regional networking opportunities Site and premises: 1) In partnership with the landowner, Thames Water, to manage Walthamstow Wetlands to maximise its biodiversity interests for the benefit of the public in accordance with the aims of the Wetlands project (following relevant policies and guidelines including the 10 year Management and Maintenance plan); Page 2 of 6

3 General: 2) To help ensure condition of the site s statutory designations move towards favourable status, in partnership with Thames Water, Natural England and the Environment Agency, and to maintain and ensure the site s other biodiversity interests are maintained and enhanced; 3) To coordinate the review of site specific plans as appropriate, and to work towards achieving Green Flag status; 4) To ensure all tool and resource stores on site are maintained so that it is fit for purpose, that legislative requirements are adhered to; 5) To work with Waltham Forrest Borough Council s Culture and Heritage team and Thames Water staff to ensure that Walthamstow Wetlands is open and accessible at all practicable times, including opening every weekend; this will require the post-holder to work 5 days per week on a rota basis, which will include weekend days and, with staff, developing the volunteer capacity to sustain increased opening hours. 6) To oversee a specified schedule of wildlife monitoring at Walthamstow Wetlands and ensure that information produced is regularly provided to Natural England, GIGL (Greenspace Information for Greater London), and where appropriate, Thames Water and other statutory agencies. 1) With the support of other LWT staff, contribute to raising funds for the Walthamstow Wetlands Project from a variety of sources (including identification of potential funding sources). 2) To ensure that all relevant LWT, LBWF and Thames Water Policies are adhered to by all staff and volunteers including conservation Policies and Position statements, Health & Safety Policy, Lone Working Policy, Code of conduct, Volunteer Policy, Equality & Diversity Policy, and Safeguarding Policies. To ensure best practice in working with all service users. 3) To ensure that all relevant data is recorded on LWT s Skipper database and in TW and LBWF databases where applicable, including volunteer registration, work day records, accidents, incidents, near misses and safeguarding reporting. 4) In partnership with the landowner Thames Water and London Borough of Waltham Forest, to ensure that Walthamstow Wetlands is maintained in a safe condition, ensuring the safety of staff, volunteers and visitors, and report incidences of vandalism and other site misuse to Thames Water and relevant authorities, and when appropriate the Trust s Health & Safety Committee. 5) To report on a regular basis to the both LWT and TW Health & Safety Committees, and other committees as required. 6) To undertake administrative and budgetary functions to ensure a successful and sustainable business model is maintained. 7) To be a duty manager/ first aider. 8) To undertake duties as required by the line manager, attend team meetings, LWT staff days and other meetings as requested. Page 3 of 6

4 Other areas of responsibility: a) Promotion of the Trust: To work at all times to further the aims of the Trust including promotion of Trust membership. To encourage donations and to assist in and promote related events and campaigns where appropriate. b) Health and Safety: All staff are legally responsible for ensuring Health and Safety considerations are taken into account in all working situations. Staff are encouraged to make reports or suggestions to the Health and Safety Officer on any matters of concern. c) Equal opportunities: To work at all times within the Trust s Equality and Diversity Policy, and to promote equal opportunities wherever possible especially with regard to volunteer and membership recruitment. d) All staff may, on occasion, contribute to the work of London Wildlife Trust s trading arm London Wildlife Limited e) Adhere to the policies and plans of the Trust and be a responsible representative of the team and the Trust to external stakeholders, groups, individuals and funding bodies. Terms and Conditions Salary: Hours of work: Holidays: Tenure: Sick pay: Pension: 34,665-39,617 per annum Full time 9 am - 5pm, including one hour for lunch. The post holder will work 5 days per week on a rota basis, which will include weekend days. In addition, some evening and weekend work will be necessary for which time off in lieu will be given. 25 days per annum plus statutory holidays This is a fixed term contract for up to 3 years Employees are eligible for company sick pay after successful completion of the probation period and if the correct procedures have been followed; employees may still qualify for Statutory Sick Pay. Eligible employees will be auto-enrolled into the company pension scheme. Further details on auto-enrolment can be obtained from this website Pension contribution rates for LWT are currently at 3% employer and 5% employee. Even if you are not eligible, you can still join the scheme, but the Trust may not have to make any employer contributions. Further details will be provided on joining the Trust. Employee Assistance All employees have access to a free and confidential information, support and counselling Programme service available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year Childcare Voucher Scheme The Trust operates a salary sacrifice scheme An enhanced DBS check is required for this role. Page 4 of 6

5 London Wildlife Trust Walthamstow Wetlands Nature Reserve Manager Job Description and Person Specification The following experience, skills and aptitudes are those that we are looking for in candidates for the above post. Those listed as 'Essential' are those that the candidates must have. Candidates who fail to meet these criteria will not be short-listed. 'Desirable' skills and experience are those that it would be advantageous to have, although it is not essential. Essential A genuine desire to work in the conservation sector; a commitment to London Wildlife Trust s aims and values Confident, collaborative and outgoing leadership style at ease in a wide range of scenarios from volunteer groups to senior political and business environments. Significant and demonstrable experience of project management Significant and demonstrable experience of monitoring, evaluation and reporting including making financial claims Significant and demonstrable experience of managing resources within budget Demonstrable experience of managing a visitor destination nature reserve Demonstrable experience of line managing a team of staff, freelancers and volunteers Experienced in partnership working Desirable Full clean UK driving licence Knowledge of urban nature conservation policy and practice, including social and educational areas Degree in a relevant subject Experience of producing interpretation materials, reports and publicity materials Holding an up-to-date First Aid certificate Demonstrable knowledge of statutory nature conservation designations, their regulation and monitoring A knowledge of London, its people and its green infrastructure Demonstrable media skills, including experience of press, publicity and use of social media. Demonstrable experience of developing projects, fundraising and income generation from a variety of sources including grants fundraising and private sector donations Experience of working in the nature conservation sector, including experience of managing wetland sites, visitor centres and conservation land management Experience and understanding of involving people in conservation via volunteering; community engagement and outdoor learning Experience of implementing Health & Safety legislation, and knowledge of safeguarding and associated welfare issues Proven ability to relate to and work with people from a broad cross-section of the community, ideally including experience of community involvement/development work in an urban context Knowledge of working practises of risk assessment and COSHH assessment in the conservation sector Knowledge of Walthamstow Reservoirs and the existing operations that take place Experience of managing a biodiversity surveying and monitoring programme A qualification in project management Experience managing a site with multiple and broad ranging leisure activities including fishing Knowledge of working practices of Water Utilities company operations including the restrictions and limitations under the Reservoirs Act Protecting London s wildlife for the future The London Wildlife Trust is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales no and registered charity no

6 Proven ability to relate to and work with people from a broad cross-section of the community, ideally including experience of community involvement/development work in an urban context Experience of implementing quality standards e.g. Learning outside the Classroom Quality Badge or Green Flag Award Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written), with diplomacy and tact Excellent organisational, time management, team-working and facilitation skills Page 6 of 6