Assistant Estate Warden

 1. Overall Purpose:

The Assistant Warden, managed by Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT), will help support the Estate warden and the Ornithological Warden with their duties. This supports MWT role in managing the Calf Bird Observatory on behalf of Manx National Heritage, the landowner.

2. Job role and responsibilities:

The role is a varied one and will involve helping with a variety of day to day responsibilities and duties, for example dealing with guests, estate maintenance or assisting with wildlife surveys.

3. Specific roles:

3.1   Manx Shearwater Recovery Project:

You will support the bait monitoring on the Calf to monitor signs of rat presence and to implement emergency contingency procedures should a rat be detected. Co-ordinating volunteers to help will also be required.

3.2   Visitor Liaison:

This will include guiding visitor groups, assisting with any education programmes, induction of overnight guests and helping with the cleaning of the Observatory between groups.

3.3   General Estate Maintenance:

Helping the Estate Warden with route maintenance the Observatory, for example building maintenance, vehicle maintenance, harbour clearing, stone wall and track repairs.

3.4   Habitat Management:

Helping the Estate warden with habitat management, such as coppicing, pond clearance and bracken clearance, as outlined in the work plan.

3.5   Wildlife Surveys:

Helping with bird and other wildlife surveys, such as sea watches, botanical surveys, butterfly transects, lizard surveys and moth trapping. Co-ordinating the monthly seal counts around the Calf.

4. Person Specification:

4.1 Experience:

4.2 Knowledge:

4.3 Skills:

4.4 Personal Qualities:

5. Details of Placement

5.1 Length of Stay:

The post is from early March to the end of October (36 weeks).

5.2 Subsistence:

An allowance of £30 per week towards food will be provided and will be paid monthly.

Travel to/from the Calf (from Port St Mary), accommodation and utilities will be provided.

5.3 Working Week:

The nature of the work will require a very flexible approach, with much of the work required outside of ‘normal’ hours, including weekends and bank holidays.

5.4 Location:

The Assistant warden will be based on the Calf of Man. An islet off the south of the Isle of Man.

5.5 Leave:

There is a leave entitlement of 15 days. Due to the nature of the work, holidays are normally taken only after consultation with the line manager. This is to maintain cover to meet the requirements of two wardens remaining on the Calf at any one time to keep the Calf operational. 

5.6 Accommodation:

The Assistant warden will be provided with accommodation in the farmhouse building. This accommodation is basic but adequate and should be kept clean and in good condition. Living on the Calf requires careful use of water, fuel and supplies. Basic living facilities are provided including cooking utensils, bedding and satellite TV, heating etc but the post holder is responsible for ordering and paying for their own food and personal provisions.

5.7 Training:

Training will be provided, such as ATV and tractor driving. Rodenticide training will also be given to support the Manx Shearwater project. PPE will also be provided, where necessary.