vacancy pack - rspb.org.uk€¦ · web viewyou can also complete the enclosed application form in...

Applications from candidates requiring a certificate of sponsorship under the UK points-based immigration system will not be considered if there are suitable candidates who do not require sponsorship. This is because employers need to demonstrate that they are unable to recruit a resident worker, before they can recruit a non-resident worker*.

The resident worker rule does not prevent applicants requiring sponsorship from applying for our vacancies, but such applications should be made on the understanding that they can only be considered subject to the restrictions above.

For further information, please visit the Home Office UK Border Agency website.

*This rule does not apply to those applying for roles that require a bachelor, postgraduate degree or postgraduate certificate in education qualification. It is necessary for the qualification to be an essential requirement for the role and the applicant to prove that they possess such a qualification (or have completed a minimum of 12 months study in the UK towards a UK PhD), which is recognised in the UK.

This pack contains all the information you need to apply, including:

Useful InformationDetails on our Diversity Policy statement, how we use CVs, shortlisting and employment checks and UK Identification requirements

Applicant letterDetails on how to apply plus closing date and interview date(s)

Job descriptionA breakdown of the vacancy, including the purpose of the job, requirements, duties and responsibilities

Person specificationA list of criteria that potential candidates should aim to meet

Department information*Details of the department advertising the post

Application FormPDF version

Please print out, complete and return to the address on the Applicant letterWord version

Applicants are encouraged to complete electronically and return by e-mail

* This information will only be provided if it is relevant to this post

Application Pack July 2012 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales No. 207076

Scotland No. SC037654

Vacancy pack

Useful InformationDiversity Policy StatementThe RSPB is part of a global network that incorporates a diversity of traditions and cultures, and which represents different inheritances, backgrounds, influences, perspectives and experiences. A better understanding of people’s differences will help us to appreciate and value everyone’s contribution, and recognise that we are all an integral and invaluable part of the Society.

Everyone has the right to be treated with consideration and respect. The Society is committed to achieving a truly inclusive environment for all, by developing better working relationships that release the full potential, creativity and productivity of each individual, and an atmosphere where everyone can learn, work and live free from prejudice, discrimination, harassment and violence.

The Society aims to ensure that all staff, volunteers, partners, clients, contractors, members and the general public are treated fairly. Unless it can be shown to be justified, this will be regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender re-assignment, marital or civil partnership status, race (including colour, nationality, ethnicity, or national origin), disability, medical status, age, religion or belief, political opinion, social or economic status, or ex-offender status.

Use of Curriculum Vitae (CVs)Our policy is to recruit and employ our employees on the basis of their suitability for the work to be done. An application form allows us to compare individuals based on like for like information and as such we do not accept a CV unless accompanied by a fully completed application.

ShortlistingThe RSPB is an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to ensuring all applications are treated fairly. Applications are sought only from those eligible to work in the UK in the first instance.

All applications are subject to our shortlisting process where we only assess information provided against the Person Specification. If you are shortlisted we will contact you and invite you to attend an interview. You will also be advised at this point if there will be any skills test, presentations etc.

As a charity, we lack the resources to advise all candidates if their application is unsuccessful. If you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, we will have decided not to take your application any further. However, if you are able to supply us with an e-mail address, we will endeavour to advise you if you have not been shortlisted. If this is the case, please do not be discouraged from re-applying as your skills and experience may be just what we need for our next vacancy. We also have a number of volunteering opportunities across the organisation.

Employment ChecksAll offers of employment are made subject to the following criteria:

Proof of eligibility to work in the UK, Proof of Residency, Satisfactory Employment Health Check, Two references satisfactory to the Society and where required a Satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau Check.



Dear Applicant

Livestock Manager Great Ouse Wetland £24,000 to £28,000 per annum

Thank you for your enquiry regarding our advertised vacancy. An application form is enclosed, together with a job description, person specification and other background information about the RSPB.

If you require any further information about this post, please contact Graham Elliott, Cambridgeshire & Fens Area Manager on01954 233261.

We prefer typed applications. Applications can be downloaded in Microsoft Word from our web page at http://www.rspb.org.uk/vacancies/index.asp. You can also complete the enclosed application form in blue or black ink. Please refer to the person specification when completing the form. Your completed application form should clearly describe how you meet each of the criteria that have been identified as being necessary for this post as this will form the basis of short listing candidates. If you enclose a CV, it may be referred to for supplementary information, however, please ensure that all the questions asked on the application form are fully answered.

We take all practicable steps to safeguard the safety and welfare of children or vulnerable adults while they are in contact with the RSPB and have a Child Safety and Welfare Policy that supports this. As the post you have applied for involves contact with children additional checks at the interview and offer stage of the recruitment process, will be carried out. These can include checking id, requesting a disclosure and taking up references.

Completed forms should be returned to [email protected] or, Kate Milne, RSPB, The Grange, 20 Market Street, Swavesey, Cambs. CB24 4QG. If you require an acknowledgement of receipt of your application, please enclose a stamped, addressed envelope.

The closing date for receipt of completed application forms is 17 December 2012. Interviews will be held week commencing 7 January 2012. .

May we take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in employment with the RSPB. As a charity, we try to keep our administrative costs to a minimum and therefore you will only be contacted if we wish to progress your application. If you have not heard from us within six weeks of the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. However, if you are able to supply us with an e-mail address, we will endeavour to advise you if you have not been shortlisted.

We look forward to receiving your application in due course.

Cambridgeshire & Fens Area Team



Job Description

Job title: Grazing & Livestock Manager – Great Ouse Wetland

Dept/Section/Region/Reserve: Cambridgeshire and The Fens Area Team, EERO

Location Of Job: Welch’s Dam, Manea, Cambridgeshire

Post holder reports to: Site Manager, Ouse Washes

Reporting To Post holder: Two full time senior stockman and two summer contract stockpersons

Overall Purpose Of The Job: The Grazing and Livestock Manager will be responsible for the efficient and effective management of RSPB grazing and livestock systems across the RSPB’s Great Ouse Wetland nature reserves (Ouse Washes, Ouse Fen, Fen Drayton and adjacent reserves). The postholder will play a vital role - working closely with the nature reserve Site Managers – in the development, implementation and management of the existing grazing system to meet the objectives of reserve management plans. Managing a small stock team, the post holder will be responsible for ensuring that grazing and estate management tasks are completed each year.

Main Duties:

PlanningWork with the Site Managers and other key staff to plan and implement the most effective grazing systems to deliver management plan objectives across the Great Ouse Wetland.

Livestock ProcurementLiaise annually with c.30 individual farmers to supply circa 2, 500 head of cattle to summer graze (April to November) on the Ouse Washes (1,200Ha) and in conjunction with the Regional Land Agent ensure that appropriate grazing licences are in place.

Oversee and support site managers at Ouse Fen and Fen Drayton to ensure effective grazing management of these two smaller sites and where appropriate take the lead in dealing with local graziers.

Livestock ManagementProvide an effective shepherding service to ensure all animals grazing on the Great Ouse Wetland are in good condition and that any ailments or problems are identified and dealt with quickly and efficiently.

Deliver a program of preventative worming and take the lead and responsibility to treat livestock ailments.

Staff ManagementOrganise a team of 5 people (including yourself) to provide 7 days a week livestock care, to include daily work plan meetings, one to ones and annual appraisals of staff.

Risk Management Take the overall responsibility to ensure all livestock entering the reserves are compliant in accordance with DEFRA regulations.

Environmental Stewardship



Lead on the management and delivery of the existing HLS/ELS agreements across the reserves and in conjunction with the Regional Land Agent ensure the schemes are renewed when necessary.

Budgets and cost controlIn consultation with the Senior Site Manager, prepare and monitor budgets for the grazing operations, deal with the purchase of machinery and infra structure and the hiring of staff as required.

In conjunction with RSPB land agency issue annual grazing licences and take the lead in producing annual invoicing for all graziers and annual internal reporting.

Record keepingTo keep all farm and livestock records (e.g. identification and movement, vet and med, etc) up to date and available for inspection. In consultation with the Site Manager and Land Agency, to ensure that RPA records and RLR maps are kept up to date and accurate. Grazing infrastructureTake the lead in delivering all the reserves livestock infrastructure maintenance this includes fencing, ditch management and 7 cattle handling pens.

Reserve managementAssist other reserve staff with habitat and estate management, research, survey and monitoring.

Other duties:

1. Attend training courses and develop personal abilities/knowledge and role in line with regular objective/target setting and appraisal.

2. Develop role in area and regional teams by attending area team meetings and regional gatherings.

3. Assist or co-ordinate staff from RSPB or other organisations whose work relates to the reserve.

Other Relevant Factors

Frequently works anti-social hours including bank holidays, weekends and evenings.May be disturbed at home during anti-social hours.Required to maintain confidential information.

We expect you to carry out your job responsibilities in an environmentally aware manner, ensuring as little damage to the environment as possible. 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.

In the RSPB volunteers are a major resource and make a vital contribution to the RSPB’s aim to take action for the conservation of wild birds and the environment. You will be expected to encourage, develop and support volunteer involvement in our work.

This job description defines the lead responsibilities of the post and the formal management structure. However, the Eastern England Region requires a high degree of flexible teamwork. The post-holder may direct part of the work of any other member of the regional team and may in turn have part of their work directed by other staff, depending on the allocation of individual responsibilities.



Great Ouse Wetland Livestock Manager

Thank you for your interest in the Great Ouse Wetland Livestock Manager role. This additional information has been prepared to give applicants a greater insight into the RSPB’s nature reserves in the Great Ouse Wetland, Cambridgeshire, the area as a whole and what it is like working as part of the RSPB’s Eastern England regional team.

The Great Ouse Wetland

From the heart of Cambridgeshire along the river Great Ouse and across the Fens into Norfolk lies a network of wetland sites that form one of the largest and most important wetlands in the UK. The Great Ouse Wetland extends over 3,000 hectares, that’s nearly the same size as the city of Cambridge. In length, it stretches for a distance of 40km, that’s all the way from Fen Drayton Lakes to Denver Sluice.

The network includes the new RSPB nature reserves being developed at Fen Drayton Lakes, Ouse Fen and the long established Ouse Washes. The Ouse Washes are nearly 400 years old with more than three quarters owned by the RSPB, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and the Wildlife Trust, with the flood management operated by the Environment Agency.

Challenges and opportunities



Much of the site is washland or seasonally flooded grassland which we manage for the benefit of breeding and wintering birds. The main management tool is seasonal cattle grazing with up to 2,500 animals on site at the peak of the season. All are sourced from local graziers, some of whom manage their own animals but many choose to take advantage of the RSPB’s shepherding service delivering adequate grazing, daily checking and administration of standard veterinary medicines.

Ouse Washes habitat deterioration

The internationally important Ouse Washes have become progressively worse for birds since the 1970s with late spring floods leading to a steady decline in breeding waders. Waterfowl numbers are declining due to longer, deeper floods in winter. This deterioration was recognised by the UK Government in 2000 with the site added to the ‘Montreaux Record’ of Ramsar sites undergoing ecological change – one of only two sites in this record in the UK. The engineering solutions needed to maintain the designated wildlife interest, alongside the flood storage function of the Ouse Washes would be incredibly expensive (over £100m).

A more cost effective solution is to create new damp grassland areas for the affected bird populations outside of the Ouse Washes. The Environment Agency is working in partnership with conservation organisations to create 500ha of new replacement meadowland grasslands, within areas adjacent to the Washes at Coveney and Sutton. These new areas will allow Government to meet its obligations while continuing to optimise the use of the Ouse Washes for flood storage. The RSPB is advising the Agency on the design and future management of this land and we are hopeful that we will become the managers of this new habitat and associated grazing.

Restoration of new areas of sand and gravel extraction

There are some exciting opportunities to add to the Great Ouse Wetland through the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Minerals and Waste Plan. New aggregate working planned to support economic growth will need to be beneficially restored. New reedbeds are being created on a 700ha site at Ouse Fen with grass banks and grazing between wet areas that will be grazed . At Block Fen/Langwood Fen a large multi-functional area is proposed to provide much needed wildlife habitat in the form of damp grassland along with areas capable of storage of flood water for future irrigation use. These new restored areas will need to be managed and will also provide opportunities for public access to be developed.

Fen Drayton is around 400ha of disused mineral workings and riverside meadows where much of the grazing is let to tenants. Liaison with our tenants will be essential if we are to deliver benefits for conservation while at the same time sustaining local farming businesses.



Promotion and public access

The different sites within the Great Ouse Wetland offer a variety of experiences; the WWT Welney Wetlands Centre has its spectacular floodlit winter swan feeding, high quality catering and all year events programme, whilst RSPB facilities offer a wider experience for the enthusiast. Fen Drayton Lakes is being developed as a family friendly nature reserve accessible by the Cambridge Guided Bus with direct links into the city.

As a result of the positive partnerships within the Great Ouse Wetland, there is an opportunity to coordinate signage, promotion and develop better public access links across the area.

The Job

The main purpose of the Livestock Manager role is to organise and deliver grazing through leadership of our experienced and motivated team of staff and volunteers in the Great Ouse Wetland. Based at Welches Dam close to Manea the Livestock Manager will work closely with the Site Managers to ensure suitable grazing is delivered across the site in the right place at the right time. A substantial amount of liaison with graziers will be required throughout the year to ensure the RSPB’s high reputation for managing livestock is maintained. The Livestock Manager will be responsible for ensuring that all DEFRA/RPA requirements are met, high standards of animal welfare are maintained and that all associated paperwork and records are kept in order and ready for inspection. The Livestock Manager will also be responsible for ensuring that all livestock related infrastructure is maintained to a high standard.



The Livestock Manager will be responsible for working across the Great Ouse Wetland to make sure that livestock management is fully integrated across the Ouse Washes, Ouse Fen and Fen Drayton. Close liaison will be required with the Project Manager of the Hanson RSPB Wetland Project at Ouse Fen and site manager at Fen Drayton.

The Great Ouse Wetland will also play an important role in our Futurescapes vision for the Fens. Futurescapes is the RSPB’s contribution to landscape scale conservation and aims not only make the countryside better for wildlife but also better for people. The Livestock Manager may be called on from time to time to provide advice to non-RSPB sites and farms across the Fens.

The Area Team

The RSPB’s Eastern England Region is divided into six Area Teams. The Cambridgeshire and the Fens Area Team is responsible for the delivery of RSPB objectives within Cambridgeshire and the fenland areas of adjacent Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk through its own staff resource and working with colleagues based at the regional office in Norwich.

Within the area team we have five major nature reserves – Fen Drayton, Ouse Fen, Ouse Washes, Nene Washes and Lakenheath. We also have the Fens Futurescape initiative which extends over most of our area.

There are currently around 30 members of paid staff in the area team, supported by numerous volunteers. We have offices at the Ouse and Nene Washes, Lakenheath and Swavesey close to Fen Drayton and Ouse Fen.



What sort of person are we looking for?

Ideally we’re looking for someone with an interest in the RSPB’s conservation mission who has first hand experience of livestock management at a large scale and who has the focus and drive to achieve high standards. To do this, experience in motivating and managing a team of stock persons will be a key attribute.

Hands on experience of working in nature conservation isn’t essential as we have an experienced team of wardens but you will have to have an open mind to the use of grazing as a conservation tool and be willing on occasion to muck in and help out on the reserves where needed.

You will need good interpersonal skills and the ability to work with graziers and the farming community as well as partner organisations, local community groups, decision makers and local businesses.

Living and working in the Cambridgeshire Fens

Cambridgeshire is a good and developing area within which to live and work. Although very rural and open, the small market towns are well connected by road and rail and Cambridge City offers much as a cultural and commercial centre.

Although house prices close to Cambridge can be steep, property is more affordable in the market towns. Ely is a growing and popular location but good rail links tend to keep prices on the high side. Towns like St Ives, March and Chatteris offer cheaper alternatives. Alternatively, there are many small villages offering a quieter way of life.

Cambridge is less than an hour’s drive away from anywhere within the County and has all the amenities of any major city.

Subject to criteria, the RSPB is able to offer a relocation package to assist with the costs of moving home.

Hopefully you will now have a greater insight into the Great Ouse Wetland Livestock Manager role, the reserves and the team and will be tempted into applying! If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Graham Elliott Area Manager – Cambridgeshire and the Fens

E-mail: graham.elliott @rspb.org.uk ; Tel: 07850 825433



mailto:[email protected]

Person SpecificationJob Title: Livestock Manager

Region /Dept: Eastern England ReservesHow criteria will be tested : A = Application Form, T = Test, I = Interview, P = Personality test, O = Other

Essential DesirableQualifications A T I P O Qualifications A T I P O1 Agricultural Diploma a Educated to Higher National Diploma Standard

b Management and implementation of veterinary medicines

c ATV, 4x4 and Tractor trained.

Experience Experience2 Significant demonstrable experience of practical livestock

husbandry d 5 years experience of managing 500 or more cattle

3 Significant demonstrable experience in line managing teams of people

e knowledge of extensive grazing on lowland wet grassland

4 Significant demonstrable experience of combining farming management and the environment.

Skills/Abilities Skills/Abilities5

Excellent organizational, planning, interpersonal and leadership skills.

f Ability to talk and influence visiting audiences

6 Good record keeping and computer data skills g Good all-round conservation knowledge including bird identification.

7 Ability to maximize grazing income and keep accountsKnowledge Knowledge8 Excellent knowledge of cattle related ailments, preventions

and treatments. h Up to date knowledge of best agricultural and

environmental practice

9 Up to date and practiced knowledge of cross compliance requirements

Disposition/Circumstances Disposition/Circumstances10 Adaptable as well as organized and efficient approach i The desire to learn new skills to enhance the effectiveness

of the team11 Team worker aptitude

12 Ability to priorities the needs of farmers, livestock, staff and the environment.

Application Pack July 2012 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales No. 207076 Scotland No. SC037654

1

PLEASE REFER TO VACANCY DETAILS FOR RETURN ADDRESSJob Ref. No. 3911112

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For RSPB Use Only

APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENTSTRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

Employment historyPlease give details of all jobs held, including part-time and unpaid work, starting with your current or most recent employer. Continue on a separate sheet if necessary.

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Relevant skills/knowledge/experienceYou should outline below how your skills/knowledge/experience meet the requirements of the Person Specification. You may draw on past employment and/or out of work activities. Please include details of any scientific papers you have had published. Continue on a separate sheet if necessary.


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The information on this form will be used for recruitment and selection purposes only and if your application is successful it will form part of your employment record. All unsuccessful applications will be destroyed twelve months after the closing date for positions advertised in Scotland, England and Wales and three years after the closing date for positions advertised in Northern Ireland.

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I confirm that the information contained in this application form is correct.

Signature .....................................................................................……………………………………….

Date .................................................................................................................................................


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