Keeper Banstead, England
Job description
JOB TITLE: Keeper
SALARY: Range from £20,000 to £22,000 (dependent on experience)
HOURS PER WEEK: 37 hours (Part Time options available)
JOB REPORTS TO: Clerk, Banstead Commons Conservators
JOB PURPOSE:
To act as Keeper to Banstead Commons Conservators and assist with the practical management of the four sites that make up Banstead Commons – Banstead Downs, Park Downs, Burgh Heath and Banstead Heath – 550 hectares of protected open space in the borough of Reigate and Banstead.
The successful candidate will be working in a small, dedicated team who are passionate about protecting and preserving Banstead Commons for people to enjoy and wildlife to thrive.
KEY DUTIES OF THE JOB: These are the key responsibilities of the job. On occasion the Keeper may be required to undertake other duties as deemed necessary for managing the Commons.
SITE MANAGEMENT
To support the Senior Keeper/Ranger in managing the Commons in accordance with management prescriptions and work programme.
To be responsible for implementing maintenance activities and habitat management works in line with best practice which includes:
· To maintain grassland areas including rides, footpaths/bridleways, firebreaks, signage, furniture and other tasks when required.
· To help maintain woodland areas which includes felling, lopping and pruning to high arboricultural standards. Management of Oak Processionary Moth and other tree pests and diseases.
· Scrub management.
· Herbicide spraying where appropriate in accordance with COSSH Regulations.
· To take responsibility for the maintenance, safe operation and secure storage of tools, vehicles, plant machinery and stock.
· Help keep the depot and its immediate environs in good, clean condition.
· To carry out regular site inspections to report and enforce bye-law breaches and encroachments.
· Assist with tree surveys and any other relevant monitoring being carried out on the Commons.
EXTERNAL WORKING RELATIONSHIPS AND VISITOR ENGAGEMENT
To represent Banstead Commons Conservators when at work and maintain good relations with local residents, Commoners and users of the Commons.
To assist in promoting public enjoyment and understanding of the countryside at events, guided walks and the provision of interpretation materials.
To assist in organising and supervising volunteer events where necessary. Work together with and support groups of volunteers carrying out practical management tasks on the Commons.
HEALTH AND SAFETY AND EQUALITIES
To implement Health and Safety at Work Policy and give due regard to the health and safety of both themselves and others when carrying out their duties. Complete necessary equipment checks and risk assessments before carrying out tasks.
To take responsibility for the health and safety of visiting public, staff and contractors, and ensure compliance with policy and procedures.
Actively seek to always implement Equal Opportunities whilst at work.
OTHER:
To undertake any other duties that may reasonably be requested appropriate to the grade.
To undertake any relevant training for the duties of this post.
PERSONAL SPECIFICATION
1. Qualifications / education / training
Full driving licence.
Qualification in countryside management or other relevant discipline.
Certificate in use of chainsaws or willingness to be trained.
Tractor driving experience and/or qualification or willingness to be trained.
An interest in wildlife and conservation.
Awareness of Health and Safety and an ability to work in compliance with risk assessments, COSHH assessments etc.
2. Experience & knowledge
Proven experience of working in an outdoor environment in all types of weather.
Experience in habitat management, including heathland/woodland and other countryside management activities, including the development and delivery of site management plans/work programmes.
Knowledge of Health and Safety issues and ability to complete site risk assessments.
Computer literate.
3. Skills and competencies
Care and maintenance of tools and plant machinery.
Ability to work as part of a team and alone and unsupervised.
Ability to prioritise workloads, manage time efficiently and utilise resources effectively.
Demonstrable high standard of customer service skills and public facing interactions.
4. Personal attributes
Ability to work outside in rough terrain, in all weathers throughout the year.
Ability to work on own, when safe and appropriate, and as part of a small, dedicated team.
Ability to display a strong sense of personal integrity and create a culture which values diversity in the workplace.
5. Other
Able to work flexibly including some weekends when and if required.
Experience of working alongside volunteers, “Friend’s of” and other organisations.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Salary: £20,000.00-£22,000.00 per year
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Heath: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: One location
