British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Senior Reserve Warden
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WWT Castle Espie
Northern Ireland
Closing date for applications is: 16th Oct 2026
Contact: Recruitment Team (recruitment@wwt.org.uk)
Sector: Conservation
Type: Paid
Contract type: Full-time
Salary: £25,985 per annum
About The Role
WWT is entering an exciting new phase at WWT Castle Espie, repositioning the site as a dedicated hub for wetland nature conservation on Strangford Lough, one of the UK’s most important wetland landscapes.
We are looking for an experienced and practical Senior Reserve Warden to take a leading role in the management of Castle Espie’s nature reserve and our work on the shoreline of Strangford Lough. You will help ensure our internationally important wetland habitats are managed effectively for wildlife, while creating opportunities for visitors and volunteers to connect with wetlands and the species they support.
This is a varied, hands-on role with responsibility for implementing the reserve management plan, coordinating ecological monitoring, maintaining site infrastructure and supervising contractors and volunteers. You will also play an important role in engaging visitors through guided walks and events and will act as a Duty Manager on rotation, contributing to the smooth day-to-day running of the wider site.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver practical habitat and reserve management across Castle Espie and the shoreline of Strangford Lough.
- Undertake and oversee ecological monitoring, including breeding bird surveys and WeBS counts.
- Maintain reserve infrastructure, machinery and equipment safely and effectively.
- Supervise contractors, volunteers and volunteer work parties.
- Support species recovery projects and other conservation work.
- Lead guided walks and engage visitors with wetlands, wildlife and our conservation work.
- Act as Duty Manager on rotation and contribute to the smooth running of the wider site.
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This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced conservation professional to take on a varied, hands-on role, helping manage an important wetland reserve while inspiring others to value and protect wetlands.
This is a full-time position, working 37.5 hours per week, including weekend and bank holiday working.
About You
This role would suit an experienced conservation or reserve management professional with a strong understanding of wetland ecology and practical land management.
You will combine sound ecological knowledge with practical reserve management skills and the confidence to make decisions and take responsibility for work on the ground. You will be comfortable planning and undertaking monitoring, managing infrastructure and equipment, supervising contractors and leading volunteers and work parties.
Just as importantly, you will be a positive and collaborative team member who enjoys sharing their knowledge with others. Whether leading a volunteer work party, delivering a guided walk or talking informally with visitors, you will be able to communicate your enthusiasm for wetlands and wildlife in an engaging and accessible way.
Essential Experience And Skills
- Demonstrable experience of nature reserve management, wetland ecology and practical land management techniques.
- Experience of ecological surveying and species monitoring, particularly breeding waders and wetland birds.
- Some experience of leading, training and supervising volunteers or work parties.
- Experience of applying Health & Safety requirements in a practical working environment, including completing appropriate risk assessments and maintaining equipment to high standards.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to work independently, make sound decisions and explain the reasoning behind them.
- Excellent team-working and leadership skills, with a positive and proactive approach.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to engage effectively with colleagues, volunteers, contractors and members of the public.
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About Us
We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.
Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.
Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?
Why you’ll love working at WWT
- Wake up every day knowing your work is helping to restore wetlands, and our world.
- Be surrounded and inspired by our team of passionate, dedicated people.
- 33 days annual leave (which goes up to 38 days after 5 years of service) – this includes bank holidays and you have flexibility to take those days whenever you want.
- Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family.
- Free car parking and secure bike storage areas.
- Colleague discount on shopping and memberships.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Contributory pension scheme.
- Life Assurance of three times your salary, for peace of mind for your loved ones.
- Independent personal, workplace and financial advice from our Employee Assistance Programme.
WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered solely on merit.
Registered Charity Number
England & Wales, no 1030884 and Scotland, no SC039410
Apply For This Job
For more information, and to apply for the role, please follow the link: https://vacancies.wwt.org.uk/vacancies/953/senior-reserve-warden.html
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