Join the team on the Calf of Man

Manx Wildlife Trust is seeking an enthusiastic Assistant Estate Warden to join the warden team on the Calf of Man Bird Observatory. Working alongside the Estate Warden, you will help care for one of the Isle of Man's most important nature reserves, supporting conservation, visitor engagement and the day-to-day running of the island.

This is a varied and rewarding role that combines practical estate management, wildlife conservation, visitor engagement and monitoring work. The successful candidate will work closely with both Manx National Heritage, the owner of the Calf of Man, and Manx Wildlife Trust, which manages the site and delivers the warden service on its behalf.

What you'll be doing

No two days are the same on the Calf. Responsibilities range from maintaining visitor facilities and supporting conservation projects to monitoring wildlife and welcoming guests to the island.

Key duties include:

• Assisting with estate maintenance and habitat management.
• Supporting wildlife surveys and monitoring programmes.
• Helping manage visitor and guest accommodation.
• Welcoming and guiding visitors and educational groups.
• Monitoring biosecurity measures, including invasive species surveillance.
• Supporting conservation projects and annual reporting.
• Working alongside and occasionally supervising volunteers.

Biosecurity and Invasive Species Monitoring

Protecting the Calf's wildlife is a key part of the role. You will help monitor for signs of rat activity using a network of trail cameras, review footage on a regular basis and assist with emergency response procedures should any invasive species be detected. This may include coordinating volunteers to support monitoring and management activities.

Guest Accommodation and Visitor Experience

The observatory welcomes researchers, volunteers and overnight guests throughout the year. Working with the Estate Warden, you will help prepare accommodation, ensure facilities are clean and welcoming, coordinate laundry arrangements and assist with transporting guests' luggage to and from the boat.

Visitor Engagement

As an ambassador for the Calf of Man, you will help create a positive visitor experience by welcoming guests, delivering inductions, assisting with education programmes and leading guided visits for groups when required.

Estate Maintenance

You will support the ongoing maintenance of the observatory and wider estate, carrying out practical tasks such as building upkeep, vehicle maintenance, harbour cleaning and repairs to tracks and traditional stone walls. The role also involves monitoring water supplies, fuel stocks and other essential infrastructure.

Habitat Management

Working alongside the Estate Warden, you will contribute to a range of habitat management projects designed to benefit wildlife. Activities may include coppicing, pond management, vegetation clearance and supporting heather and bracken management using machinery where appropriate.

Wildlife Surveys and Monitoring

The role offers opportunities to be involved in a wide range of wildlife monitoring projects. These may include bird surveys, cetacean watches, botanical surveys, butterfly transects, reptile monitoring and moth trapping. You will also help coordinate the monthly seal counts around the Calf of Man.

Supporting Conservation Work

In addition to the core responsibilities above, you will assist with data entry, record keeping and annual reporting. You may also support the Ornithological Warden with monitoring and research projects where needed. Volunteers play an important role in the management of the Calf, and you may occasionally be required to help coordinate and supervise volunteer teams.

This is an exceptional opportunity to gain practical experience in conservation, estate management and wildlife monitoring while living and working in one of the British Isles' most spectacular wildlife destinations.

For more information and full role descriptor, see below. 

To apply please send a cover letter and CV to Lara Howe at lara@mwt.im

The closing date is 2nd December 2026.