Reserve Warden

Salary

Reserve Warden positions are usually voluntary, reporting to paid Park Staff.

Main Employers

• Local and Regional Government
• National Trust

Job Profile

Reserve Wardens assist Borough Council Parks’ staff in ensuring that ecological reserves are protected and managed in accordance with the objectives of the Ecological Reserve Act and Ecological Reserve Regulations. This includes helping to increase public understanding of the Ecological Reserves Program, provide liaison between the general public and BC Parks by providing information and provide input into the management plan for each ecological reserve.

Reserve Wardens observe, record, and report on all topics and issues related to the conservation and protection of the natural or cultural values in the Ecological Reserve including natural events and human-use impacts. This includes incidents such as vandalism, illegal camping, fence damage, ecological degradation and waste. However, BC Parks staff handles the enforcement issues.

Role and Responsibilities

Jobs will vary according to each employer. However you could expect to be involved in but not limited to:
• Monitoring activities that are taking place within or on the periphery of the Reserve
• Reporting to the Area Supervisor on the condition of the ecological reserve and any violations of the Ecological Reserve Regulations
• Placing and maintaining signs along reserve boundaries at normal access points
• Greeting and providing information to visitors encountered in the ecological reserve
• Providing management activities under direction of BC Parks staff
• Reporting to the Area Supervisor on research and educational activities taking place in the ecological reserve
• Informing BC Parks, researchers and the public about potential research projects
• If qualified, conducting scientific research in reserves, provided they hold a valid research permit
• Providing information to interested persons and groups about the warden program and ecological reserves, through public presentations, slide programs and field trips
• Assisting with biological inventory and monitoring and setting up permanent research plots
Qualifications

Volunteer wardens represent a wide spectrum of the public naturalist clubs to foresters, biologists, and interested individuals living in the vicinity of ecological reserves. No specialist knowledge is needed just an appreciation of Reserves as special places.

Career Opportunities

There are many Ecological Reserves that desperately need volunteer wardens, so there is no shortage of positions. However, a strong commitment is required.