Breeding Wader Monitoring Officers

RSPB; Northern Ireland; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental conservation organization is seeking 5 Breeding Wader Monitoring Officers to conduct surveys and assessments across key sites in Northern Ireland. This role involves rigorous fieldwork in challenging conditions, data entry, and collaboration with stakeholders. Successful candidates will possess strong knowledge of local wildlife and bird species, with a full UK driving licence. The position offers 6-month fixed-term contracts and competitive salary within the specified range.

Qualifications

• Experience in bird surveys and monitoring.
• Ability to work long hours in remote areas and poor weather.
• Strong skills in record-keeping and data entry.

Responsibilities

• Conduct breeding wader surveys at specified locations.
• Carry out habitat mapping and assessments.
• Perform predator scat surveys and data entry.

Skills

Knowledge of wildlife and habitats

Ability to identify breeding birds

Fieldwork in adverse conditions

Navigation skills

Data management skills

Valid driving licence

Job description

Breeding Wader Monitoring Officers x5

Reference: JAN20261382
Location: RSPB Northern Ireland - Lough Erne x2, Lough Beg x1 or Antrim Hills x2
Terms: 5x Fixed-Term, 6 months Contracts, Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £27,123.00 - £28,956.00 Per Annum, Pro Rata

Funded through the PEACEPLUS Nature Programme, these areas are three of the last remaining strongholds for Northern Irish curlews and other breeding waders.

PEACEPLUS is a cross-border funding Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and supported by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland administration.

About PEACEPLUS Nature

PEACEPLUS Nature is an ambitious €20.8 million project that will bring together nine partners (RSPB NI, BirdWatch Ireland, Butterfly Conservation, Monaghan County Council, River Blackwater Catchment Trust, Truagh Development Association, Lough Neagh Partnership, NI Water and An Taisce - The National Trust for Ireland) to tackle the decline in priority species and habitats across Northern Ireland and bordering counties.

This project will work to restore lowland wet grassland and limestone grassland and priority species from breeding waders to Marsh Fritillary Butterfly, as well as support peatland restoration works.

Northern Ireland's curlews have declined by 82% since the 1980’s, with only an estimated 250 pairs left we are in a race against time to stabilise and reverse this population decline.

Key activities:

• Conducting breeding wader surveys following either the modified O'Brien & Smith (Lough Erne and Lough Beg) or Brown and Shepherd (Antrim Hills) methodologies.
• Conducting habitat mapping and assessments.
• Conducting predator scat surveys.
• Data entry and upkeep.
• Developing and maintaining relationships with private land-owners and other stakeholders.
• Further details about the specific activities at each location is on our site

Essential:

• You will have working knowledge of the wildlife and habitats of the areas and experience in bird surveys and monitoring.
• Ability to identify a wide range of breeding birds by sight and sound, specifically waders.
• Ability to undertake demanding fieldwork in remote areas for long hours and in poor weather.
• Ability to navigate using a map, compass and GPS.
• Strong data management skills, ensuring accurate and legible record-keeping and data entry.
• A full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK and access to a vehicle for the duration of the contract

Closing: Sunday 8th February

To complete your application online please CLICK HERE