Breeding Wader Surveyor

RSPB; Remote; GBP 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A conservation organization is seeking fieldworkers to conduct surveys of breeding wader species across Wales, requiring practical field skills and knowledge of bird survey techniques. The role includes visiting diverse habitats and maintaining relationships with landowners. Contracts are fixed-term, ranging from 3 to 5 weeks, involving overnight stays. Suitable candidates must have a full manual driving licence valid in the UK and be self-motivated to work efficiently within defined plans.

Qualifications

• Experience with bird survey techniques.
• Skilled in identifying breeding waders, especially Curlew and Lapwing.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations regarding field work.

Responsibilities

• Conduct surveys of breeding wader species across a range of habitats.
• Report data accurately online and archive field sheets.
• Maintain relationships with landowners and project partners.

Skills

Bird survey techniques

Practical field skills

Knowledge of licensing and regulations

Initiative

Self-motivated

Ability to read maps

Data collection and reporting

Communication skills

Full driving licence valid in UK

Job description

Reference: DEC20259419
Location: Travelling across Wales from home, not office based. Vehicle provided.
Salary: £25,847.00 - £27,594.00 Pro Rata
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Full-Time - incl earlies, lates & weekends.
Contracts: Fixed Term, 3 to 5 weeks
Five contracts of five weeks
One contract of three weeks

We are looking for fieldworkers to undertake a survey of breeding wader species at sites across Wales (primarily in North Wales, Powys and Gwent).

The role will be mobile, visiting a wide range of upland and lowland habitats, identifying and recording those with breeding waders present. Breeding species likely to be encountered are Curlew, Lapwing and Snipe, but Dunlin, Golden Plover, and Redshank are also possible.

What’s the role about?

Undertaking a survey of the presence of waders in potential breeding habitat in targeted 1-km squares, following an agreed programme of data collection and collation.

Timely and accurate reporting of data to an online portal and archiving of paper field sheets.

Maintaining effective relationships with landowners, tenants and the public, to ensure effective project delivery.

Maintaining effective relationships with others involved in the survey, including BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) Cymru and Natural Resources Wales, and Curlew recovery project staff in relevant areas.

The survey is part of a Natural Resources Wales (NRW) project working with Welsh Government to ensure resilient woodlands can be created in Welsh landscapes while safeguarding breeding waders. NRW specifically requires a Wales survey of breeding Curlew, organised by BTO Cymru; other species of breeding wader will also be recorded.

Essential:

• Bird survey techniques.
• Practical field skills of waders in breeding habitat, particularly of Curlew and Lapwing, by sight and sound.
• Knowledge of licensing and regulations surrounding field work, for instance on protected species in protected habitats.
• Initiative to solve day-to-day problems in the field.
• Self-motivated and work efficiently within a defined work plan.
• Ability to read and understand Ordnance Survey map.
• Ability to collect data in the field and report through an online portal.
• Communication skills necessary to develop and maintain good relations with landowners and public.
• Full, manual driving licence that is valid in the UK.

Additional Info:

• Overnight stays away from home are required for much of the duration of the project.

Closing: Sunday 25th January 2026

To complete your application online pleaseCLICK HERE