Field Officer - RSPB

RSPB; England; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A national conservation charity in the UK seeks a passionate Field Officer to work on habitat management projects. Responsibilities include conducting field conservation, leading surveys, and managing volunteers. Ideal candidates will have practical experience in habitat management and excellent communication skills, alongside a valid driving license. This full-time position offers a salary range of £24,571 - £26,231 per annum.

Qualifications

• Experience in practical habitat and estate management.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Comfortable managing volunteers from varied backgrounds.
• Reasonable birdwatching knowledge and experience with biological surveys.
• Full driving license is required.

Responsibilities

• Deliver technical field conservation work to meet objectives.
• Be involved in habitat restoration, creation, delivery, and monitoring.
• Complete bird and species surveys.

Skills

Practical habitat and estate management

Communication skills

Problem-solving mindset

Experience with tools and machinery

Tools

Chainsaws

Brushcutters

Tractors

Job description

Reference: JUN20251305
Location: RSPB Arne, Dorset + Southwest Travel + Occasionally further
Terms: Permanent, Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £24,571.00 - £26,231.00 Per Annum

The RSPB Ecology and Land Management team serve as the contracting land management arm of the RSPB and a noted ecological consultant within the sector. As such, not only do they actively support local RSPB reserve teams where specialist work is required, but primarily provide credible, cost-effective land management solutions on third-party sites for partners, clients and landowners.

Field Officers work closely with the wider team on projects including habitat restoration, creation, delivery and monitoring. They will be actively involved in onsite delivery, working along with team members and volunteers, but also on occasion, lone working, especially when completing bird and species surveys.

Whilst on site, they will be responsible for delivery of technical field conservation work to ensure that objectives are met, and methodologies are followed.

The post holder will need to

• have experience in working with a variety of tools, machinery and equipment (from chainsaws and brushcutters to tractors) and assist with basic maintenance of machinery.
• have basic knowledge of survey methodology will be beneficial as they will be expected to deliver elements of survey work throughout the summer months.

The role requires someone who is

• passionate about nature and who is committed to achieving the best possible outcome in delivering land management solutions
• a problem solver, with a 'can do' mentality.
• A good team member, but also someone who can maintain motivation while working alone.
• Since the team are providing a professional paid service, it is highly important that they have excellent communication skills and can interact with a variety of stakeholders, clients and partners.

Essential:

• You will have knowledge and experience of practical habitat and estate management with knowledge of relevant techniques.
• You will have a proven track record of working and completing work alone as well as working within a varied team.
• Comfortable managing volunteers from a range of backgrounds
• Reasonable birdwatching knowledge and experience of biological surveys
• Full driving licence.

The degree of survey work will depend upon the candidate but there is a wide scope for development within these areas.

The successful candidate will get to work on a variety of sites, primarily in the Southwest but also on occasion across the UK.

Closing: Friday 1st August

To complete your application online, please CLICK HERE