Field Officer - Solent Seascape

RSPB; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental organization in the United Kingdom is seeking a dedicated Field Officer to join its Solent Seascape Project. This role focuses on seabird conservation, leading volunteer teams, and preparing nesting sites for breeding seabirds. Ideal candidates will possess relevant conservation knowledge and experience in volunteer management, along with strong communication skills. This position offers a full-time contract of minimum 7 months, with a salary range of £24,571 - £26,231 per year.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of habitats, species, and environmental processes is essential.
• Experience in managing and leading volunteer groups.
• Ability to build relationships with diverse coastal users.

Responsibilities

• Support seabird nesting site preparation for breeding season.
• Lead volunteer work parties and serve as a contact for volunteers.
• Monitor breeding population and report on seabird sites.
• Support habitat creation and enhancement projects.
• Build positive relationships with staff and volunteers.
• Raise awareness of species and habitats through communications.
• Assist in developing end of season reports.

Skills

Relevant specialist conservation knowledge

Volunteer management

Communication skills

Tools

Power boat

Brushcutters

Job description

Reference: NOV20257425
Location: Pagham Harbour Local Nature Reserve + Solent Travel and working from home (if desired).
Contract: Minimum 7 months Fixed-Term
Hours: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £24,571.00 - £26,231.00

About the Project and the Role

The Solent is home to an amazing network of harbours, islands, estuaries and open water that host internationally important coastal wildlife populations and habitats, such as seagrass meadows, saltmarsh and seabird nesting sites.

The Solent Seascape Project and its partners are working to restore and reconnect these sites, setting the scene for species and habitat recovery in the coming years. As part of the Solent Seascape Project, the RSPB are delivering active restoration across several sites within the Solent, as well as providing support for other sites, and increased population monitoring of the breeding seabirds within the area.

The role will involve:

• Seabird site preparation - Supporting and occasionally leading the delivery of seabird nesting sites preparation ahead of the breeding season. This will involve erecting seasonal fencing, signage, setting up cameras, removing or cutting selected vegetation, and other tasks as needed.
• Volunteer leadership - The Field Officer will lead multiple work parties and act as a first point of contact for a team of volunteers.
• Colony monitoring - carrying out detailed and regular monitoring of assigned seabird sites, recording the breeding population, the number of young fledged at each site and an array of additional information.
• Supporting project site delivery - During the post period, several habitat creation and enhancement projects are expected to take place. The Field Officer will support colleagues with these projects outside of the breeding season.
• Relationships - it is essential that the Field Officer builds positive relationships with staff, volunteers and other coastal users to generate support for the project and be able to effectively manage disturbance around the colonies.
• Communications - Help to raise awareness of the species and habitats present by providing information/photos for sharing to a wider audience.
• End of season reporting - support development of the end of season reports.

Desirable additional skills

• Relevant specialist conservation knowledge of habitats, species and environmental processes
• Volunteer management.
• RYA Level 2 in power boat use.
• NPTC Level 2 award in the safe use of brushcutters or equivalent.
• Rat monitoring with a rodenticide qualification.

Closing: Sunday 4th January 2026

To complete your application online please CLICK HERE