Humber Beach Nesting Birds Field Officer

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

Job summary

An environmental organization is looking for an enthusiastic Seasonal Field Assistant to support the conservation of beach nesting birds at Spurn NNR - Humber Estuary. The role involves monitoring bird populations, engaging with the public, and managing volunteers throughout the busy breeding season from April to August. Candidates should have relevant ecological knowledge and effective communication skills. This is a full-time position with a salary range of £24,571 to £26,231, on a 16-week contract starting in April 2026.

Qualifications

• Higher level qualification in a relevant subject or equivalent work experience.
• Knowledge of bird and wildlife ecology.
• Skills in maintaining and analyzing datasets.

Responsibilities

• Support monitoring and protection of important beach nesting bird populations.
• Engage with beach users to inform and educate about conservation.
• Assist in managing a team of volunteers.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Ecological knowledge

Volunteer management

Education

Higher qualification in a relevant subject or equivalent work experience

Job description

Reference: JAN20260317
Location: Spurn NNR - Humber Estuary, HU12
Salary: £24,571.00 - £26,231.00 Per Annum, Pro Rata
Terms: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week, 16-week contract (April to August 2026)

Are you passionate about protecting beach nesting birds and empowering others to take action for nature? We are looking for an enthusiastic, practical person with ecological experience and good communication skills to join our Humber conservation team. The successful candidate will support monitoring and protection of important beach nesting bird populations (little tern, ringed plover, and oystercatcher) on the north bank of the Humber in East Yorkshire.

Beach nesting birds are a high conservation priority for the RSPB and this role will help towards securing a future for them. This is a partnership project, and you will work closely with colleagues across organisations such as the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Spurn Bird Observatory and Environment Agency

What's the role about?

As Seasonal Field Assistant, you will support all aspects of on‑ground survey and monitoring delivery throughout the busy breeding season (April‑August) in line with project objectives. You will be based at Yorkshire Wildlife Trusts Spurn National Nature Reserve.

Activities will include:

• Monitoring breeding success of beach nesting Ringed Plovers, Little Terns and Oystercatcher.
• Maintenance of seasonal site fencing (including electric fencing), signage, and other infrastructure as required.
• Carrying out predator monitoring duties including deploying and maintaining trail cameras on site.
• Day to day engagement with beach users to inform, educate and raise awareness of beach nesting birds and their threats to empower positive behavioural change.
• Supporting a growing team of dedicated volunteers including assisting with inductions and on‑site support as needed.
• Maintaining and building relationships with existing partners and stakeholders

Essential:

• Higher level qualification in a relevant subject or ability to show equivalent work experience e.g. agriculture practices.
• Knowledge of bird and wildlife ecology, habitat requirements and identification to enable credibility in the role.
• Knowledge of a range of delivery mechanisms for conservation work relevant to the operational area of this role e.g. agri‑environment schemes.
• Maintenance and analysis of datasets.
• Managing conflicting priorities.
• Ability to work effectively as a team player both internally and externally.
• Effective communication skills (verbal, written and presentational) - including an ability to speak confidently and cogently in public to a variety of audiences.
• Experience of managing volunteers.

Closing: Sunday 22nd February

To complete your application online, please CLICK HERE