Project Officer Protecting Our Urban Kittiwakes

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

Job summary

An environmental organization is seeking a Project Officer to protect the urban kittiwake population in Scarborough. The role involves collecting data on kittiwake productivity and liaising with partners to coordinate volunteer networks. Essential qualifications include a higher level qualification in a relevant subject, demonstrated experience in species protection, and effective communication skills. This fixed-term position is full-time, with a salary ranging from £27,123 to £28,956 per annum, pro rata.

Qualifications

• Experience of working to survey and protect important species and/or sites.
• Experience liaising with partners and key stakeholders.
• Experience of recruiting and managing volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Collect data on kittiwake productivity in Scarborough.
• Liaise with partners to develop a network of volunteers.
• Support the Yorkshire Coast Urban Gull Partnership.

Skills

Organisational skills

Effective communication skills

Ability to work under own initiative

Education

Higher level qualification in a relevant subject

Tools

Mapping software

Job description

Project Officer – Protecting Our Urban Kittiwakes

Reference: JAN20260524

Location: Homebased, working around Scarborough

Contract: Fixed-Term, 115 days (April to September 2026)

Hours: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week

Salary: £27,123.00 - £28,956.00 Per Annum, Pro Rata

We are looking for a highly organised and motivated individual to support our work on urban kittiwakes. Working alongside the Senior Conservation Officer for Yorkshire and Humber, as well as key partners and stakeholders, you will play a vital role in protecting the urban kittiwake population of Scarborough.

The black-legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) is a globally vulnerable seabird, with populations under pressure from climate change, food scarcity, and habitat loss. In Scarborough, kittiwakes have established colonies on coastal cliffs and increasingly on urban structures, providing a unique opportunity to study their breeding behaviour in and around urban environments.

Based from home (and with opportunities to work from our Bempton reserve), you will be collecting data on kittiwake productivity in Scarborough, and reporting on the outcomes. You will be liaising with partners to develop and coordinate a network of volunteers, and supporting the work of the Yorkshire Coast Urban Gull Partnership. The successful candidate will be someone who can thrive with a mix of desk and field based activities, and encourage others to monitor and protect our urban kittiwakes.

Essential:

• Higher level qualification in a relevant subject or ability to show equivalent work experience
• Experience of working to survey and protect important species and/or sites and habitats
• Experience of liaising with partners and key stakeholders
• Organisational skills e.g. maintenance and analysis of datasets, and managing conflicting priorities
• Effective communication skills (verbal, written and presentational) - including an ability to speak confidently and cogently in public to a variety of audiences
• Ability to work under own initiative with limited supervision

Desirable:

• Ability to identify kittiwakes by sight and sound, and an understanding of their ecology
• Experience organising training events, workshops or facilitated discussions and meetings
• Experience of recruiting and managing volunteers
• Experience of mapping software

Closing date: 23:59, Thursday 12th February 2026

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position on Thursday the 19th February.

The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

To complete your application online, please CLICK HERE