Project Officer - The Curlew's Call

The Rspb; Hirael; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conservation charity in North Wales is seeking a dedicated conservationist to lead efforts to save the curlew from extinction. This full-time role involves implementing key conservation strategies and working closely with volunteers to ensure the breeding success of this culturally important species. Ideal candidates will possess a strong educational background in ecology and experience in ecological monitoring and team leadership. The position is a fixed-term contract for 28 months, with opportunities for career development.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of wader ecology and conservation.
• Experience managing groups of volunteers in field tasks.
• Competent IT user with experience in mapping software.

Responsibilities

• Deliver key conservation interventions for curlew.
• Conduct habitat management and restoration work.
• Lead a team of volunteers for monitoring and surveys.

Skills

Ecological monitoring

Communication

Team leadership

Time management

Education

BSc or equivalent in ecology or conservation-related subject

Tools

ArcGIS

MS Office

Job description

Overview

Are you a dedicated conservationist, able to rise to the challenge of saving a culturally important species from the brink of extinction? We are offering an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of conservation, in the dramatic and beautiful landscape of the North Wales Moors. The Curlew's Call is a Nature Networks funded project (a government fund administered by the Heritage Lottery). The project area covers over 7000 hectares of rolling moorland and farmland, an area which is home to one of the highest densities of breeding curlew in England and Wales. With breeding populations of curlew having declined by over 77% since 1995, this stronghold population needs serious conservation intervention to avoid local extinction. You will be working alongside a dedicated project team, whilst leading a team of volunteers, to monitor the curlew throughout the breeding season, and deliver conservation interventions to try and curb the decline in breeding curlew. The work is exciting, rewarding, and critical to the long-term success of curlew and their associated habitats in the UK. This role focuses on delivering key conservation interventions for curlew across the project landscape.

Responsibilities

• Deliver key conservation interventions for curlew across the project landscape, including nest finding, nest fencing, chick monitoring, and predator monitoring (including the use of camera traps) during the breeding season.
• Outside the breeding season, conduct habitat management and restoration work to benefit all habitats used by curlew throughout their breeding cycle.
• Work within a highly research-led project, ensuring work is well prescribed and adaptable, in collaboration with the project team.
• Lead a team of volunteers to carry out vital monitoring and survey work, including training, workshops, and strong team organisation.
• Engage with local groups, farmers, partners, and stakeholders to ensure landscape connectivity and regular communication of results.
• Report to the project manager and collaborate to deliver project aims while developing skills through additional training and experience.

Qualifications

• At least a BSc or equivalent in an ecology or conservation-related subject.
• A good understanding of wader ecology and conservation.
• Experience leading and carrying out ecological monitoring (specifically ornithological surveys and camera trapping).
• Some understanding of relevant agri-environment schemes, and how they impact conservation habitat management in a managed landscape.
• Competent IT user (including MS packages, Outlook, ArcGIS or other mapping software).
• Proven ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely, through written and oral communications.
• Proven ability to work well under pressure and adapt to change in challenging circumstances.
• Proven time management and organisational skills.
• Personal experience working with contractors and farmers to carry out habitat management or restoration.
• Experience managing groups of volunteers, delivering training and guiding them through field tasks.
• Report writing and data manipulation.
• Ability to work well within a cross-functional project team and alongside stakeholders.

Desirable qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience

• Experience nest-finding (particularly of ground-nesting birds).
• Experience in organising training events, workshops, and facilitated meetings.
• Demonstrable experience of developing and working in partnerships to achieve shared outcomes.

Additional Information

You will need a full, manual driving licence that is valid in the UK.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature's side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application. The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract. The RSPB is a charity for the conservation of birds and nature. We bring people together who love birds and other wildlife, and who want to take action to restore the health and diversity of the natural world. We carry out conservation on a large scale, protect and restore habitats, and save species from extinction. We\'re living in a nature and climate emergency, and we won\'t stop whilst the threats persist.

This is a Fixed-Term role for 28 months, until March 2028, full-time role for 37.5 hours per week. 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.