Seasonal Conservation Breeding Officer - Birds

Deepdale Conservation Trust; Burnham Deepdale; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A wildlife conservation organization is seeking a Seasonal Conservation Breeding Officer based in Burnham Deepdale. This fixed-term role involves hands-on care for curlew and corncrake during crucial conservation projects. Ideal candidates will have experience in animal husbandry and a keen attention to animal welfare. The position includes on-site accommodation and flexible working hours. If you are passionate about wildlife conservation and can commit to the demands of the role, we welcome your application.

Benefits

On-site accommodation provided

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Experience in animal husbandry, aviculture, conservation or wildlife work.
• Calm, reliable and highly attentive to animal welfare.
• Comfortable working independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Daily care and husbandry of curlew, corncrake, and other project species.
• Assisting with incubation, hatching and chick rearing.
• Supporting health checks, vet liaison, ringing and data recording.
• Maintenance of indoor and outdoor facilities, aviaries and pens.
• Assisting with bird transfers and release programmes.

Skills

Animal husbandry

Aviculture

Attention to animal welfare

Job description

Marsh Farm, Burnham Deepdale, Norfolk
Fixed-term seasonal contract (Between April - September)
On-site accommodation provided
Salary: £24,500 to £27,500 pro rata

Deepdale Conservation Trust is seeking a Seasonal Conservation Breeding Officer to support the delivery of two nationally important conservation programmes of bird species.

• The Curlew Headstarting Project
• Corncrake Captive Breeding and Reintroduction Project

This is a rare opportunity to work hands‑on with priority species, contributing directly to their recovery in the wild. You’ll be part of a small, dedicated team delivering high-quality conservation breeding, from incubation and chick rearing through to release.

This is a practical, hands‑on role supporting with daily husbandry, health checks, record keeping and preparation of birds for release, working to high standards of welfare, biosecurity and professionalism.

Role responsibilities

• Daily care and husbandry of curlew, corncrake and any other project species
• Assisting with incubation, hatching and chick rearing
• Supporting health checks, vet liaison, ringing and data recording
• Maintenance of indoor and outdoor facilities, aviaries and pens
• Assisting with bird transfers and release programmes
• Adherence to biosecurity, health & safety and DCT policies

Working pattern

• Full‑time seasonal role (approx. 42.5 hours per week)
• Flexible working essential, including early mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays during busy periods of the season
• The nature of conservation breeding work requires responsiveness to animal welfare needs outside standard hours

Accommodation

On‑site accommodation (static caravan) provided, making this role well suited to applicants able to live at Marsh Farm for the duration of the contract.

We are looking for someone who

• Has experience in animal husbandry, aviculture, conservation or wildlife work
• Is calm, reliable and highly attentive to animal welfare
• Is comfortable working independently and as part of a small team
• Can commit fully to the seasonal nature and flexible demands of the role
• Has a driving licence and personal use of a car

Experience with birds or conservation breeding projects is desirable but not essential.

How to apply

To apply, please send your CV and a short covering letter outlining your interest in the role to: [e-mail]

Find out more about our exciting species conservation projects on the links below.

Deepdale Conservation Trust
East of England Curlew Recovery Project