Redshank Research Assistant

Are you interested in making a significant contribution to the conservation of Redshank and
associated saltmarsh species? Do you have experience of completing breeding wader surveys? If
so we would love to hear from you! This position will help with the most comprehensive survey
of breeding redshank on the Humber saltmarshes.

What’s the role about? 

We are looking for an enthusiastic, skilled and experienced fieldworker to primarily complete
breeding redshank surveys on the saltmarshes within the Humber SPA between April and June 2024.

Flexibility will be key, as surveys need to be completed early morning during periods of good
weather. Due to the nature of saltmarshes, you will also need to be physically fit with basic
navigational skills.

Good communication skills are essential as you’ll be working closely with the Humber
Conservation team who will be supporting you in completing the Redshank surveys.

There may be opportunities to support the Humber Conservation Team with the Humber beach
nesting bird project.

The results will contribute to an England wide project that aims to improve our understanding
of the status of saltmarsh breeding redshank and develop a plan for co-ordinated delivery of
saltmarsh enhancements.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Excellent bird identification skills and experience using survey methodologies
• Comfortable walking long distances over difficult terrain and working for prolonged periods
  in the field.
• Good navigational skills including GPS use and ability to read OS maps.
• Knowledge of health and safety in the field and for ensuring own health and safety,
  sometimes in challenging field conditions
• Ability to use own initiative to solve day-to-day problems in the field
• Willing to work flexible hours, be self-motivated and work efficiently within a defined
  work plan. Able to work positively and efficiently within a team.
• Experience of collecting and collating data set
• Written and verbal communication skills to develop and maintain good relations with
  landowners and members of the public
• Competent in the use of Microsoft Office
• Able to access remote sites without the use of public transport. Having your own vehicle
  with business insurance would be desirable.

Additional Information

• This role will involve lone working and working in remote conditions
• This role will require occasional weekend and early morning working, so will require
  someone who is able to be flexible.

Please note this role is subject to confirmation of funding.

This is a fixed term, full time role for 37.5 hours per week for 3 months from April – June
2024. Please note that this vacancy is subject to funding, which will be confirmed by
March 2024.

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.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from the week commencing 26th
February 2024. For further information please contact [email protected] 

As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including
evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

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.

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. 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.

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes.