Beach Nesting Bird Project Assistant

Introduction

Are you interested in making a significant contribution to the conservation of beach and
saltmarsh nesting birds?

If you have experience of bird surveys, practical conservation work and communicating with the
public this role might be for you.

What’s the role about? 

We are looking for an enthusiastic, practical person with a strong background in bird surveying
and monitoring and good communication skills to join our Humber conservation team. The
successful candidate will support a range of work on the Humber, including saltmarsh breeding
redshank surveys and working with partners and volunteers to monitor and protect beach nesting
bird populations (little tern, ringed plover and oystercatcher).

From April to June, this position will help with the most comprehensive survey of breeding
redshank on the Humber’s saltmarshes. Beach nesting birds protection and monitoring will then
be the focus of the role from June onwards as part of the Humber Beach nesting bird project
working in partnership with other organisations including Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Natural
England and Spurn Bird Observatory.

The position is a fixed term contract from April to August 2024

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Bird survey/ monitoring experience preferably of seabirds and wading birds
• 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.
• 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 handling of data.
• A practical aptitude with some experience installing and maintaining site infrastructure
  such as fencing and signage.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, to develop and maintain good relationships
  with public, landowners and partners.
• Experience of leading and supporting volunteer teams
• Awareness of the importance of Health & Safety in an outdoor environment.
• Able to travel to remote locations on regular basis (full driving licence required or
  ability to access remote locations without public transport), including during anti-social
  hours.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• A good understanding of the ecology and management of coastal sites
• Experience of working in partnerships to achieve shared outcomes.
• Experience of installing and/or maintaining electric fencing.

This is a Fixed-Term role for 37.5 hours per week, April to August 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 26th February 2024. For further
information please contact [email protected]

As part of this application process you will be asked to upload a CV and 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.

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.