Field Officer

How would you like to be at the cutting edge of delivering a variety of practical land
management solutions across a wide range of some of the most sensitive, protected and treasured
sites throughout England? If that sounds like of interest, then RSPB Ecology & Land
Management may just be what you have been looking for!

The Ecology and Land Management team serve as the contracting land management arm of the RSPB
and a noted ecological consultant within the sector. As such, not only do we actively support
local RSPB reserve teams where specialist work is required, but primarily provide credible,
cost-effective land management solutions on third-party sites for partners, clients and
landowners. 

In recent years, the team has grown significantly in response to an increase in contracts and
geographical scope in which we now operate. In this context, an exciting opportunity for a new
Field Officer has become available. 

What’s the role about?

The successful candidate will get to work on a variety of sites, primarily in the
Southwest but also on occasion across the UK. Primarily, the post holder will be operating from
the Southern operation hub based at RSPB Arne, Dorset. 

You will work closely with the wider team on projects including habitat restoration, creation,
delivery and monitoring. You will be actively involved in onsite delivery, working along with
team members and volunteers, but also on occasion, lone working, especially when completing
bird and species surveys.

Whilst on site, you will be responsible for delivery of technical field conservation work to
ensure that objectives are met and methodologies are followed. This will include operating
machinery such as chainsaws and tractors. For the right candidate there will be scope for
development within post, with further training provided for specialist machinery where
necessary.

The postholder will need to have experience in working with a variety of tools, machinery and
equipment (from chainsaws and brushcutters to tractors) and assist with basic maintenance of
machinery to ensure it is operating safely and efficiently.

A basic knowledge of survey methodology will be beneficial as you will be expected to deliver
elements of survey work throughout the summer months. The degree of survey work will depend
upon the candidate but there is a wide scope for development within these areas.

What we need from you:

The role requires someone who is passionate about nature and who is committed to achieving the
best possible outcome in delivering land management solutions. We are looking for someone who
is a problem solver, with a “can do” mentality. 

A good team member, but also someone who can maintain motivation while working alone.

Since the team are providing a professional paid service, it is highly important that you have
excellent communication skills and can interact with a variety of stakeholders, clients and
partners. 

While much of the work programme will be in the South, there will also be a need for travel and
working away from home for short periods of time throughout the year. 

The role is based on a standard weekly work pattern and does not require weekend work.

Essential skills include:

• You will have knowledge and experience of practical habitat and estate management with
  knowledge of relevant techniques.
• You will have a proven track record of working and completing work alone as well as working
  within a varied team.
• You will be comfortable managing volunteers from a range of backgrounds
• You will have reasonable birdwatching knowledge and experience of biological surveys
• A full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK.

Desirable qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience:

• Lantra or equivalent qualification in using equipment such as chainsaw, brushcutter,
  tractor and PA1/6 pesticides.
• Knowledge of servicing and maintaining vehicles, machinery, tools and equipment to agreed
  standards.
• Experience of staff or volunteer recruitment and line management.
• Implementing and updating health and safety records and assessments.

Additional information:

• This role will involve lone working and working in remote locations.
• This role will require occasional early morning and evening working so will need someone
  who is able to be flexible.

This is a Permanent Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week. 

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 5th September 2024. For further
information please contact [email protected]

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your 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.