Beach Nesting Bird Project Officer - (fixed term)

Job Description

Introduction

Do you want the opportunity to make a real impact for shore nesting birds across the Solent region? Thanks to the LIFE Programme (LIFE on the Edge) and the Solent Seascape Project, we are now recruiting for a Beach Nesting Bird Project Officer to help us change the fortunes of shore nesting birds on multiple sites, both on and off nature reserves across the Solent.

Spread out across the Solent's shingle and saltmarsh coasts, a diverse range of coastal ground-nesting birds make their home each summer. Ringed plover, oystercatcher, and little tern regularly attempt nesting on our shingle beaches, looking for new sites each year to raise a new generation as well as returning to old favourites. Dense colonies of sandwich tern, black-headed and Mediterranean gulls take advantage of the water surrounded shingle and saltmarsh islands whilst common tern make use of a mixture of sites varying between man made structures and secluded shores. All of these species are facing the growing challenge of fitting in on our very busy coasts. That's where we're aiming to make the difference.

What's the role about?

We are looking for a person to lead on our work across a network of shore nesting bird sites. You'll be surveying nesting sites, monitoring their progress, creating and supporting volunteer groups to safeguard colonies, running events to spread awareness, as well as helping with other small projects as needed. You will need to be an inspiring communicator with the ability to motivate others to take action for nature. You’ll be both creative and innovative when it comes to delivering this programme to restore and protect shore nesting birds.

Developing, empowering and supporting teams of volunteers to deliver shore nesting bird protection will form an important part of the role, and experience of leading a diverse team is desirable. You will need to have the ability to relate well to others. You will work to encourage participation and to communicate the value of community and volunteer involvement to the conservation of shore birds will be central to the success of the project.

• To deliver site protection on known shore bird nesting sites (working with existing staff and partners), preparing infrastructure, monitoring bird presence and productivity.
• Work with external organisations and the local community to establish a fuller picture of shore bird nesting potential across the region, monitoring sites across the region.
• Help set up, lead and support a network of volunteer shorebird nesting wardening teams where needed
• Run events to increase knowledge and support for nesting shore birds across the Solent
• Support the existing reserve wardening staff to deliver the wider habitat creation elements of LIFE on the edge.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• A proven passion for shorebirds and their conservation.
• A communicator with the ability to create and lead a volunteer team delivering practical conservation.
• The motivation and ability to initiate subprojects as needed.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, and competent use of Microsoft Office.
• Experience delivering community outreach and/or practical conservation.
• The ability to continue building partnerships across a broad range of people and organisations.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• A working knowledge of shorebird, seabird and wetland bird ecological, the issues they face and practical conservation methods.

This is a Fixed-Term 19 month contract until October 2024, Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week.

This role is based in Solent, the vision is dual working with home, Langstone Office, Pagham Office and site based off reserve but this is flexible.

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 on February 5th. For further information please contact wez.smith@rspb.org.uk

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.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.