Bird Surveyor at Powharnal

Job Description

Introduction

This seasonal opportunity will see you surveying breeding waders, raptors and black grouse at Powharnal which forms part of the Muirkirk Uplands SSSI in East Ayrshire. Powharnal is a recently restored former opencast site which is currently being managed in a wildlife friendly manner. Annual bird surveys are being carried out by RSPB, on behalf of the Powharnal Management Committee, to monitor and review the progress of this management

What's the role about?

This role will include the monitoring, recording and reporting for priority species and habitats across the Powharnal Mitigation Area in Muirkirk. This will include conducting breeding wader surveys, black grouse lek surveys and raptor vantage point surveys using standardised methods. Survey work will require the successful candidate to cover large areas of ground on foot, while some surveys will include early morning starts. The majority of survey work will involve lone working (with "buddy system" arrangements in place) but black grouse surveys will involve a co-ordinated effort from regional colleagues.

The successful candidate will manage all relevant data to ensure it is stored and analysed appropriately to allow review of work programmes and future planning. This will also involve the completion of a survey report.

The Powharnal Mitigation Area is owned and managed by external partners to RSPB and the successful candidate will be required to help maintain and develop existing relationships through clear communication with these partners.

This post is managed by the Airds Moss and Powharnal Project Officer who will provide support with data management, land manager/owner contact and survey report production.


Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

Higher level qualification in a relevant subject or ability to show equivalent work experience eg agriculture practices

Knowledge of bird and wildlife ecology, habitat requirements and identification to enable credibility in the role

Knowledge of a range of delivery mechanisms for conservation work relevant to the operational area of this role e.g. agri-environment schemes.

Organisational skills e.g. maintenance and analysis of datasets, and managing conflicting priorities

Ability to work effectively as a team player both internally and externally

Effective communication skills (verbal, written and presentational)

Experience of working to survey, protect and/or manage important (preferably upland) sites, species or habitats

Experience of working with land managers eg farmers and estates

This is a Six Month Fixed-Term, Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week. Ideally commencing in March 2023.

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 27th February 2023. For further information please contact stephen.inglis@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.