Coastal Species and Habitats Officer

Job Description

Are you interested in making a significant contribution to the conservation of Redshank and associated saltmarsh species?

In England, recent estimates indicate that 66-75% of Redshank breed on saltmarsh, however, they are experiencing long-term declines (53% between 1985-2011).

With funding from Natural England, we therefore have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated individual with energy, enthusiasm, and initiative to progress the conservation of Redshank and associated saltmarsh species.

What's the role about?

You will bring your knowledge and experience of coastal habitats and associated species to drive forward the recovery of breeding redshank in England.

The project will bring together work for Redshank and other key species on saltmarsh in the Wash, North Norfolk Coast, Humber, Solway, Morecambe Bay and Ribble.

This will include:

• Co-ordinating breeding redshank surveys for the Humber and the North Norfolk Coast.
• Completing a redshank audit to clarify their population, trends and threats
• Reviewing the condition and importance of saltmarshes in relation to breeding birds
• Completing conservation advice packages
• Developing a policy and advocacy position in relation to breeding saltmarsh birds

You will be able to build positive working relationships with a range of stakeholders; persuade and inspire while remaining accurate and evidence-based and has a passion for finding solutions and identifying positive outcomes for nature and people.

This role offers a great opportunity for you to develop your skills and experience whilst making a real contribution to nature conservation.

What we need from you?

• Ecological knowledge of coastal species and habitats
• Knowledge of practical conservation delivery in relation to coastal species and habitats
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to deliver project outcomes
• Effective time management and organisational skills
• Experience of project management
• Able to persuade and influence a wide range of people
• Excellent problem-solving skills and find creative solutions for issues
• Able to adapt to changing circumstances and meet deadlines
• Competent IT user (e.g. Microsoft Office)
• Possess a driving licence valid for use in the UK or ability to access remote locations

Desirable

• Experience of staff management

Additional Information

This is a Fixed-Term role for 37.5 hours per week until 31 March 2025.

This role could be suitable as a secondment for an Internal RSPB candidate.

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 11 December 2023. For further information please contact Lizzie.Bruce@rspb.org.uk

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 sectors. 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.

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