Humber Beach Nesting Birds Project Officer - Fixed Term

Job Description

We are looking for an enthusiastic, practical person with a strong background in conservation projects to help deliver our ambitious beach nesting bird recovery work in the outer part of the Humber estuary, across East Yorkshire, and the Lincolnshire coast. This is a new post which will help trial and develop plans to protect and recover the populations of the Humber’s three key beach nesting bird species little tern, ringed plover, and oystercatcher.

Beach nesting birds around the UK are facing multiple pressures, including habitat loss, human disturbance, and predation. Around the Humber these species were once more widely distributed in the outer part of the estuary but are now restricted to a very small number of sites. Working with partner organisations this project will start to move the species along the recovery curve by building understanding of existing pressures on suitable habitat and nesting birds, trial protection of new suitable sites, and develop plans for longer term enhancement and protection for key suitable areas of habitat for these species.

Key activities will include:

• Monitoring of the breeding attempts, disturbance and recreational pressures at key sites across the Humber sites.
• Support partner organisations with existing beach nesting birds' protection schemes.
• Recruit and manage volunteers to help with this work.
• Working with partner organisations develop recovery plans for the Humber’s beach nesting birds.
• Build public support and awareness for issues facing the beach nesting birds

Essential skills:

• A strong background in delivering species or habitat conservation projects
• Experience of working in partnership to achieve shared outcomes
• Experience of recruiting and managing volunteers
• Good working knowledge of UK little tern and other shorebird conservation
• A good understanding of the ecology and management of coastal sites
• Good written and verbal communication skills and competent use of Microsoft Office
• Strong time management and organisational skills
• Awareness of the importance of Health & Safety in an outdoor environment
• Able to travel to project locations on regular basis, including during anti-social hours

Desirable:

• Bird monitoring experience, preferably of seabirds.
• Good public engagement skills including social media and interpretation
• Practical conservation skills including experience of installing and/or maintaining electric fencing.
• Experience of report writing.
• Knowledge of the work of the RSPB.

This is a 12 month Fixed-Term Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week.

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 10th January 2023. For further information please contact natalie.lebrun@rspb.org.uk.

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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.

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The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to making our organisation diverse and inclusive, and as such are keen to encourage applications from people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, as well as those with disabilities.

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