Project Officer - England Twite Recovery Project - (Fixed Term)

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Project Officer to help deliver our England Twite Recovery Project with the aim of recovering this locally threatened Twite population.

What’s the role about?

The England Twite Recovery Project marks the evolution of a 14-year project dedicated to saving this iconic species, known locally as the Pennine Finch. Once widespread and locally abundant in the uplands, the Twite has declined to almost extinction in England, and through the previous year’s work we now have a better understanding as to why that is.

This programme will run for two years and target intervention measures addressing the main limiting factors identified through population modelling work. We will carefully evaluate all previous intervention measures to date to better understand the species responses over time.

Main responsibilities:

• Assist the Project Manager in delivery of key objectives outlined in the project work plan, including constructing nest protection fences, managing a small team of practical conservation volunteers and data inputting and reporting.
• Deliver a monitoring programme to support the work plan, including nest finding and monitoring, assisting with the annual breeding bird survey and habitat monitoring.

What we need from you

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Experience of delivering practical conservation work, preferably in the uplands
• Experience of conducting breeding bird surveys (including BBS) and simple botanical surveys
• Experience of leading and managing volunteers for good outcomes
• Experience of liaising with landholders/partners for good outcomes
• Capable of keeping accurate and legible data records collected in the field
• Capable of working long hours outside under difficult conditions in remote areas.
• Understanding of health and safety risks associated with practical conservation work and working in the uplands
• Experience of using Microsoft packages and mapping software
• Ability to work under their own initiative with limited supervision
• Candidates must have a full current driving licence, valid for use in the UK or be able to access remote locations.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Ability to identify Twite by sight and sound and an understanding of their ecology
• Nest finding and monitoring experience
• Lantra or equivalent brushcutter qualification

This is a six-month fixed term Contract, 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 from w/c 6th February 2023. For further information please contact katrina.aspin@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.

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.

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.