Wet Grassland Adviser (Fixed-Term)

Job Description

Wader populations have declined dramatically across the UK in recent decades. The RSPB and its partners are working to try and reverse these declines in Norfolk and Suffolk. Farmers and land managers play a crucial role in creating and improving habitats for iconic species such as Lapwing and Redshank, with the support of experienced advisers. Could this be you? Are you inspired by the challenge of restoring populations of our precious farmland wildlife across two nationally important landscapes? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

We are looking for a new Wet Grassland Adviser to work with landowners across the Norfolk Broads and Suffolk Coast to deliver habitat design, creation and improvement projects aimed at breeding waders, but with benefits for a range of other wetland wildlife. The post holder will work closely with our local RSPB team. They will identify opportunities and work with landowners to improve grassland habitats for species such as Lapwing, Redshank, Avocet and Oystercatcher. This will be delivered by carrying out site visits, liaising with the landowner to ensure the needs of and benefits to the farm business are incorporated, suggesting improvements to water level management, developing grazing schemes, and developing funding applications with landowners. The role will also involve liaising with partners including Natural England, Norfolk and Suffolk Wildlife Trusts, National Trust, the Broads Authority and the Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape.

The Wet Grassland Adviser will play a key role in supporting farmers and land managers to improve wet grassland habitats for nature, including through:

• Building partnerships with and between landowners, NGOs and other stakeholders
• Providing advice to farm businesses with new and existing agri-environment scheme agreements
• Designing habitat enhancement schemes which benefit breeding waders (with support from other staff)
• Managing a team of volunteers carrying out breeding wader surveys
• Developing communications and organising events for land managers to build support and share experience

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Demonstrable experience of conservation and/or agricultural land management, or of providing landowner advice
• Demonstrate an understanding of the farmed environment and the economics driving it.
• Excellent knowledge of wet grassland ecology and general natural history, with a focus on breeding waders.
• In depth experience of agri-environment schemes (e.g. Countryside Stewardship, Environmental Land Management Schemes) and their application.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written and presentational) - including an ability to speak confidently in public to a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrable experience of engaging with the farming community.
• Experience of building productive relationships with land managers and partner organisations.
• Ability to manage volunteers and set clear work priorities.
• Competent user of core MS Office programmes.
• Ability to travel and work flexibly; able to drive in the UK as sites may not be served by public transport.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• A good understanding of hydrology and water level management techniques, although on the job training and support will be provided.
• Ability to carry out wetland bird surveys.
• Competency in use of GIS.

Additional Information:

This project is funded by the Government's Species Survival Fund. The fund was developed by Defra and its Arm's-Length Bodies. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency.

This is a fixed-term role for 37.5 hours per week until 28 February 2026. 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.

The role holder will be primarily home based with travel throughout the Norfolk Broads and Suffolk Coast.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position on 16 May 2024. For further information please contact jacqui.miller@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 sector. 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.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

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