14 December 2015

Dear Applicant

Short-term contract posts, spring and summer 2016

The RSPB Conservation Science Department has short-term contract vacancies on a variety of UK projects, mostly starting in March or early April, 2016 and for periods of 1-6 months. There are also a small number of equivalent posts, which will be managed from other departments within the RSPB. This year, due to uncertainties in funding for projects in 2016, all posts should be considered as provisional, and dependent on confirmation of funding, and some may therefore not be able to be filled.

The majority of posts are for Research Assistants or equivalent, although there are some vacancies where more experienced applicants are required and who will be appointed at the Senior Research Assistant level or equivalent. Further details of all the posts, which we are likely to need to fill, are given in the Job Details spreadsheet. Details of the range of attributes required for these posts are shown on a separate Person Specification sheet. The attributes which are considered essential or desirable for each of the individual posts, are shown on the Job Details spreadsheet.

Take care to ensure that the information you supply addresses the various attributes listed in the Person specification sheet, in particular those shown as essential for particular posts. Please note that we expect that many applicants will meet all the essential criteria and that it may be your other attributes that will determine whether you are selected or not.

Competition for posts is likely to be keen and therefore, in order to be short listed, it is essential that you make sure that you provide us with full written details of all your ornithological, research, survey and general ecological experience. This should include anything you have done in an amateur capacity (e.g. local or national voluntary wildlife surveys), as well as any fieldwork you may have undertaken as a student or in paid employment. Don’t forget to mention any special skills you may have (e.g. ability to identify woodland birds by their songs; identifying beetles; surveying bats) and in particular if you have a ringing permit (and if so, the details of this). In addition to ornithological skills, some projects may require familiarity with other taxa and habitat surveying. All posts will need you to be able to record data accurately and legibly in the field and for some you will need to be able to enter and analyse data and perhaps write a basic summary report.

Most posts require regular travel to and within various different study areas, including to places and at times not served by public transport. Most posts also require you to be both fit enough and willing to work long hours in rough and exposed habitats, sometimes in poor weather conditions. In some circumstances, RSPB will be able to assist with accommodation costs during the contract period.

If you appear to have the broad range of attributes that we are looking for, you may be contacted by one of our project managers, who will conduct a telephone interview to enable us to finally select our appointees. Offers of employment will normally be made to you by phone and will be conditional on (1) documentary proof of identity and right to work in the UK, (2) the receipt by us of satisfactory health clearance for your role, via our Occupational Health provider, (3) receipt of satisfactory references, and 4) production of certificates to prove your post school qualifications. These conditions are now required by UK employment and immigration laws, and to protect you and the RSPB. Upon satisfactory completion of the above checks, and receipt of any documents necessary, you will then receive a formal written appointment letter.

When submitting your completed Application Form you should indicate for which particular posts you feel that you are particularly suited and those in which you are particularly interested. However, unless you say otherwise you will be automatically considered for all the posts available. If the posts for which you expressed a particular interest have already been filled, you may be contacted to find out if you are interested in an alternative.

Vacancy pack

The closing date for receipt of applications is midnight Thursday, 7 January 2016. We would prefer application forms and supporting details to be sent as electronic documents to Mrs Anita McClune; email: conscirecruit@rspb.org.uk Please delete all other notes from the application pack and just return your completed application form. Alternatively, they can be posted to Mrs Anita McClune, Conservation Science Dept., RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Beds, SG19 2DL.

If you are an external candidate, may we take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in employment with the RSPB. As a charity, we try to keep our administrative costs to a minimum and therefore you will only be contacted if we wish to progress your application. If you have not heard from us within six weeks of the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

We look forward to receiving your application in due course.

Yours sincerely

Anita

Mrs Anita McCluneCo-ordinator-Conservation Science

Enc.

There is one post based in Northern Ireland where specific employment law dictates that separate procedures must be followed. If you wish to be considered for this post please make this clear in your application, complete the additional Fair Employment (NI) Monitoring Form and send this on to hradmin@rspb.org.uk.

This pack contains all the information you need to apply, including:

Useful InformationDetails on our Diversity Policy statement, how we use CVs, shortlisting and employment checks and UK Identification requirements

Applicant letterDetails on how to apply plus closing date and interview date(s)

Job detailsA list of the vacancies available and the skills required.

Person specificationA list of criteria that potential candidates should aim to meet

Application FormPDF version

Please print out, complete and return to the address on the Applicant letterWord version

Applicants are encouraged to complete electronically and return by e-mail

Applications from candidates requiring a certificate of sponsorship under the UK points-based immigration system will not be considered if there are suitable candidates who do not require sponsorship. This is because employers need to demonstrate that they are unable to recruit a resident worker, before they can recruit a non-resident worker*.

The resident worker rule does not prevent applicants requiring sponsorship from applying for our vacancies, but such applications should be made on the understanding that they can only be considered subject to the restrictions above.

For further information, please visit the Home Office UK Border Agency website.

*This rule does not apply to those applying for roles that require a bachelor, postgraduate degree or postgraduate certificate in education qualification. It is necessary for the qualification to be an essential requirement for the role and the applicant to prove that they possess such a qualification (or have completed a minimum of 12 months study in the UK towards a UK PhD), which is recognised in the UK.

Useful InformationThe RSPB is currently going through a job evaluation review.  We just wanted to let you know that all jobs are subject to this review, including our current job vacancies.  The results of the job evaluation review and the new payband structure will be implemented across the RSPB later in 2015 and you will be kept fully informed of the outcomes.

Diversity Policy StatementThe RSPB is part of a global network that incorporates a diversity of traditions and cultures, and which represents different inheritances, backgrounds, influences, perspectives and experiences. A better understanding of people’s differences will help us to appreciate and value everyone’s contribution, and recognise that we are all an integral and invaluable part of the Society.

Everyone has the right to be treated with consideration and respect. The Society is committed to achieving a truly inclusive environment for all, by developing better working relationships that release the full potential, creativity and productivity of each individual, and an atmosphere where everyone can learn, work and live free from prejudice, discrimination, harassment and violence.

The Society aims to ensure that all staff, volunteers, partners, clients, contractors, members and the general public are treated fairly. Unless it can be shown to be justified, this will be regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender re-assignment, marital or civil partnership status, race (including colour, nationality, ethnicity, or national origin), disability, medical status, age, religion or belief, political opinion, social or economic status, or ex-offender status.

Use of Curriculum Vitae (CVs)Our policy is to recruit and employ our employees on the basis of their suitability for the work to be done. An application form allows us to compare individuals based on like for like information and as such we do not accept a CV unless accompanied by a fully completed application.

ShortlistingThe RSPB is an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to ensuring all applications are treated fairly. Applications are sought only from those eligible to work in the UK in the first instance.

All applications are subject to our shortlisting process where we only assess information provided against the Person Specification. If you are shortlisted we will contact you and invite you to attend an interview. You will also be advised at this point if there will be any skills test, presentations etc.

As a charity, we lack the resources to advise all candidates if their application is unsuccessful. If you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, we will have decided not to take your application any further. However, if you are able to supply us with an e-mail address, we will endeavour to advise you if you have not been shortlisted. If this is the case, please do not be discouraged from re-applying as your skills and experience may be just what we need for our next vacancy. We also have a number of volunteering opportunities across the organisation.

Employment ChecksAll offers of employment are made subject to the following criteria:

Proof of eligibility to work in the UK, Proof of Residency, Satisfactory Employment Health Check, Two references satisfactory to the Society and where required a Satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau Check.

RSPB CONSERVATION SCIENCE DEPARTMENT AND REGIONAL SHORT TERM CONTRACT POSTS SPRING/SUMMER 2016

JOB DETAILS 

RA = Research Assistant; SRA = Senior Research Assistant  

Project Recruiting manager

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Likely location Purpose of work/main duties Essential attributes for specific projects (see person specification sheet for key)

Desirable attributes for specific projects (see person specification sheet for key)

Posts with the RSPB Conservation Science Department

Wood Warbler breeding ecology (in partnership with Natural England, BTO and Devon Birds)

Malcolm Burgess

1 RA April 3 Devon To assist a project investigating the decline of the Wood Warbler. Main task will be surveying and resighting colour ringed wood warblers across Dartmoor woodlands. Tasks will also include territory mapping, behavioural observations, nest finding and monitoring, catching and colour ringing adults and young, and data entry. Fieldwork is arduous and involves long days. The ability to work in very steep sided woodland habitats whilst collecting data is essential.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 (open nesting pullus), 14, 22, 23, 24, 26

9, 11, 12, 13 (open nesting), 18, 21, 27, 31, 32, 37

Spotted flycatcher tracking (in partnership with BTO and Devon Birds)

Malcolm Burgess

1 RA May 3 Devon To assist a project investigating the decline of the spotted flycatcher. Main task will be identifying a suitable study population, territory mapping, locating nests and capturing and ringing adults, data entry. Liasing with landowners and householders as study site likely to be a village.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 22, 23, 24, 26

9, 11, 12, 13 (open nesting), 19, 21, 27, 31, 32, 37

Willow tit habitat restoration

Paul Bellamy

1 SRA

March 4 Midlands and south Yorkshire

Survey previously chosen sites and surrounding areas for Willow tit populations, and detailed habitat measurements of sites

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 16, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27

10, 11, 12, 13 natural hole nests, 19, 21, 25 (trees & shrubs), 29, 31, 32, 37

(in partnership with Natural England)

including woodland structure, tree and shrub species and soil properties. Nest finding & monitoring . Liasing with landowners to gain access for survey of willow tits on surrounding areas. Data entry in excel & GIS.

Trial management for Ring Ouzels (in partnership with Natural England)

Innes Sim

2 RA April 4 Northern England

The post-holders will assist with a project investigating the effects of trial habitat management aimed at restoring breeding numbers of ring ouzels on two RSPB reserves in north England (Geltsdale and Dove Stone). The post-holders will be required to count breeding ring ouzel numbers, and to measure habitat composition/structure, in two valleys (one of which has retained stable numbers of ring ouzels, and another in which ring ouzel numbers have declined) on each reserve. The ability to work unsupervised on a species which can be difficult to monitor, experience in measuring habitat composition/structure in remote upland habitats, and the ability to work in conjunction with key reserves staff will be important parts of the job.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 16, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25 (moorland and bogland plants), 26

9, 10, 11, 13, 21, 27

Trial management for Curlew (in partnership with Natural England)

Philippa Gullett

4 RA March 5.5 Various in Northern England and Scotland

To collect data on breeding ecology of curlew. This will include mapping the distribution, abundance and behaviour of breeding birds, nest-searching, vegetation recording, assessing the abundance and distribution of key nest/chick predators (e.g. via fox scat surveys), and data entry.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 22, 23, 24, 26

9, 10, 11, 16, 18, 19, 21, 25, 27, 28, 29, 32, 35

Trial management for Curlew (in partnership with Natural England)

Philippa Gullett

1 RA July 2 Northern Ireland To collect data on breeding habitat of curlew. This will involve vegetation recording, plant species identification, and data entry.

NB – if applying for this role please ensure you complete the additional Fair Employment monitoring information

4, 5, 6, 7, 23, 26, 27 1, 16, 18, 19, 25

Langholom Moor Demonstration Project

Staffan Roos

1 SRA

March 5 Langholm, SW Scotland

The post-holder should monitor the number and breeding success of the Hen Harrier population , conduct diversionary feeding of Hen Harriers, operate video-cameras at Hen

1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 13 (raptors), 18, 20, 22, 23, 26

8, 11, 14, 15, 21 (Hen Harrier), 24, 27

Harrier nests to identify prey species and potential predation events, conduct surveys of birds (BBS methodology) and mammals (transects to count fox scats, vole trapping and tunnel traps to estimate small mustelid abundance). Liason with partners in the Langholm Moor Demonstration Project and local Raptor Study Group members will be an important task, as well as overseeing all raptor-related work at Langholm Moor. The post-holder should be able to give presentations of the project to a wide range of audiences. In addition, the post-holder must be flexible and able to help out with other parts of the project, as and when needed.

Langholm Moor Demonstration Project

Staffan Roos

1 RA March 5 Langholm, SW Scotland

The post-holder should monitor the number and breeding success of the Hen Harrier population , conduct diversionary feeding of Hen Harriers, operate video-cameras at Hen Harrier nests to identify prey species and potential predation events, conduct surveys of birds (BBS methodology), and mammals (transects to count fox scats, vole trapping and tunnel traps to estimate small mustelid abundance).The post-holder must be flexible and able to help out with other parts of the project, as and when needed.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 18, 22, 23, 26

8, 9, 13 (raptors), 14, 15, 21 (Hen Harrier), 24, 27

Hawfinch Ecology (in partnership with Natural England)

Will Kirby

1 SRA

April 4 Forest of Dean, Kent or Dolgellau

To assist with a project investigating the decline of the Hawfinch in the UK. A wide range of duties are likely to include: finding and observing nests; deployment and maintenance of nest cameras; radio-tracking adults and habitat survey work. There may be opportunities to assist in ringing operations and there will be a data entry component. Although likely to be based largely in one of the three areas, there may be a requirement to spend considerable time elsewhere.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 23, 24, 26, 28, 29

8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 22, 27, 32

Hawfinch Ecology (in

Will Kirby

2 RA April 3 Forest of Dean, Kent or

To assist with a project investigating the decline of the Hawfinch in the UK. A wide

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 23, 24, 26, 28, 29

8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 22, 27, 32

partnership with Natural England)

Dolgellau range of duties are likely to include: finding and observing nests; deployment and maintenance of nest cameras; radio-tracking adults and habitat survey work. There may be opportunities to assist in ringing operations and there will be a data entry component. Although likely to be based largely in one of the three areas, there may be a requirement to spend considerable time elsewhere.

Tracking Turtle Doves

John Mallord

1 RA May 2 East Anglia To assist a project investigating the migration route and wintering grounds of the Turtle Dove through the deployment of electronic tags. Assist a team to locate and prepare catching sites, catch and tag turtle doves. Post holder will need to have extensive experience in bird handling, bird trapping using mist nets and whoosh nets, bird ringing and ideally experience of fitting electronic tags.

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 (C, or A; incl target full-grown pigeons and doves, mist net and whoosh-net endorsements), 9, 26, 29

9, 10, 13, 19, 21 (Turtle Dove)

Turtle Dove supplementary feeding

Tony Morris

2 RA late April

4 1 post in East Anglia1 post in Kent

This project will seek to identify methods of effectively providing early-season supplementary food for turtle doves, whilst minimising the risk of disease cross-transference and increased exposure to the protozoan parasite Trichomonas gallinae. Good knowledge of farmland bird identification, behaviour and standard survey techniques is essential, as is maintaining good relations with farmers and landowners. Practical experience of vegetation quadratting and collection of seed (or other environmental) samples is desirable. Both post-holders must be flexible, willing to work unconventional hours (especially early mornings) on farmland. Other tasks will involve data entry on Excel spreadsheets and maps/GIS and the storage and dispatch of samples for laboratory analysis.

1,2,3,4,5,,6,7,9,22,23,24,26,27

10,11,16,19,21,25 (arable plants), 31,35,37,39

Survey of breeding

Simon Wotton

6 RA April 4 Upland areas across England

To undertake breeding wader surveys on in-bye land at sites across the English uplands.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 22, 23, 24, 26, 29

9, 10, 11, 16, 18, 19, 21, 25, 27, 28, 32, 35

waders on in-bye land

(tbc) The aim of this project is to improve understanding of the effects of ES management on breeding grassland waders which nest and forage on in-bye farmland in the English uplands. Available information from the results of breeding bird surveys indicates that, in many areas, this land is still of considerable importance for several species of breeding wader which have declined greatly in lowland wet grasslands and other lowland habitats in recent years. It is therefore of critical importance to assess the value of ES and HLS to these species and to understand what improvements might be necessary to maintain or increase upland breeding populations under future AES. This survey will cover a random sample of 2×2km national grid tetrads containing in-bye land, stratified to cover a range of background abundance levels of lapwing and curlew, as measured by the sampling undertaken for the most recent breeding bird atlas (2007-2011). All waders will be surveyed for and recorded and two visits will be made to each tetrad, one between early April and mid-May and a second before mid-July, with a minimum of a two week gap between visits .

Little Tern monitoring (in partnership with EU LIFE)

Sarah Davis

1 SRA

May 3 Mainly Coastal East Anglia but possibly colonies elsewhere in UK

The post-holder will lead the capture, handling and ringing of little tern adults and chicks and associated little tern monitoring, including reading colour rings using digital photography. Fieldwork will take place at multiple colonies across England. Entry of ringing and biometric data into spreadsheets The post-holder must be flexible, able to work long hours and travel widely. Ringing licence essential.

1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 (C, seabirds), 26, 27, 28, 29

2, 9, 10, 13, 14, 19, 21, 31, 33

Breeding waders and soil management

Jeremy Wilson

1 RA early March

4 Central Scotland (but with travel)

The post-holder will assist in an on-going PhD project to investigate conservation management interventions for upland breeding wader populations on agricultural

2 (waders), 4, 5,24,26,27,29

1,3,6,7,9,12,16,17,18,22 (waders),23,25,28,37

grassland on 7 sites in Scotland and Northern England, ranging from Caithness to the Pennines. Main duties will include soil cores, sampling invertebrate prey, habitat/vegetation recording, behavioural observations of foraging Lapwing, Golden Plover, Curlew, Oystercatchers and their chicks, as well as laboratory analysis for soil condition. Field work will be carried out by foot, in remote locations and possibly involve some periods of lone working. Due to the nature of fieldwork, flexible working hours may be required with overnight accommodation necessary at some sites. Any overnight accommodation and transport to sites from Stirling University (where this post is based) will be arranged and covered by the project Supervisor where required. Please note that fieldwork will be physically demanding and occasionally involve long hours on site, carrying equipment and in all weather conditions.

UK Hen Harrier Survey

Daniel Hayhow

1 SRA

Feb 6 Scotland (various locations)

To assist with set up and coordination of the 2016 National Hen Harriersurvey by liaison with Scottish Raptor Study Groups, RSPB regional staff and landowners, and (possibly) by supervising RSPB research assistants. Also to conduct a full fieldwork schedule as part of the survey, update the Conservation Scientist regularly though the survey and assist in post survey data handling.

1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 9,10,18,19,20, 22,23,24,26, 28,29

11, 21, 27, 31, 33, 37

UK Hen Harrier Survey

Daniel Hayhow

8 RA March 4 Posts in Northern Ireland (1), Wales (1), Scotland (various locations)

To carry out Hen Harrier surveys for the 2016 National Hen Harrier survey. To work with the RSPB Senior Research Assistant and RSPB Conservation Scientist and to liaise with Scottish Raptor Study Groups to ensure coverage of Hen Harrier survey squares is maximised. The post will involve working with RSPB regional staff and engaging with landowners.

1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 9,10,18,19,22, 23,24,26, 28,29

11, 21, 27, 31,

Twite recovery monitoring

Nick Wilkinson

1 RA April 4 South Pennines To assist monitoring the population response of breeding Twite to trial conservation measures in the south Pennines (West Yorkshire). Fieldwork will include surveys of Twite, finding and monitoring nests, re-sighting colour-ringed birds and habitat data collection. Ringing may also be undertaken. The ability to identify Twite by sight and sound is essential, while the ability to recognise breeding behavioural cues is desirable. Fieldwork will involve walking long distances over rough terrain. The post-holder will be part of a small team but will conduct most fieldwork alone and will need to be flexible with regard to working hours due to the nature of the work. They will need to liaise with the Project Officer and local landowners. The post will include data entry into Excel spreadsheets.

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 22, 23, 24, 26

1, 8 (passerines), 9, 10, 11, 13 (open-cup passerines), 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 25 (moorland and grassland plants), 27, 31, 32, 35, 36

Twite recovery monitoring

Nick Wilkinson

2 RA May 3 South Pennines To assist monitoring the habitat resonse to trial conservation measures implemented for Twite in the south Pennines (West Yorkshire). Fieldwork will include surveys of farmland to record vegetation composition and abundance between June and August, and observations of Twite. The ability to identify common grassland flowering plants is essential. The post-holders, working in a team of two, will need to organise the schedule of survey visits, liaising closely with the Project Officer and landowners. The post will include data entry into Excel spreadsheets.

2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 16, 25 (grassland plants), 26

1, 3, 9, 12, 14, 19, 22, 23, 24, 27, 31, 32, 35, 36

Ecology of Cuckoos on Dartmoor

Jeremy Wilson

1 RA late April-early May

4 Dartmoor The postholder will assist a second-year PhD student studying the ecological requirements of breeding cuckoos and their main host - meadow pipit - on Dartmoor. Fieldwork will involve contributing to (i) surveys of territorial cuckoos and meadow pipits; (ii) meadow pipit nest finding and recording; (iii) systematic observation of foraging habitat selection and

2 (cuckoo, pipits, skylark),3,4,5,6,7,22 (cuckoo, pipits, skylark), 27

1,8,9,12,13,16,17,18,25 (moths),37

provisioning behaviour by nesting meadow pipits, and (iv habitat mapping. Later in the contract the postholder may have the opportunity to run a programme of systematic moth trapping across a range of farmland and heathland habitats on the edge of Dartmoor. Data will be recorded to Excel spreadsheets or similar databases under the supervision of the PhD student. The postholder will need to be flexible in their working hours and prepared to work long fieldwork sessions, beginning at dawn, and in all weather conditions.

Whinchat breeding declines

David Douglas

1 SRA

March 6 UK uplands (locations TBC)

Assist with project set- up including securing access permissions and fieldwork logistics. Map breeding whinchat across a range of sites. Collect detailed habitat data from breeding areas. Enter data into Excel and ensure data are error checked and prepared for analyses. The postholder must be able to travel widely during the breeding season with frequent overnight stays at various sites.

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,22,26,28,29

9,10,11,12,16,18,19,20,21,23,24,25,32,35,36

Whinchat breeding declines

David Douglas

1 RA April 5 UK uplands (locations TBC)

Map breeding whinchat across a range of sites. Collect detailed habitat data from breeding areas. Enter data into Excel and ensure data are error checked. The postholder must be able to travel widely during the breeding season with frequent overnight stays at various sites.

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,22,26,28,29

9,10,11,12,16,18,19,21,23,24,25,32,35,36

Seabird census

Ellie Owen

2 SRA

April 4 Various UK seabird colonies

To contribute to a national census of seabirds breeding in the UK. Fieldwork involves travelling to seabird colonies and carrying out a census of various seabird species. Experince of working in remote locations is essential as is a demonstrated ability to follow set protocols and be meticulous and accurate in survey work. The applicant will have a proven record in managing staff and organising the logistics of fieldwork.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10,11,12, 27, 28, 29

21(seabirds), 26, 31, 33

Seabird census

Ellie Owen

2 RA April 4 Various UK seabird colonies

To contribute to a national census of seabirds breeding in the UK. Fieldwork involves

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 27, 28, 29

21(seabirds), 26, 31, 33

travelling to seabird colonies and carrying out a census of various seabird species. Experince of working in remote locations is essential as is a demonstrated ability to follow set protocols and be meticulous and accurate in survey work.

Seabird tracking studies

Ellie Owen

3 SRA

April 3.5 Various UK seabird colonies

To contribute to RSPB seabird tracking studies which are focussed on identifying key foraging areas for seabirds (www.rspb.org.uk/whatwedo/projects/details.aspx?id=365020E). Fieldwork involves attaching deploying tags with various species of UK seabird as well as colony monitoring and diet data collection. Experience of handling seabirds is essential as well as a demostrated interest in working on scientific research projects. Fieldwork is conducted in remote places for extended periods making a positive attitude and ability to work well in a team essential. We provide rope access training to ensure safe access to cliff tops but a fear of heights would not be compatible with this role.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8(seabirds), 10, 27, 28, 29

9, 19, 20, 21(seabirds), 26, 31, 33, 34

Seabird tracking studies

Ellie Owen

3 RA April 3.5 Various UK seabird colonies

To contribute to RSPB seabird tracking studies which are focussed on identifying key foraging areas for seabirds (www.rspb.org.uk/whatwedo/projects/details.aspx?id=365020E). Fieldwork involves deplying tags with various species of UK seabird as well as colony monitoring and diet data collection. Experience of handling birds is essential as well as the ability to help plan fieldwork and manage data effectively. Fieldwork is conducted in remote places for extended periods making a positive attitude and ability to work well in a team essential. We provide rope access training to ensure safe access to cliff tops but a fear of heights would not be compatible with this role.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 27, 28, 29

8(seabirds), 21(seabirds), 26, 31, 33

Corn Bunting Rosemary 1 RA May 5 Eatsern To monitor corn bunting nesting activity in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21,

Productivity Setchfield England (Cambs-Beds-Herts border area)

wheat crops for evaluating nest site selection and productivity in and around mid-field trial provisions. Work involves intensive monitoring of behavioural cues to locate nests within crops; making regular visits to nests to monitor clutch and brood sizes and to assess nest success / failure dates; conducting baseline surveys of singing males; recording vegetation data within trial provisions and in surrounding crop areas; habitat mapping of crop types on study farms; radio tracking and handling / measurement of fledged chicks; potentially recording darvic ring numbers on birds using binoculars and telescope; liaison with farmers and land owners; maintaining accurate and legible data sheets; keying data into Excel spreadsheets; providing summary feedback to participating farmers; possible map digitising. Training will be given where required. Previous nest-finding experience (open cup species) is essential. The post-holder must be able to work flexibly, including early morning starts and variable (occasionally long) hours, be sufficiently fit to access large farms in undulating terrain by foot, and have good observational abilities using sight and sound cues.

13, 22, 24, 26, 27, 35 23, 31, 32, 37

Swift demography

Will Peach

1 RA May 3 Cambridgeshire To collect and collate data on nest occupancy by swifts and other species in urban-suburban environments. Will include fieldwork and will require the ability to read and use maps accurately. Data will be recorded on spreadsheets.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26

10, 11, 16, 19, 22, 27, 29, 35, 36

Land sparing & sharing

Will Peach

1 RA April 4 Cambridgeshire/Wiltshire

To conduct BBS type transect field surveys on farmland and other habitats including nature reserves. Requires the ability to identify birds by song and call, and maintain accurate methods in the field. Data will be entered onto spreadsheets. The fieldworker will be required to travel between two study areas, one in Cambridgeshire and one in Wiltshire.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 29

10, 11, 16, 19, 22, 27, 29, 35, 36

Mountain Ringlet autecology

Steven Ewing

1 SRA

May 3 Lake District The aim of this project is to better understand the ecology of the Mountain Ringlet, which is currently poorly known. The post holder will oversee the collection of data on Mountain Ringlets at 3-4 sites in the Lake District, including line managing the day-to-day activities of a Research Assistant. Key duties of the post will be following ovipositing females to observe egg-laying events; recording data on habitat, topography and microclimate; undertaking repeated butterfly transects to monitor temporal changes in counts; and sampling of larvae. The postholder will need to liaise and maintain good working relationships with both RSPB reserves staff and external project partners. Given the remote locations where Mountain Ringlet occur, the postholder will require to be fit, capable of working under difficult conditions, and be available to work flexible and long hours.

1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 16, 17, 18, 21 (butterflies), 23, 25 (butterflies, moorland grasses and shrubs), 26

19, 20, 27, 29, 31, 32, 36

Mountain Ringlet autecology

Steven Ewing

1 RA May 3 Lake District The aim of this project is to better understand the ecology of the Mountain Ringlet, which is currently poorly known. The post holder will contribute to the collection of data on Mountain Ringlets at 1-2 sites in the Lake District. Key duties of the post will be following ovipositing females to observe egg-laying events; recording data on habitat, topography and microclimate; undertaking repeated butterfly transects to monitor temporal changes in counts; and sampling of

1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 16, 17, 18, 21 (butterflies), 23, 25 (butterflies, moorland grasses and shrubs), 26

19, 27, 29, 31, 32, 36

larvae. The postholder will need to liaise and maintain good working relationships with both RSPB reserves staff and external project partners. Given the remote locations where Mountain Ringlet occur, the postholder will require to be fit, capable of working under difficult conditions, and be available to work flexible and long hours.

Crop raiding in Gola

Fiona Sanderson

1 SRA

April 6 Kenema, Sierra Leone

To select, map and set up sampling plots in forest edge farmland order to monitor damage caused to crops (groundnut, cassava, rice and maize) by wildlife, in particular mammals and insects, and to input the resulting data. Plots will need to be set up, with help from a Conservation Scientist, at a range of distances to forest and other habitats and in varying field sizes and monitored every two weeks in order to assess proportion of crop damage and the species group responsible, with species identification partly through liaison with local communities. The postholder, whilst part of a large team of local and international staff working in and around Gola Rainforest National Park, will need to work independently in a remote area of West Africa with the help of local Research Technicians, cope with basic living conditions, and maintain a good working relationship with local communities.  In addition to the person specification criteria listed here, the postholder will need to be physically fit, and experience of camera trapping techniques is desirable.

4, 5 (tropical experience), 6, 16 (planning, organising, and carrying out ecological fieldwork including systematic survey design), 19 (including being culturally aware and diplomatic), 23, 26, 27, 30, 31,  33

20, 35 (tropical farming systems including understanding of human-wildlfie conflicts and experience of identifying signs of crop damage in field) 

Posts with the RSPB Nature Recovery Unit

Corncrake translocation project (in partnershi

Hannah Ward

1 RA equivalent

June 3.5

Nene Washes RSPB Reserve, Cambridgeshire

Two main elements of post are 1. Monitor the returning male Corncrakes on the Nene Washes by means of nocturnal survey. This is to measure both the return rates of zoo-bred birds released in previous years and

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 22, 24, 26

8, 9, 12, 17, 19, 21, 25, 27, 32, 33, 38

p with Natural England)

productivity of Nene Washes wild breeding population and to help influence field management of nesting areas and 2. Husbandry of Corncrake chicks whilst in the Nene Washes rearing pens. Namely the daily feeding of broods by provisioning commercially bred insect food and where possible native caught insects, applying any medicines as directed by veterinary staff and organising release dates. Other elements of post are assisting in catching both adult and juvenile Corncrakes and monitoring other species, namely Spotted Crake. You will be part of a team consisting of ZSL veterinary staff, aviculturalists, RSPB wardening staff, Pensthorpe Conservation Trust, Nature Recovery Unit staff and Principal Research biologist Rhys Green. It is desirable that the post-holder has 4x4 driving certification. Full training and day to day guidance are provided RSPB Nene Washes staff. Experience of animal husbandry or aviliculture is desirable for this post.

Posts with the Habitats and Species Dept, RSPB Scotland

Monitoring of Shiants LIFE project

Phil Taylor

1 SRA March 6 Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides

In 2016 the 2nd year of four years of monitoring work will be carried out following a winter eradication of black rats. The eradication phase will be completed in March 2016 and the summer monitoring will include petrel attraction work and biosecurity surveillance for rat sign. The post-holder shall undertake and oversee monitoring of flora, invertebrates, land birds and seabirds on the Shiant Isles in the Minch to understand how the islands' ecosystem reponds to the removal of rats. The post-holder will be based in Harris but shall be expected to spend at least four long periods on the remote and exposed Shiant Isles, and shall oversee the work of two others. Physical fitness and ability

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 16, 17, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 33

8, 9, 14, 18, 21 (inverts, vegetation) 31, 33, 34, 36, 37

to work on your own initiative is needed. Some experience monitoring land birds, seabirds and also vegetation and invetebrate communities will also be required. The project will provide an allowance for accommodation on the two days either side of each trip to the Shiants, and a contribution toward food whilst on the islands - accommodation outside of these times will be the post-holders responsibility.

Monitoring of Shiants LIFE project

Phil Taylor

2 RA April 4 The Shiant Isles, Outer Hebrides

In 2016 the 2nd year of four years of monitoring work will be carried out following a winter eradication of black rats. The eradication phase will be completed in March 2016 and the summer monitoring will include petrel attraction work and biosecurity surveillance for rat sign. The post-holder shall undertake monitoring of flora, invertebrates, land birds and seabirds on the Shiant Isles in the Minch to understand how the islands' ecosystem respond to the removal of rats. The post holders will be based in Harris but will be comfortable spending long periods of time on the remote Shiant Isles without regular access to communications. Experience monitoring land birds, invetebrates or vegetation is required, preferably the post-holder will have experience in more than one of these fields. The project will provide an allowance for accommodation on the two days either side of each trip to the Shiants, and a contribution toward food whilst on the islands - accomodation outside of these times will be the post-holders responsibility.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 23, 24, 25, 27

8, 14, 16, 17, 18, 21 (inverts, vegetation), 24, 26, 31, 33, 34, 36

Posts with the RSPB South West England Region

Cirl Bunting survey

Cath Jeffs or Simon

1 RA April 5 Devon & Cornwall To conduct survey work across the known Cirl Bunting range in Devon and Cornwall. Fieldwork will be carried out at the tetrad level

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26

9, 10, 11, 16, 19, 27, 29, 35

Wotton (Conservation Science)

and c.350 tetrads will be shared between the postholder and several staff and volunteers. The following priority farmland bird species will also be recorded during this survey: Kestrel; Grey Partridge; Lapwing; Turtle Dove; Woodlark; Skylark; Song Thrush; Grasshopper Warbler; Linnet; Yellowhammer; Reed Bunting. The field season runs from April to August. Additionally, there is likely to be detailed field mapping in 56 tetrads, in a repeat of work undertaken in 2003 and 2009.

Posts with Reserves Ecology, RSPB ScotlandProductivity of Lapwing at Insh Marshes

Chris Bingham

1 RA March 5 Insh Marshes RSPB reserve, Strathspey, Highland

To collect data on nest and chick survival in lapwings at study sites across Insh Marshes. Work will include finding and monitoring lapwing nests, and ringing and radio-tagging chicks. Likely predators will also be surveyed, including corvids/raptors (timed watches) and predatory mammals (e.g. trail cameras, tracking tunnels). The post-holder must be flexible and willing to work unconventional hours (dawn and dusk) if necessary. Other duties will involve data entry and report writing.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 24, 26, 27

8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 21, 23, 32, 33, 34

Person Specification (Page 1 of 2)

Job Title: Research and Senior research assistants and equivalents (various short-term contract posts) 2016

Region /Dept: Conservation ScienceSee separate job details sheet to determine which attributes are required for each post

How criteria will be tested : A = Application Form, T = Test, I = Phone interview, P = Personality test, O = OtherAttributes which are either essential or desirable for some advertised posts

A T I P O Attributes which are either essential or desirable for some advertised posts

A T I P O

1 Good basic knowledge of British wildlife, their habitats and conservation priorities

X 8 BTO Ringing permit – C or A (specify grade, endorsements and restrictions)

X

2 Ability to identify a wide range of British birds by sight, in particular those species or groups which are named in these projects

X 9 Hands-on experience of fieldwork on birds – as degree/dissertation project and/or at least 3 years involvement in non-professional bird surveys (e.g. WeBS, BBS)

X X

3 Hands-on experience of fieldwork on birds – at least as part of degree or equivalent coursework or 1 season's involvement in non-professional bird surveys (e.g. WeBS, BBS)

X 10 At least 1 season's appropriate involvement in professional bird research

X

4 Capable of keeping accurate and legible records of data collected in the field

X 11 Several years professional bird survey or research experience

X

5 Ability to undertake demanding fieldwork (long hours/poor weather)

X X 12 Practical experience of using at least one standard bird survey method (transects, mapping, point counts, BBS, CBC

X

6 Ability to work under own initiative whether alone or as part of a small team

X X 13 Practical experience of locating/monitoring nests (including nestling biometrics) (specify experience, eg nest boxes, seabirds, open-cup passerine nests)

X

7 Able to regularly travel to, from and within remote locations not served by public transport

X X 14 Practical experience of reading colour-rings or other field readable marks

X

Person Specification (Page 2 of 2)

Job Title: Research and Senior research assistants and equivalents (various short-term contract posts) 2016

Region /Dept: Conservation Science See separate job details sheet to determine which attributes are required for each post

How criteria will be tested : A = Application Form, T = Test, I = Phone interview, P = Personality test, O = OtherAttributes which are either essential or desirable for some advertised posts

A T I P O Attributes which are either essential or desirable for some advertised posts

A T I P O

15 Practical experience of radio tracking X 27 Ability to use standard computer packages (e.g. Word and Excel)

X

16 Practical experience of quantitative habitat surveys X 28 Willing to work anywhere within UK with reasonable notice X17 Practical experience of invertebrate sampling X 29 Willing to travel widely perhaps including overnight stays X18 Experience of working in remote upland areas X 30 Willing to work in specified countries overseas X X19 Experience of obtaining access to private land and liaising

with landowners, their agents and employeesX 31 Relevant degree or equivalent X

20 Experience of supervising field assistants X 32 Previously employed by RSPB or comparable organization on appropriate research or survey work

X

21 Previous specialist experience with a named target species X 33 Writing basic scientific reports or papers X22 Ability to identify British birds by sound, in particular those

species or groups which are named in projectX 34 Basic statistical skills X

23 Ability to navigate using a map, compass and GPS X X 35 Good understanding of farming-related issues X X24 Ability to accurately locate and record on maps bird and

other dataX 36 Higher level of botanical expertise X

25 Ability to identify other taxonomic groups, in particular common invertebrates and vascular plants and/or moorland and bogland plants and/or Identification of other taxonomic groups (specify)

X 37 Experience of using MapInfo or other GIS X

26 Ability to work alone with limited supervision X X 38 Experience in aviculture or animal husbandry X39 Experience of collecting seeds / other environmental

samplesX

PLEASE REFER TO VACANCY DETAILS FOR RETURN ADDRESSJob Ref. No. CONSCI2016

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Application Pack July 2012 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales No. 207076 Scotland No. SC037654

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The information on this form will be used for recruitment and selection purposes only and if your application is successful it will form part of your employment record. All unsuccessful applications will be destroyed twelve months after the closing date for positions advertised in Scotland, England and Wales and three years after the closing date for positions advertised in Northern Ireland.

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Date .................................................................................................................................................

Fair Employment (NI) Monitoring FormThe RSPB is an Equal Opportunities employer. We do not discriminate on grounds of marital status, gender, race, colour, sexual orientation, religious belief, political opinion, nationality, ethnic or national origin or disablement. We practice equality of opportunity in employment and select the best person for the job within our budgetary limits.

To demonstrate our commitment to equality of opportunity in employment, we need to monitor the community background of our applicants for jobs in Northern Ireland, as required by the Fair Employment and Treatment (NI) Order 1998.

Regardless of whether they practice their religion, most people in Northern Ireland are seen as either Catholic or Protestant. We are therefore asking you to indicate your community background by ticking the appropriate box below.

Please note that this information will be treated in the strictest confidence and used only for FEC monitoring purposes.

If you do not complete this questionnaire, we are encouraged to use the "residuary" method which means that we can make a determination on the basis of personal information included in your application for employment.

I am a member of the Protestant community

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Please indicate whether you are: Female Male

Please detach this questionnaire from the application pack and return by email to hradmin@rspb.org.uk Note:It is not compulsory for you to answer the above questions. However, we would stress that it is a criminal offence under the legislation for a person to "give false information in connection with the preparation of a monitoring return".

PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM BY EMAIL TO: hradmin@rspb.org.uk.

Application Pack July 2012 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales No. 207076 Scotland No. SC037654

CONSCI 2016

ONLY COMPLETE IF APPLYING FOR THE ROLE IN NORTHERN IRELAND