research assistant and senior research assistant seasonal ...ww2.rspb.org.uk/images/consci...

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Research Assistant and Senior Research Assistant Seasonal Recruitment 2020

Welcome to the RSPB information pack detailing the seasonal Research Assistants and Senior Research Assistants vacancies on a variety of projects within Great Britain in 2020. Full details of the roles currently available can be found listed below. These roles are subject to change depending on confirmation of funding or new funding becoming available. Please note – any Research Assistant or Senior Research Assistant roles in Northern Ireland will be advertised, and must be applied for, separately. All roles will involve carrying out agreed programmes of ecological survey, research work or species

recovery work, alone or as part of a small survey team. Most roles will require previous survey or field

research experience and excellent bird identification skills. Every year, we also recruit some roles that

require particular specialist skills, such as bird ringing / handling, or a high-degree of botanical

knowledge. Please see the specifications below for the required skills and follow the instructions in

the ‘How to Apply’ section when completing your application form, which is available as a separate

download.

The role profile document (also available as a separate download) shows the salary range, generic key results areas, person requirements and behaviours expected of all Research Assistant and

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Senior Research Assistant roles at the RSPB. All posts advertised here will be matched to this role profile within the RSPB pay and reward structure. You will have the option to state a preference on the application form or choose to be considered for all posts and unless you say otherwise you will be automatically considered for all the posts available. If the post(s) for which you expressed a particular interest is/are not available, you may be contacted to find out if you are interested in an alternative. If from the information in your application you have the broad range of skills and abilities 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

➢ Verified Asylum and Immigration check – usually a verified copy of your passport ➢ Criminal record status compatible to the role ➢ Pre-employment Health Checks - a questionnaire sent with your contract and asked to

complete and forward to our occupational health provider. This is to ensure that you are capable of performing your role effectively or that any reasonable adjustments you need to do so are provided

➢ Completion of the References satisfactory to the RSPB ➢ Equal opportunities form – sent with the contract ➢ Proof of relevant qualifications where required

Please send your completed the application form by midnight on 12 January 2020 to [email protected]. Alternatively, applications can be posted to Tracy Winn, Conservation Science Dept., RSPB, The

Lodge, Sandy, Beds, SG19 2DL.

Thank you for your interest in our vacancies. Due to the volume of applications received for our

seasonal posts we are not currently able to keep you fully informed of the progress of your

applications. 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.

Yours sincerely

Tony

Dr Tony Morris Principal Research Manager RSPB Conservation Science Dept

mailto:[email protected]

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Details of posts available – Spring/Summer 2020

Project Role Profile

no. post

Duration (m)

Location Start Date Recruiting Manager

Description Essential attributes for specific projects (see person specification sheet for key)

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

Turtle Dove Seed

RA 1 6 E Anglia May-20 Tony Morris Turtle dove populations are in rapid decline, with strong links to the reduction in availability of arable plant food. Evaluation of existing agri-environment options that provide seed for turtle doves indicates the vegetation frequently becomes too tall and dense, limiting foraging access. This study will trial in small plots the vegetation structure and composition of new and existing types of managed seed-rich habitat to enhance seed abundance and access. Post holder will have experience of measuring vegetation structure and identifying plants in quadrats and inputting the data into Excel.

7 (arable plant id), 8, 10, 12, 13, 21, 33, 34

3, 4, 5, 9, 18, 28, 29

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Good IDid skills for able plants is essential and knowledge of turtle dove ecology desirable. The post will involve frequent travel between sites in Eastern England.

Ring Ouzel Trial Management

RA 2 4 (each) Peak District / Cumbria

Apr-20 David Douglas

This project is testing the response of ring ouzels to restoration of breeding habitat at Geltsdale and Dove Stone reserves in northern England. The post-holders will survey breeding ring ouzel and measure habitat composition and structure in trial valleys on these reserves. Postholders should expect to undertake lone-working in remote, challenging upland terrain, working flexible hours, and be able to work in conjunction with key reserves staff.

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

1, 2, 9, 10, 11, 13, 18, 21, 27

Curlew Trial Management

RA 1 4 Cumbria/South Scotland

late April Irena Tomankova

To collect data on breeding ecology of curlew. This will include nest finding and monitoring, radio tagging and tracking broods to assess survival and habitat use and data entry. The post might include assistance with moorland bird surveys

3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 20, 22 (waders, ideally curlew), 30, 33, 34

2, 4, 7 (upland moorland plants), 17, 18, 19, 24, 28, 29, 35

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and vegetation surveys. The postholder will need to have previous experience in finding and monitoring wader nests, ideally curlew nests. The postholder will need to be physically fit, capable of working under difficult conditions and be available to work flexible hours. The post will involve travel between sites in Cumbria and South Scotland.

Curlew Trial Management

RA 3 5.5 (each)

Caithness, South Scotland, North Pennines

late March/early April

Irena Tomankova

To collect data on breeding ecology of curlew. This will include mapping the distribution, abundance and behaviour of breeding curlews and other moorland bird species, vegetation recording, assessing the abundance and distribution of key nest/chick predators (e.g. via fox scat surveys) and data entry. The postholder will need to have good moorland bird ID skills. The postholder will need to be physically fit, capable of working under difficult conditions and be available to work flexible hours.

3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 20, 30, 33

4, 7 (upland moorland plants), 17, 18, 19, 21, 22 (waders), 28, 29, 34, 35

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Fair Isle Petrels

SRA 1 3 Fair Isle late June / early July

Laura Bambini / Mark Bolton

To undertake nocturnal surveys of breeding European storm petrels on Fair Isle, Shetland, and monitor breeding success in a number of study plots. Collection of remains of storm petrels found dead. Conduct monitoring of mouse activity-density using wax chew blocks and thermal imaging equipment. Carry out camera trap monitoring of feral and domestic cats, and provide GPS tags to cat owners to enable them to conduct GPS tracking of their pet animals. Explain the aims of the project to the local community and assist in conducting questionaires with residents. The post-holder must be physically fit, able to walk >10km a day for the duration of the 6 week fieldwork period, in rough terrain. Rope access experience would be an advantage and the post holder must be comfortable working in the vicinity of sea cliffs at night.

6 (European storm petrel, Leach's petrel), 8,9,10,11,12,13,14,16,34

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Breeding Waders of Wet Meadows Survey

RA 2 4 (each) TBC sites across England

Apr-20 Daniel Hayhow

We are planning to conduct a survey of lowland wet grassland sites for breeding waders in England. The post holder will use the standard three-visit field methods for wader surveys (O'Brien & Smith 1992), habitat recording and mapping will also be required. The role will involve travel to sites in core wader breeding areas across England. Successful liaison with local landowners/gamekeepers will be an essential part of the job. The postholder will need to be physically fit, capable of working under difficult conditions and be available at times, to work long hours.

3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 20, 29, 33, 34, 35,

4, 14, 17, 18, 19, 21, 28 (lowland waders)

Ring Ouzel Tagging

SRA 1 3 NE Scotland Apr-20 David Douglas

This project is tagging ring ouzels on their breeding grounds to track migration between breeding, staging and wintering grounds. The postholder will survey breeding ring ouzels to assess territory occupancy, resight colour-ringed birds, find and monitor nests, lead on the tagging of ring

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 (minimum C with mist net endorsement, ideally previous tagging experience), 9, 10, 12, 13 (open nest passerines), 18, 19, 22 (upland songbirds), 23, 24, 26, 27

11, 14, 20, 21, 32, 33, 35

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ouzels and conduct observations of the behaviour of tagged individuals. The postholder should expect to work in remote, challenging upland terrain, working flexible hours, and be able to liaise with local landowners and land managers.

Ring Ouzel Tagging

RA 1 3 NE Scotland Apr-20 David Douglas

This project is tagging ring ouzels on their breeding grounds to track migration between breeding, staging and wintering grounds. The postholder will survey breeding ring ouzels to assess territory occupancy, resight colour-ringed birds, find and monitor nests, support tagging work and conduct observations of the behaviour of tagged individuals. The postholder should expect to work in remote, challenging upland terrain, working flexible hours, and be able to liaise with local landowners and land managers.

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 22 (upland songbirds), 23, 24, 26

1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 21, 27, 32

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Turtle Dove GPS tracking

RA 1 5 E Anglia Apr-20 John Mallord

The postholder will help in the catching and GPS-tagging of adult Turtle Doves. Duties will include liaison with landowners and regional colleagues to select baiting sites. Prior to the doves' return from Africa, bait sites will be set up at a number of farms to itially attract other species; bait will need to be checked on at least a weekly basis to ensure that it is topped up, and trail cameras installed and checked at least weekly to discern any patterns in Turtle Dove visitation. This will require regular driving around all study farms. Trapping is likely to commence in mid-May. GPS data will be collected either remotely or via a base station, and locations will be visited and habitat characteristics, crop types etc will be recorded. Potential nest locations will be investigated,, to help with remote data download. The postholder will be expected to be away

2 (C, or A; incl target full-grown pigeons and doves, mist net and whoosh-net endorsements), 5, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 33, 34

18, 22, 25, 28, 29

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from home for four nights a week (Mon, Tues, Weds, Thurs).

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SSE Seabird Tracking

RA 2 4 NE Scotland Apr-20 Aly McCluskie

To monitor cliff-nesting seabirds (auks, kittiwakes and fulmars) and assist with catching, ringing and tracking kittiwakes, at two colonies on the east coast of Scotland. Much of the role will be spent monitoring nests and recording breeding progression and productivity, assisting with setting up and maintaining a receiver network to download information from bird-borne tracking devices, and monitoring individual (tagged & colour ringed) birds after tagging. The postholder will also assist with catching, ringing and attaching tracking devices to kittiwakes (under the supervision of an SRA or Conservation Scientist). Early mornings, late evenings and weekend work will be expected at times. There will be a short time-window at the right stage of the breeding season to attach tracking devices to birds, and long hours may be required during this brief period. Data

3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 16, 33, 34

2 (cliff-nesting seabirds - at least experience of handling at trainee level, ideally C permit), 12, 18, 20 (seabirds), 22 (seabirds), 23, 28 (kittiwake), 35

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entry (e.g. into spreadsheets or a database) will be required. Must be capable of fieldwork on rough terrain including working at the tops and bottoms of cliffs where ropework may be required (full training will be provided, must have a head for heights and a sensible approach to health and safety). A driving licence is required.The postholders would be primarily based at either Fowlsheugh (1 post) or St Abbs (1 post) but may need to travel between them to assist with work at the other colony during busy periods, and potentially may spend time working with colleagues at Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire.

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SSE Seabird Tracking

SRA 1 4.5 NE Scotland May-20 Aly McCluskie

To lead fieldwork monitoring of cliff-nesting seabirds ((auks, kittiwakes and fulmars) and tracking kittiwakes at two colonies on the east coast of Scotland. The postholder will be responsible for coordinating the work of two RAs (one at each colony) to monitor breeding progression and productivity, and for the day-to-day management of tracking work on kittiwakes using remote-download multi-sensor (GPS, accelerometer, altimeter) tracking devices. Must be capable of getting up-to-speed with the technical aspects of running the tracking system and setting up a receiver network to download data from bird-borne tags (with support and training from a Conservation Scientist), to make the best use of the system and maximise data return. Applicants should have experience of catching and handling adult seabirds safely, be proficient in catching

2 (cliff-nesting seabirds), 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 33, 34

1, 14, 15, 19, 20 (seabirds), 22 (seabirds), 23, 28 (kittiwake), 29, 31, 32, 35

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seabirds at the nest using a noose pole, and be familiar with attaching tracking devices to birds. Excellent data management skills, and experience of basic statistical analysis (e.g. summarising average breeding success, average number of tracking days per bird) and report writing (to write a simple report summarising the fieldwork and preliminary outputs) are highly desirable. Early mornings, late evenings and weekend work will be expected at times. There will be a short time-window at the right stage of the breeding season to attach tracking devices to birds, and long hours may be required during this brief period. You must be capable of accessing cliff-nesting seabird colonies over rough terrain including working at the tops and bottoms of cliffs where ropework may be required (full training will be provided, must have a head for heights). You should

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have a meticulous approach to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of yourself, your co-workers, members of the public and the birds. A driving licence is required. The postholder will be based at Fowlsheugh and St Abbs on the east coast of Scotland (with regular travel between the two), and may spend a short time working with colleagues at Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire.

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Seabirds and Wind Farms: Kittiwake and gannet tracking

SRA 1 4.5 Yorkshire May-20 Saskia Wischnewski

To lead fieldwork monitoring cliff-nesting seabirds and tracking kittiwakes and gannets on the Yorkshire Coast between Flamborough and Filey. The postholder will be responsible for managing the work of 1 RA to monitor breeding progression and productivity, and for the day-to-day management of tracking work on kittiwakes and gannets using remote-download multi-sensor (GPS, accelerometer, altimeter) tracking devices. Will need to liaise with a specialist climbing team to catch gannets. Must be capable of getting up-to-speed with the technical aspects of running the tracking system and setting up a receiver network to download data from bird-borne tags (with support and training from a Conservation Scientist), to make the best use of the system and maximise data return. Applicants should have experience of catching and handling adult

2 (cliff-nesting seabirds), 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 33, 34

1, 14, 15, 19, 20 (seabirds), 22 (seabirds), 23, 28 (kittiwake, gannet), 29, 31, 32, 35

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seabirds safely, be proficient in catching seabirds at the nest using a noose pole, and be familiar with attaching tracking devices to birds. Excellent data management skills, and experience of basic statistical analysis (e.g. summarising average breeding success, average number of tracking days per bird) and report writing (to write a simple report summarising the fieldwork and preliminary outputs) are highly desirable. Early mornings, late evenings and weekend work will be expected at times. There will be a short time-window at the right stage of the breeding season to attach tracking devices to birds, and long hours may be required during this brief period. You must be capable of accessing cliff-nesting seabird colonies over rough terrain including working at the tops and bottoms of cliffs where ropework may be required (full training will be provided,

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must have a head for heights). You should have a meticulous approach to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of yourself, your co-workers, members of the public and the birds. A driving licence is required. The postholder will be based near Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire, and may spend a short time working with colleagues at two colonies on the East Coast of Scotland.

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Seabirds and Wind Farms: Kittiwake and gannet tracking

RA 1 3 Yorkshire May-20 Saskia Wischnewski

To monitor cliff-nesting seabirds and assist with catching, ringing and tracking kittiwakes and gannets on the Yorkshire coast between Flamborough and Filey. Much of the role will be spent monitoring nests and recording breeding progression and productivity, assisting with setting up and maintaining a receiver network to download information from bird-borne tracking devices, and monitoring individual (tagged & colour ringed) birds after tagging. The postholder will also assist with catching, ringing and attaching tracking devices to kittiwakes and gannets (under the supervision of an SRA or Conservation Scientist). Early mornings, late evenings and weekend work will be expected at times. There will be a short time-window at the right stage of the breeding season to attach tracking devices to birds, and long hours may be required during this brief period. Data entry (e.g.

3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 16, 33, 34

2 (cliff-nesting seabirds - at least experience of handling at trainee level, ideally C permit), 12, 18, 20 (seabirds), 22 (seabirds), 23, 28 (kittiwake, gannet), 35

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into spreadsheets or a database) will be required. Must be capable of fieldwork on rough terrain including working at the tops and bottoms of cliffs where rope access may be required (full training will be provided, must have a head for heights and a sensible approach to health and safety). A driving licence is required. The postholder would be primarily based near Bempton, Yorkshire, but potentially may spend time working with colleagues at two colonies on the east coast of Scotland.

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Seabird Tagging Trial

SRA 1 3 Yorkshire May-20 Saskia Wischnewski

To conduct fieldwork trialling the use of different types of tracking devices on kittiwakes near Flamborough Head, Yorkshire. Must have a good technical understanding and be capable of getting up-to-speed with the technical aspects of running the tracking system (code based) and setting up a receiver network to download data from bird-borne tags (with support and training from a Conservation Scientist), to make the best use of the system and maximise data return. Applicants should have experience of catching and handling adult seabirds safely, be proficient in catching seabirds at the nest using a noose pole, and be familiar with attaching tracking devices to birds. Excellent data management skills are highly desirable. Early mornings, late evenings and weekend work will be expected at times. There will be a short time-window at the right stage of the breeding

2 (cliff-nesting seabirds), 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 33

19, 20 (seabirds), 22 (seabirds), 23, 28 (kittiwake), 29, 31, 32, 34, 35

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season to attach tracking devices to birds, and long hours may be required during this brief period. You must be capable of accessing cliff-nesting seabird colonies over rough terrain including working at the top and bottom of cliffs. Ropework may be required to access field sites (full training will be provided, must have a head for heights). You should have a meticulous approach to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of yourself, your co-workers, members of the public and the birds. A driving licence is required. The postholder will be based near Flamborough Head, Yorkshire, and may spend a short time working with colleagues on another project in the area or at two colonies on the East Coast of Scotland.

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Seabird Tagging Trial

SRA 1 1.5 Yorkshire Jun-20 Saskia Wischnewski

To conduct fieldwork trialling the use of different types of tracking devices on kittiwakes near Flamborough Head, Yorkshire. Must have a good technical understanding and be capable of getting up-to-speed with the technical aspects of running the tracking system (code based) and setting up a receiver network to download data from bird-borne tags (with support and training from a Conservation Scientist), to make the best use of the system and maximise data return. Applicants should have experience of catching and handling adult seabirds safely, be proficient in catching seabirds at the nest using a noose pole, and be familiar with attaching tracking devices to birds. Excellent data management skills are highly desirable. Early mornings, late evenings and weekend work will be expected at times. There will be a short time-window at the right stage of the breeding

2 (cliff-nesting seabirds), 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 33

19, 20 (seabirds), 22 (seabirds), 23, 28 (kittiwake), 29, 31, 32, 34, 35

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season to attach tracking devices to birds, and long hours may be required during this brief period. You must be capable of accessing cliff-nesting seabird colonies over rough terrain including working at the top and bottom of cliffs. Ropework may be required to access field sites (full training will be provided, must have a head for heights). You should have a meticulous approach to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of yourself, your co-workers, members of the public and the birds. A driving licence is required. The postholder will be based near Flamborough Head, Yorkshire, and may spend a short time working with colleagues on another project in the area or at two colonies on the East Coast of Scotland.

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Project Godwit

SRA 2 6 Cambs mid-March-20

Will Peach To collect data on nest and chick survival in black-tailed godwits. Work will include finding and monitoring nests, ringing and colour marking chicks, and monitoring avian and mammalian predators. The postholder will also assist with the ringing and colour marking of breeding adult godwits.This project will use a range of technology for remote monitoring and therefore will involve manipulating and interpreting large volumes of data using Pivot Tables in Excel or other appropriate software packages. This is a challenging project which requires dynamic and determined people and at times, could involve long hours. The postholder will line manage a research assistant, and potentially also volunteers, interns and/or Masters students.

3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 13, 16, 18, 19, 22 (waders), 32, 33

6, 9, 14, 17, 20, 23, 28, 29

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Seabird Census

RA 5 4 to 6 North/west Scotland (various including Shetland, Orkney, NW Mainland and West Coast)

mid-March-2020

Kate Bellew To undertake seabird surveys at various colonies in northern/western Scotland to help complete the current Britain and Ireland seabird census (Seabirds Count). Surveys may include land- or boat-based counts of cliff-nesting species, moorland transect counts of gulls and skuas, and overnight camping on remote islands to survey storm-petrels. Contracts are likely to vary in length and timing, dependent on which species they cover. Additional tasks may include data entry into an online database.

5 (seabirds), 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 33, 34

3, 6, 13, 17, 18, 19, 28, 30

Seabird Census

SRA 4 4 to 5 North/west Scotland (various including Shetland, Orkney, NW Mainland and West Coast)

mid-March-2020

Kate Bellew To undertake seabird surveys at various colonies in northern/western Scotland to help complete the current Britain and Ireland seabird census (Seabirds Count). Surveys may include land- or boat-based counts of cliff-nesting species, moorland transect counts of gulls and skuas, and overnight

5 (seabirds), 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 32, 33, 34

3, 6, 13, 17, 18, 19, 28, 30

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camping on remote islands to survey storm-petrels. Contracts are likely to vary in length and timing, dependent on which species they cover. Additional tasks may include data entry into an online database.

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Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Experience

The following numbered list of requirements relates directly to the essential and desirable in the list of roles

available above.

Candidates should take care to ensure they fully describe how they meet these requirements in their

application.

1 Relevant degree or equivalent

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

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

4 Good understanding of farming-related issues

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

6 Ability to identify British birds by sound, in particular those species or groups which are named in project

7 Identification skills in, and ecological knowledge of, other taxonomic groups. Groups and level of knowledge specific to individual posts - (please specify)

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

9 Ability to navigate using a map, compass and GPS

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

11 Ability to accurately locate and record on maps bird and other data

12 Ability to work under own initiative with limited supervision, whether alone or as part of a small team

13 Ability to use standard computer packages (e.g. Word and Excel)

14 Writing basic scientific reports or papers

15 Basic statistical skills

16 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)

17 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)

18 Minimum of one season of relevant professional research/survey experience

19 Several years of relevant professional research/survey experience

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

21 Practical experience of quantitative habitat surveys

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

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

24 Practical experience of radio tracking

25 Practical experience of invertebrate sampling

26 Experience of collecting seeds / other environmental samples

27 Experience in aviculture or animal husbandry

28 Previous specialist experience with a named target species

29 Experience of obtaining access to private land and liaising with landowners, their agents and employees

30 Experience of working in remote upland areas

31 Experience of using MapInfo or other GIS

32 Experience of supervising field assistants

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

34 Willing to travel widely perhaps including overnight stays

35 Willing to work anywhere within UK with reasonable notice

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How to apply

Competition for posts is keen and we expect many applicants to meet the essential requirements so it will be evidence of your additional skills, experience and knowledge that will differentiate you as a candidate. You only need to tell us about them once in your application to be considered and we suggest that to get the

most from this you

➢ Are clear about your preferences

➢ List each relevant requirement

➢ Address the requirement with a short but clear explanation of how you meet it

Make sure that you tell us all about any ornithological, research, survey and general ecological experience you have whether it was in a previous job, as a volunteer or as a student. Don’t forget to mention any special skills you may have and note that some projects may require familiarity with other taxa and habitat surveying e.g. ability to identify woodland birds by their songs; identifying beetles or plants; surveying bats or vegetation communities and in particular if you have a ringing permit (and if so, the details of this). Remember - most posts will 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 resilient, willing and

able 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.

Please send your completed the application form by midnight on 12 January 2020 to [email protected]. Alternatively, applications can be posted to Tracy Winn, Conservation Science Dept., RSPB, The Lodge,

Sandy, Beds, SG19 2DL.

Due to the volume of applications received for our seasonal posts we are not currently able to keep you fully

informed of the progress of your applications. 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.

Good luck and thank you for your interest in working for the RSPB.

mailto:[email protected]

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Appendix A - Project Godwit Note to candidates

Project Godwit is a partnership between RSPB and WWT with major funding from the EU LIFE Nature Programme, the HSBC 150th Anniversary fund, Natural England and the Heritage Lottery Fund. The project aims to secure the future of black-tailed godwits in the Fens.

Project Godwit is receiving funding through the Back from the Brink programme. Back from the Brink is one of the most ambitious conservation projects ever undertaken. Through 19 projects delivered across England, 20 UK species facing extinction will be brought Back from the Brink thanks to a £4.6 million grant from the National Lottery. Natural England, the government’s wildlife advisory body, will work in partnership with Amphibian and Reptile Trust, Bat Conservation Trust, Buglife, Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Butterfly Conservation, Plantlife and the RSPB

About Back from the Brink

Saving species is in our gift, but only if we work together Back from the Brink is a new £6.6million HLF-funded programme delivered by a partnership of England's leading nature conservation organisations.

This four year HLF funded programme is a necessary shift in gear for species conservation in England and we are building a team of enthusiastic and experienced individuals across the partnership to undertake conservation work and inspire the nation to discover, value and act for threatened species

Securing the long term conservation of our threatened species is not a task that is in the gift of any one project officer, organisation or indeed sector. Back from the Brink in achieving fantastic conservation for over 100 species, will inspire a nation to discover, value and act for threatened species. But the partnership behind it has recognised that to address species decline we need to be far more collaborative in our approach to thinking and doing conservation work than our business as usual approach provides. To achieve this partners on Back from the Brink will embark on a process of cultural change.

What will this change look like?

• As well as programme partners, your project will engage with a wide range of delivery partners – often other conservation organisations with particular expertise – with whom collaborative approaches to working will be crucial.

• All projects will work with communities, landowners and volunteers to help develop their commitment to looking after threatened species in the long term.

• Staff at several levels within each organisation will pursue personal development plans that improve collaborative ways of working

• Programme evaluation will identify and promote to the whole sector the successes secured by more collaborative ways of working, and how challenges were resolved.

Interested in taking up this challenge? Taking up a post on the Back from the Brink programme will mean you will be working for one of England’s foremost nature conservation organisations. But more than this, you can expect to work closely with programme colleagues across many different organisations, sharing knowledge, networks, expertise and working to make the most of each other’s’ strengths. www.naturebackfromthebrink.org

http://www.naturebackfromthebrink.org/

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