Breeding Wader Monitoring Officer x2 – Lough Erne Lowlands or Lough Beg

RSPB Northern Ireland is looking for two enthusiastic individuals with experience in monitoring breeding birds to fill seasonal posts to monitor breeding wader populations in Lough Erne and Lough Beg, two of the last strongholds for Northern Irish curlews and other breeding waders.

What’s the role about?

Breeding wader species in the UK have seen major population declines due to large-scale landscape changes throughout the 20th century which has resulted in habitat loss and increased generalist predator numbers. Northern Ireland curlews specifically have declined by 82% since the 80’s, with only an estimated 250 pairs left we are in a race against time to stabilise and reverse this population decline.

RSPB NI aims to deliver landscape-scale conservation at Lough Erne and Lough Beg.

At Lough Erne your role will be to collect data on the breeding ecology of curlews. This will include mapping the distribution, abundance and behaviour of breeding curlews and other bird species, habitat surveys, predator scat surveys and data entry. You will also be working alongside the Conservation Officer to help provide more hands-on conservation work such as nest finding and erecting nest protection fences.

At Lough Beg your role will be to conduct breeding wader surveys to identify breeding distribution and success, utilising camera traps and scat surveys to monitor mammalian predators, carrying out avian predator monitoring, and maintaining a record of predation events.

Key activities for both roles will include:

• Conducting breeding wader surveys following modified O’Brien & Smith methodology.
• Conducting habitat mapping and assessments.
• Conducting predator scat surveys.
• Data entry and upkeep.
• Developing and maintaining relationships with private land-owners and other stakeholders.

What we need from you

Essential Skills, Knowledge and Experience:

• You will have working knowledge of the wildlife and habitats of the areas and experience in bird surveys and monitoring.
• Ability to identify a wide range of breeding birds by sight and sound, specifically waders.
• Ability to undertake demanding fieldwork in remote areas for long hours and in poor weather.
• Ability to navigate using a map, compass and GPS.
• Strong data management skills, ensuring accurate and legible record-keeping and data entry.
• Full drivers’ licence valid for use in the UK and access to a vehicle for the duration of the contract

Desirable Skills, Knowledge and Experience:

• Experience of undertaking breeding wader surveys
• Practical experience of quantitative habitat surveys.
• Experience of managing volunteers
• Knowledge of conservation delivery mechanisms such as agri-environment schemes.

This is a fantastic opportunity to play your part in delivering the RSPB’s conservation work within landscapes rich in wildlife and important for people. 

Additional Information

These roles are Fixed-Term Full-Time posts, working 37.5 hours per week for an initial period of 4 months, with potential for extension to 6 months.

The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make these positions permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term. Postholders may be required to work on a Peaceplus project.

We are looking to conduct interviews for these positions from the 18th March 2025, with a potential start date of Tuesday 1st April 2025.

For further information regarding the Lough Erne post please contact Jonathan Pinnick – [email protected] or call 07703 716839.

For further information regarding the Lough Beg post please contact Rachel McConnell – [email protected] or call 07510 586526.

As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence of 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.

These roles are not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship – the successful applicants will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. These roles are covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.