Breeding Wader Surveyor x6

We are looking for fieldworkers to undertake a survey of breeding wader species at sites across Wales (primarily in North Wales, Powys and Gwent). The role will be mobile, visiting a wide range of upland and lowland habitats, identifying and recording those with breeding waders present. Breeding species likely to be encountered are Curlew, Lapwing and Snipe, but Dunlin, Golden Plover, and Redshank are also possible.

What’s the role about?

• Undertaking a survey of the presence of waders in potential breeding habitat in targeted 1-km squares, following an agreed programme of data collection and collation.
• Timely and accurate reporting of data to an online portal and archiving of paper field sheets.
• Maintaining effective relationships with landowners, tenants and the public, to ensure effective project delivery.
• Maintaining effective relationships with others involved in the survey, including BTO Cymru and Natural Resources Wales, and Curlew recovery project staff in relevant areas.

The survey is part of a Natural Resources Wales (NRW) project working with Welsh Government to ensure resilient woodlands can be created in Welsh landscapes while safeguarding breeding waders. NRW specifically requires a Wales survey of breeding Curlew, organised by BTO Cymru; other species of breeding wader will also be recorded.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Demonstrable experience of bird survey techniques.
• Demonstrable practical field skills of waders in breeding habitat, particularly of Curlew and Lapwing, by sight and sound.
• Knowledge of, and adherence to, legal and practical requirements for ensuring own health and safety, sometimes in challenging field conditions, including lone working and driving in remote, rural landscapes.
• Knowledge of licensing and regulations surrounding field work, for instance on protected species in protected habitats.
• Ability to use own initiative to solve day-to-day problems in the field.
• Ability to be self-motivated and work efficiently within a defined work plan.
• Ability to read and understand Ordnance Survey map.
• Ability to collect data in the field and report through an online portal.
• Verbal communication skills to develop and maintain good relations with landowners and members of the public.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Knowledge of conservation issues and practice, and conservation science.

Additional Information:

There are six full-time positions available: * Five contracts of five weeks * One contract of three weeks

The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make these roles permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

A manual vehicle will be provided so you will need a full, manual driving licence that is valid in the UK

Weekly contracted hours are 37.5 hours per week. The role will require early morning (in the field from 7.30am) and/or late afternoon (until 7pm) fieldwork and may require weekend working if the weather is not suitable to survey during the week, so you must be able to work flexibly. The role involves overnight stays away from home for much of the duration of the project. There will be up to two days of induction and training prior to the start of the contract, which will include time to collect the vehicle provided etc.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from Monday 02/02/2026. For further information please contact [email protected].

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and 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.

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. 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.