Conservation Advisor (Hen Harrier and Merlin – Antrim Plateau)

Are you passionate about conservation and enjoy working with people to deliver real impact for wildlife? RSPB NI is seeking an enthusiastic and driven Conservation Advisor to support our work on the Antrim Plateau, home to significant populations of Hen Harriers and Merlin. Key aspects of the role will be to deliver ongoing management advice and support to farmers, land managers and the local community about these magnificent birds of prey. This role is funded through the PEACEPLUS Programme. PEACEPLUS is a cross-border funding Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and supported by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland administration.

What’s the role about? 

This is a new role within RSPB NI Area East advisory team. The Conservation Advisor will join a team led by the Conservation Manager, consisting of several Conservation Advisors working on species and habitat protection and restoration projects. The successful candidate will deliver a range of work for Hen Harriers and Merlin, focusing on both land management and hands-on conservation efforts. They will be specifically responsible for providing land management advice to farmers within the Antrim Hills Hen Harrier and Merlin Special Protection Area (SPA), implementing a range of habitat and management interventions and leading on the recruitment and management of contractors and annual monitoring teams. The main aim of the project is to restore nesting and foraging habitat in the Antrim Hills SPA for these species and introduce new management techniques to help improve productivity and our understanding of the factors influencing this.

We are therefore seeking someone with a passion for conservation, with a proven track record of inspiring and motivating landowners and key stakeholders, who can build positive relationships and support community outreach to grow awareness and support for the project. The role is varied and includes a mix of farmer advisory, fieldwork, stakeholder engagement and working with contractors. No two days will be the same.

Key activities of the Conservation Advisor will include:

• Plan and lead habitat management interventions to benefit Hen Harriers and Merlin
• Ensure all Health & Safety protocols are in place and adhered to
• Build and maintain relationships with local landowners, farmers, and community partners
• Assist farmers with and without agri-environmental schemes to manage their land effectively for nesting and foraging Hen Harriers and Merlin
• Organise and implement annual surveys within the Antrim Hills and Sliabh Beagh for Hen Harriers and Merlin via an external tender process
• Locate and work with contractors to implement management interventions. Ensuring all necessary consents are in place for these operations
• Contribute to project communications: deliver talks, write blogs, newsletters, social media content, and work with the RSPB NI Comms team to increase visibility
• Work closely with stakeholders and partners to improve our knowledge of the distribution, abundance and productivity of these species within and close to the SPA
• Identify suitable farms for habitat management for Hen Harriers and Merlin

Essential skills, knowledge and experience: 

• In depth understanding of Hen Harrier and Merlin ecology and habitat requirements and a working knowledge of monitoring techniques for these species
• Ability to work effectively as a team player both internally and in external partnerships
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written and presentational)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Outlook, Word, Excel) and Canva for communication tasks.
• Confident working in remote outdoor conditions for extended periods
• Knowledge of Health and safety procedures involving outdoors working
• Self-motivated, with a flexible approach to work and ability to work on your own initiative
• Experience of finding Hen Harrier and Merlin nests
• Experience in working with contractors including procurement procedures
• Experience in working with statutory agencies to secure permissions and consents for habitat interventions within an SPA setting

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Experience using GIS mapping software.
• Experience of working at or close to Hen Harrier and/or Merlin nests and experience in ringing or tagging these species

Additional Information

• This role is offered subject to funding on a full-time basis. Fixed-Term contract until 31st July 2029
• Location: home based with travel required to carry out key activities of the role.
• Salary: £33,027 – £35,259 (pro-rata, Band 8)
• Flexibility is required, including occasional weekend and evening work
• A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle is necessary due to remote site locations.

Closing date 3/10/2025

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 13/10/25. For further information please contact [email protected]

As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. 

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.

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes.