INRS Farm Support Specialist

Introduction

This is an opportunity to join RSPB Cymru supporting delivery of the Caletwr Catchment Integrated Natural Resources Scheme (INRS), funded by the Welsh Government, in Conwy, North Wales. Working with a cluster of farmers and advisory and delivery partners, you will help demonstrate how farming and food production can be more sustainable while delivering clear benefits for nature and natural resources.

The project supports key RSPB Cymru priorities, including Curlew conservation, peatland restoration, water quality and placing trees in the right locations. It also helps develop and test joined-up advice and practical support for farmers delivering the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS). See project outline for more information.

About the role

We are seeking a motivated Farm Support Specialist to provide conservation advice and guidance as part of a small team supporting farmers to become more sustainable, resilient and nature positive.

Reporting to the INRS Project Manager, you will deliver practical, evidence-based advice and ongoing support to farms within the project. This includes helping farmers understand SFS options, supporting planning and delivery of agreed land management actions, and contributing directly to practical work where appropriate.

The role combines advisory support, habitat management and monitoring, working closely with farmers, advisers and contractors to ensure actions are joined-up, well planned and effective.

Key responsibilities

You will:

• Improve farmers’ understanding of habitats and species, with a focus on Curlew and wider farmland biodiversity.
• Work with advisers and partners to deliver joined-up advice and training balancing food production, animal welfare, nature recovery and sustainable resource management.
• Support farmers to plan and implement land management actions, including SFS options, and assist with or deliver practical habitat work where appropriate.
• Carry out or support survey and monitoring work, contributing data and updates to inform adaptive delivery across RSPB Cymru.
• Help plan and deliver farm demonstrations, visits and training events, promoting sustainable land management and peer learning across the Important Curlew Area.

Wider contribution

You will also:

• Build strong working relationships with farmers, land managers and partners, clearly communicating RSPB policies and objectives.
• Support project communications, contributing to briefings, short reports and updates for colleagues, partners and advisory bodies.
• Assist with coordinating contractors, supporting good practice, quality delivery and effective use of resources.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience

• A-level or degree-level qualification in a relevant subject, or equivalent experience.
• Understanding of farming and land management and their relationship with conservation objectives.
• Knowledge of local wildlife, habitats and conservation delivery in farmland landscapes.
• Ability to work independently and in a team, using judgement to solve problems.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise and adapt workloads.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience

• Experience in a similar advisory, land management or conservation role.
• Experience in a range of land management tasks related to farming and/or nature conservation e.g. building and maintaining fences, hedges, gates and tree planting.
• Ability to use GIS or similar specialist tools.
• Welsh language skills (spoken and/or written).

This is a fixed-Term role for up to 30 months for 37.5 hours per week. We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 11th June. 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. 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.