Monitoring Officer

About The Role

Are you experienced ornithological fieldworker with a passion for breeding waders?

WWT Welney are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic individual with excellent fieldwork skills to join the team.

You will primarily be responsible for the collection of monitoring data for Black-tailed godwits at WWT Welney.

Black-tailed godwits are a red-listed species with fewer than 40 breeding pairs, of which 95% are found within the Fens. WWT have worked in collaboration with RSPB and NE since 2016 to prevent the species from becoming extinct. This has included pioneering the worlds first black-tailed godwit headstarting and translocation programme, which has boosted the fenland population. Continued monitoring of the population at WWT Welney directly contributes to the National Single Species Action Plan for the UK breeding population of Black-tailed godwits, ensuring we can continue to ‘maintain and improve existing key breeding sites’ and ‘increase understanding of factors influencing predation pressure and breeding success.’

As part of this role you will be responsible for implementing a programme of data gathering for Black-tailed godwits at WWT Welney, mostly unaccompanied with minimal supervision. This is will include:

• conducting standardised monitoring
• colour-ring reading of returning birds
• locating and monitoring Black-tailed godwit nests
• Overseeing the setup, deployment and maintenance of data loggers and nest cameras
• Assisting with catching and ringing of chicks, under supervision/license
• Monitoring the distribution and abundance of known predators of Black-tailed godwits
• Habitat mapping
• Production of end of season report

This is a full-time position, working 37.5 hours per week, for a fixed period of six months until 30th September. During the fieldwork season, this position will require working on some weekends and bank holidays and working outside of normal hours. Considerable flexibility will be required during the fieldwork season. All overtime will be reimbursed through TOIL (time off in lieu).

About You

The successful candidate will have

• Experience of ornithological fieldwork, preferably with breeding waders, such as nest finding, set up & maintained of nest cameras & data loggers
• Experience of reading colour-rings, especially on waders through the use of optics (binoculars and telescopes)
• Bird ringing license with wader chick ringing endorsement would be desirable.
• Experience of data collection and storage, in both a field and office setting
• Experience of independently planning and managing a day-to-day work programme efficiently and effectively
• Able to conduct fieldwork independently, managing own time efficiently whilst following health & safety regulations
• Ability to bring a creative approach to problem solving, finding practical solutions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with a wide range of audiences and maintain effective relationships with colleagues and partners.

A full, current UK driving license is essential as travel around the site and between nearby sites, will be a requirement of the post, as is a willingness to independently use 4WD vehicles on off-road terrain(training provided if necessary).

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you’ll love working at WWT

• Wake up every day knowing your work is helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by our team of passionate, dedicated people
• 33 days annual leave (which goes up to 38 days after 5 years of service) – this includes bank holidays and you have flexibility to take those days whenever you want
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Free car parking and secure bike storage areas
• Colleague discount on shopping and memberships
• Cycle to work scheme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life Assurance of three times your salary, for peace of mind for your loved ones
• Independent personal, workplace and financial advice from our Employee Assistance Programme

WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered solely on merit.