Powharnal Bird Surveyor

This seasonal opportunity will involve surveying breeding waders, raptors and black grouse at Powharnal which forms part of the Muirkirk Uplands SSSI in East Ayrshire. Powharnal is a recently restored former opencast site which is currently being managed in a conservation friendly manner. Annual bird surveys are being carried out by RSPB, on behalf of the Powharnal Management Committee, to monitor and review the progress of this management 

What’s the role about? 

This role will include the monitoring, recording and reporting for priority species and habitats across the Powharnal Mitigation Area in Muirkirk. This will include conducting breeding wader surveys, black grouse lek surveys and raptor vantage point surveys using standardised methods. Survey work will require the successful candidate to cover large areas of ground on foot, while some surveys will include early morning starts. The majority of survey work will involve lone working (with “buddy system” arrangements in place) but black grouse surveys will involve a co-ordinated effort from regional colleagues.

The successful candidate will manage all relevant data to ensure it is stored and analysed appropriately to allow review of work programmes and future planning. This will also involve the completion of a survey report.

The Powharnal Mitigation Area is owned and managed by external partners to RSPB and the successful candidate will be required to help maintain and develop existing relationships through clear communication with these partners.

This post is managed by the Airds Moss and Powharnal Project Officer who will provide support with data management, land manager/owner contact and survey report production. 

Essential skills, knowledge and experience: 

• Higher level qualification in a relevant subject or ability to show equivalent work experience eg agriculture practices
• Knowledge of bird and wildlife ecology, habitat requirements and identification to enable credibility in the role
• Knowledge of a range of delivery mechanisms for conservation work relevant to the operational area of this role e.g. agri-environment schemes.
• Organisational skills e.g. maintenance and analysis of datasets, and managing conflicting priorities
• Ability to work effectively as a team player both internally and externally
• Effective communication skills (verbal, written and presentational)
• Experience of working to survey, protect and/or manage important (preferably upland) sites, species or habitats
• Experience of working with land managers eg farmers and estates

This is a 4.5 month fixed-term, full-time role for 37.5 hours per week. Ideally commencing in March 2025.

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

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 5th March 2025. 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.

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.