Ring Ouzel Conservation Monitoring Officer x2

We are looking for Conservation Monitoring Officers to undertake a survey of breeding Ring Ouzel in North Wales. This will be a mobile role visiting several different sites across Gwynedd recording the presence of Ring Ouzels using playback of song at specific points along survey routes. The aim is to produce a robust population estimate for breeding Ring Ouzel in Gwynedd to determine the current trend for the species and inform future conservation management.

What’s the role about?

• Undertaking a survey of Ring Ouzel in potential breeding habitat in targeted 2-km squares, following an agreed programme of data collection and collation.
• Timely and accurate reporting of data and archiving of paper field sheets.
• Maintaining effective relationships with landowners, tenants and the public, to ensure effective survey delivery.
• Maintaining effective relationships with other stakeholders, including Gwynedd Council.
• Report writing.

The survey is part of a project to increase focus on conservation management of Ring Ouzel and their habitats in North Wales through the Gwynedd Local Nature Partnership, funded by Welsh Government, and administered by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Demonstrable experience of bird survey techniques.
• Demonstrable practical field skills of Ring Ouzel in breeding habitat 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.
• Ability to meet the rigours of the role – fieldwork could involve long and unsociable hours and will be physically demanding.
• 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 maps.
• Ability to collect data in the field and report electronically.
• Verbal communication skills to develop and maintain good relations with stakeholders.
• Demonstrable experience of report writing.
• A full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK (a manual vehicle will be provided).

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Knowledge of conservation issues and practice, and conservation science.
• Songbird nest finding and habitat monitoring.

Additional information:

There are two Fixed-Term roles available for 37.5 hours per week: * 1 contract for five months. * 1 contract for four months.

The role may require weekend working if the weather is not suitable to survey during the week, so you must be able to work flexibly.

Surveys are due to commence from mid-April 2026. 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.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from Monday 23rd February 2026. For further information please contact [email protected]

As part of this application you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete a short form with optional cover letter section.

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.