Senior Ecologist – PeacePlus Nature

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Ecologist to join the PeacePlus Nature project. We are looking for a positive and highly organised individual who excels in getting things done through partnership working, and who wants to make a difference.

PeacePlus Nature is an ambitious €20.8 million programme that brings together partners to tackle the decline in priority species and habitats in Northern Ireland, and the border counties of Ireland.

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.

The partnership includes RSPB NI, BirdWatch Ireland, Butterfly Conservation, Monaghan County Council, River Blackwater Catchment Trust, Truagh Development Association, Lough Neagh Partnership, NI Water and An Taisce.

The programme will work to restore blanket bog, lowland wet grassland, limestone grassland and priority species including Curlew, Corncrake, Hen harrier, Small Blue butterfly and Irish Damselfly. This is an incredible opportunity to work in a programme team to increase the populations of some of Ireland’s most iconic wildlife.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Extensive knowledge of ecology and habitat management across a range of habitats
• Specialist knowledge of conservation management of at least one habitat
• Knowledge of natural history, including ecological processes and species from a wide range of taxonomic groups
• Ability to influence others to change their land management practices
• Ability to translate technical ecological knowledge to land management practice
• Experience of project management, including supervising staff and the ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to analyse data and to write clear and concise reports
• Proven experience of giving advice on conservation management in a broad range of contexts
• Experience of carrying out research, survey and monitoring
• Ability to work alone and under own initiative as well as part of a multidisciplinary team including working collaboratively with other partner organisations
• Ability to work flexibly and travel widely throughout Northern Ireland and to border counties of Ireland, a UK driving licence is essential

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Ecological knowledge/experience of one or more of the following species: Corncrake, Chough, breeding waders, Hen Harrier, Merlin
• Experience of using statistical & GIS mapping packages
• Experience of nature reserve management planning
• Experience in dealing with press and media

This role will be based in Northern Ireland and will require some cross border working in sites in the Republic of Ireland. Time spent in the Republic of Ireland will be managed to ensure alignment with cross border working requirements.

There will be a requirement to attend the Belfast office for a few days per month.

This is a Fixed-Term role for 37.5 hours per week until 31st July 2029.

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 19th March 2025. For further information please contact [email protected]

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.