Special Methods Support Officer

The Ringing and Nest Recording Team are seeking to recruit an individual with an interest in
birds to support the processes involved in licensing of ringing activities, with a primary
focus on reviewing and approving requests to fit unconventional marks and tracking devices
(collectively termed ‘Special Methods’) to birds.

We appreciate that relatively few people have direct experience of Special Methods, but
suitable applicants must be able to demonstrate the aptitude and enthusiasm to expand their
knowledge and skillset in this area. The successful candidate will be trained and supported to
independently undertake the operational work associated with Special Methods applications and
approvals, in liaison with the Special Methods Technical Panel. They will assist other members
of the Licensing Team to develop existing Special Methods protocols.

A secondary element of the role will involve working with other team members to process
applications and renewals for Ringing and Schedule 1 permits. An overview of the current
ringing and nest recording licensing processes can be found here.

The successful applicant will work within the ADS Team, which comprises 12 staff working to
support the Ringing and Nest Recording Schemes.

This will be a full-time, fixed term contract for two years. This position is based at our HQ
in Thetford, Norfolk although you will be able to work from home part of the time on a hybrid
working regime and flexible start and finish times can also be accommodated to ensure a good
work-life balance.

You can read the full role description by clicking on the role description under
‘supporting documents’ in the job details on our careers page. Please contact us if
you are not sure if you meet all the criteria for the role and would like to discuss the role
in more detail.

WHAT DOES BTO DO?

BTO helps to secure the future for birds and nature, using our science, monitoring and data to
inform good environmental decisions, inspiring others with the wonder of birds and empowering
them to work with us. Our priority is to make a positive impact for birds, using our strong and
objective science in partnership with others. We strive to work sustainably and to welcome
everyone.

Our values

We are evidence-led, inclusive, collaborative and empowering.

Birds Science People; it is a powerful combination – will you be part of it?

WHAT WE OFFER

• £28,320 per annum
• Annual leave entitlement on starting is 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata if part time).
• Paid ‘journey days’ (up to 2 days) to staff who travel on holiday by land or sea instead of
  flying.
• Life assurance (four times salary)
• 11% employer pension contribution
• Employee Assistance Programme offering help and advice to staff and their families on matters
  related to bereavement, wellbeing, finances, relationships, family and more. This includes a
  number of free counselling sessions if they are needed.
• Enhanced sick pay
• Enhanced Family leave- Maternity, Adoption, and Shared Parental Leave, 12 weeks at full pay.
  Paternity and Partner leave, 4 weeks at full pay.
• Retail discounts
• Cycle to work scheme- spread the cost of purchasing a new bike and save money
• Discounts on: BTO books, Bird care from Vine House
  Farm (10% discount on orders placed on the website) and Opticron (30% off)
• Free access to BTO
  training courses
• Flexible working- A combination of home and office working and flexible start and finish
  times (where this meets business needs)
• Free eye tests and a contribution of £49 towards prescription glasses for VDU use only.
• Free car parking
• Effective job evaluation policy that recognises where staff increase their level of
  responsibility over time
• Coaching and mentoring scheme
• Staff groups and forums- First Aiders and mental health first aiders, Coaching and mentoring,
  Diversity working, Sustainability and Natural Working, Becoming Inclusive, and our staff group
  creating a positive and welcoming culture to work in.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive environment
• Commitment to sustainability

Closing date for receipt of applications is 23:59 on Sunday 1st
September and Interviews will be held in Thetford on Wednesday 11th
September. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]

If you have a disability or long-term illness that otherwise prevents you from meeting
any of the essential criteria, please contact us to discuss whether a reasonable adjustment
could be made.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled
applicants who meet the essential criteria for the vacancy.

We recognise that candidates from minority ethnic groups are under-represented in our
organisation, and that there are often additional barriers present for people from these groups
when applying for roles in the charity sector and beyond. We are committed to taking positive
action to expand the diversity of our staff team, and if you meet the essential criteria for a
role and are from a minority ethnic background, you’ll be guaranteed a first stage
interview.

Charity No. 216652 (E&W); SC039193 (Scotland)