Turtle Dove numbers in the UK have plummeted since their peak in the late 1960s. As part of Operation Turtle Dove, the RSPB and its partners work with farmers, land managers, communities and other groups to help them create suitable habitat for Turtle Doves. We want to do more to help communities to save their local Turtle Dove and other farmland bird populations through providing advice and support from a Community Projects Officer in some of the key Turtle Dove hotpots in and around the Brecks. Could this be you? Are you inspired by the challenge of restoring populations of farmland bird populations? If so, we’d love to hear from you We are looking for a new Community Projects Officer to work with community groups and non-farmer land managers to deliver outreach, initial advice, practical support and training aimed at Turtle Doves and other farmland birds. The post holder will work closely with our local RSPB team and Operation Turtle Dove staff and volunteers. They will identify opportunities and work with communities to improve nesting and foraging habitats and provide water sources for Turtle Doves and other wildlife. This will be delivered by carrying out outreach activities, linking communities and land managers with sources of advice and practical support, and assisting with training and the recruitment of volunteers. The role will also involve liaising with Operation Turtle Dove and local partners including Natural England, Pensthorpe Conservation Trust, Fair To Nature and Norfolk and Suffolk Wildlife Trusts. The Community Projects Officer will play a key role in supporting communities and land managers to improve habitats for Turtle Doves and other farmland birds, including through:Outreach to community groups and non-farmer land managers leading to follow up advice where required.Linking community groups and non-farmer land managers to sources of practical and volunteer support.Recruiting volunteers and organising training to carry out practical work and species monitoring.Organising and delivering talks and other community engagement events and developing communication materials.Building on existing links with partner organisations. If this sounds like the role for you, please explain how you meet the below criteria in your application: Essential skills, knowledge and experience: Some experience of work with communities and/or in nature conservation or land management. Understanding of land use and management (including farming) in Suffolk and the Brecks. Knowledge of the wildlife and habitats of Suffolk & Breckland. Knowledge of a range of delivery mechanisms for conservation work relevant to work with communities in Suffolk and the Brecks. Ability to work effectively as a team player both internally and in external partnerships. Competent user of core MS Office programmes. Good communication skills (verbal, written and presentational). You will need to hold a full, manual driving licence that is valid in the UK and be happy to regularly drive long distances. Desirable skills, knowledge and experience: Competency in GIS. Degree level qualification in a relevant subject. Experience of productive partnership working. Experience of working to survey, protect and/or manage important sites, species or habitats. Experience of managing volunteers and setting clear work priorities. Specialist conservation knowledge in relevant areas, such as farmland conservation. Additional Information: This is a fixed-term role for 18 months, part-time for 18.75 hours per week. This role is intended to be hybrid, based at home and our Brecks Office in Thetford. 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 week commencing 17 February 2025. For further information please contact jacqui.millerrspb.org.uk. 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/exempt from 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.