Seasonal Field Officer - Plovers in Peril
Reference: NOV20240236
Expiry date: 23:59, Sun, 26th Jan 2025
Location: Titchwell Marsh
Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave
Are you passionate about empowering communities to take action for nature? Would you revel in the opportunity to be part of a project championing Ringed Plover and securing a future for beach nesting birds in Norfolk?
We are looking for a dynamic and motivated individual with ecological experience and a community centred approach, to fill a six-month seasonal post as Field Officer, assisting our Project Officer in the delivery of Plovers in Peril – an exciting, grant-funded partnership project that aims to reverse the rapid declines of Ringed Plover and Oystercatcher at a key nesting site in North-West Norfolk, through a combination of on-the-ground species protection, community empowerment and collaborative partnership working.
As the Seasonal Field Officer, you will support all aspects of on-the-ground delivery throughout the busy breeding season (March-August) in line with project objectives. You will be based at RSPB Titchwell Marsh but will work predominantly at the project site – a 4km stretch of shingle beach between Snettisham and Heacham on the edge of The Wash.
Key aspects of the role include:
1. Monitoring Ringed Plover and Oystercatcher.
2. Maintenance of seasonal site fencing, signage and other infrastructure as required.
3. Carrying out predator monitoring duties including deploying and maintaining trail cameras on site and undertaking some night shifts to record the impact of key predator species.
4. Day to day engagement with beach users to inform, educate and raise awareness of beach nesting birds and their threats to empower positive behaviour change.
5. Supporting a growing team of dedicated volunteers including assisting with inductions, organising volunteer events and on-site support as needed.
6. Working to build relationships with new and existing partners and collaborators to empower change across communities and grow a bigger voice for beach nesting birds.
7. Assisting with the development and delivery of focused project events to empower local communities.
8. Assisting with project communications including creating content for blogs and social media.
9. Recording and reporting on recreational disturbance at the nesting site.
Essential skills, knowledge, and experience:
1. Proven experience monitoring breeding birds including carrying out nest monitoring.
2. A practical aptitude with some experience installing and maintaining site infrastructure such as fencing and signage.
3. Experience of predator monitoring including the use of trail cameras.
4. Experience supporting and leading volunteer teams.
5. Confident engaging with the public and able to show diplomacy and openness throughout each interaction, including those with opposing viewpoints.
6. Experience working with communities and building strong connections with people.
7. Excellent communication skills both written and verbal and able to engage audiences through a range of platforms (including social media).
8. Understanding of safe working practices when working outdoors and a willingness to work in all weathers.
9. Understanding of good record keeping and the accurate collection and handling of data.
10. Competent IT user including use of Microsoft Office.
11. Proven time management and organisational skills.
12. Confident working independently using own initiative.
13. A full driving licence that is valid in the UK and own transport.
Desirable skills, knowledge, and experience:
1. Experience in nest monitoring for beach nesting bird species.
2. Ecological knowledge of coastal wildlife (coastal shingle communities).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This role will involve lone working and working in remote locations, weekend, early morning and night working.
This is a Fixed-Term (6 Months), Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week.
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 w/c 3rd February 2025. For further information please contact Wynona.Legg@rspb.org.uk.
As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and 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.
The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. 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.
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