WWT
Location: South-West England
Closing date for applications is: 10th Mar 2025
We are looking for a senior aviculturist to join the Dartmoor Curlew Recovery Project team at Dartmoor National Park to assist in the implementation of a head starting programme for curlew. Dartmoor Curlew Recovery Project is a King Charles III Charitable Fund grant funded project that aims to secure the future of breeding curlew on Dartmoor National Park through habitat management, research, supplementing the population through head starting, and engaging local communities. Head starting refers to bringing wild laid eggs into captivity where they can be hatched and raised in relative safety and later released back into the wild, in order to boost population numbers. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to progress a career in animal management and/or species conservation.
The main function of this post will be to assist in all aspects of the Dartmoor Curlew Recovery project, including egg collecting, incubation, rearing, and releases. You will also supervise and support seasonal members of the team in the Lead Aviculturist's absence.
In the absence of the Lead Aviculturist, you will be responsible for the management of staff, project-based staff, students, volunteers, and a range of contractors who undertake work on field projects or at the Conservation Breeding facility at Slimbridge.
For the first month of the role, the successful candidate will be based at WWT Slimbridge in Gloucestershire to assist with project preparation and egg collections. From late May/early June, you will be based on Dartmoor where the rearing of the Curlew will take place. Accommodation will be provided on Dartmoor but not at Slimbridge.
This is a fixed-term full-time position for 5 months, requiring a flexible working pattern of 5 days out of 7, including weekends, public holidays, and evenings, to meet the requirements of the post.
About You
Our Senior Conservation Breeding Officer will have a proactive approach with a warm, positive, ‘can do’ attitude, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in an ambitious, selfless team.
You will bring:
* A current driving licence to travel to our remote field sites.
* Extensive experience in conservation breeding techniques and management of waterbird aviculture, including successful incubation of birds’ eggs and hand-raising of hatchlings.
* Proven ability to organise, conduct, and lead conservation project field activities alone or with colleagues for extended periods (up to four months), including fieldwork in challenging and isolated conditions.
* Proven experience of managing and developing small teams of staff and volunteers to ensure that all work is performed to a professional standard, prioritising and resolving issues with a focus on animal welfare.
* Experience working in an environment with stringent hygiene and cleanliness requirements, and following strict biosecurity protocols.
* Comprehensive experience in buildings and grounds maintenance, including vegetation management using horticultural machinery.
* Experience liaising with a variety of stakeholders, including suppliers, contractors, and funders, and engaging the general public, e.g., giving talks or guided tours.
* Good computer skills, including competency with Microsoft Office programs, particularly MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
If this sounds like you, then click apply; we would love to hear from you.
About Us
We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.
Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing or conducting groundbreaking research further afield, our team is second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.
Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?
Why you’ll love working at WWT
* Wake up every day knowing your work is helping to restore wetlands and our world.
* Be surrounded and inspired by our team of passionate, dedicated people.
* 33 days annual leave (which goes up to 38 days after 5 years of service) – this includes bank holidays, and you have the flexibility to take those days whenever you want.
* Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family.
* Free car parking and secure bike storage areas.
* Colleague discount on shopping and memberships.
* Cycle to work scheme.
* Contributory pension scheme.
* Life Assurance of three times your salary, for peace of mind for your loved ones.
* Independent personal, workplace, and financial advice from Care first.
WWT is an equal opportunities employer, and all applications will be considered solely on merit.
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