Background and role: Swift numbers have more than halved in the UK in the last 30 years, placing them on the red list of birds of conservation concern. Swifts nest primarily within the structure of buildings by accessing safe spaces through holes and gaps in the exterior of the building. These holes and gaps result from decay, repeated temperature variations and/or humidity and general deterioration and when buildings are repaired or renovated these gaps are often blocked. This is the main driver of the fall in Swift numbers as such works prevent access to their nests. Identifying the location of Swift colonies allows us to work with property owners to protect these colonies as well as provide supplementary nest boxes in these areas. We have a poor understanding of Swift populations in over 85% of the settlements in the Derbyshire Dales and this represents a huge logistical challenge if we are to conserve this species. The importance of this has been recognised by The National Lottery Heritage Fund which is funding the Derbyshire Dales Swift Project. The Project Co-ordinator is one of 3 freelance posts to be created with this funding and will combine professional bird surveying and mapping expertise and an understanding of Swift ecology with the ability to recruit, train, establish and co-ordinate a district-wide network of volunteer survey groups across the Derbyshire Dales. Supported by trustees, an Administrator and, later in 2025, a Community Engagement Coordinator, the successful candidate will: a) establish a programme of Swift surveying and nest site mapping over 6 to 8 settlements per season by creating a network of self-managed volunteer survey teams across the region. b) identify the location of key populations of Swifts, ascertain the risk of site loss and manage the optimal location, design and implementation of mitigation and conservation schemes together with a schedule of activities. c) participate in the promotion and dissemination of knowledge of Swift populations in the Derbyshire Dales by means of Swift walks, talks, attending public events and ensuring the DSC trustees, website and social media channels are kept up to date. d) assist in developing a network of citizen science projects intended to monitor the long-term success of the mitigation schemes. This is an opportunity to make a significant contribution towards increasing our understanding of the status of Swifts in this region as well as establishing a blueprint for Swift conservation in general.