At a Glance
- Tasks: Monitor breeding wader populations and conduct surveys in stunning Northern Irish landscapes.
- Company: Join a passionate charity dedicated to wildlife conservation and habitat restoration.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, life assurance, and 26 days' annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in reversing the decline of iconic bird species while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Experience in bird monitoring and a love for wildlife are essential.
- Other info: Fixed-term roles with potential for extension; inclusive employer seeking diverse applicants.
Location: RSPB Northern Ireland - Lough Erne, Lough Beg or Antrim Hills
Contract: 5x Fixed-Term, 6 months Contracts
Hours: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £27,123.00 - £28,956.00 Per Annum, Pro Rata
Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave (pro rata)
Our client is looking for enthusiastic individuals with experience in monitoring breeding birds to fill seasonal posts monitoring breeding wader populations in Lough Erne (2 posts), Lough Beg (1 post) and the Antrim Hills (2 posts). Funded through the PEACEPLUS Nature Programme, these areas are three of the last remaining strongholds for Northern Irish curlews and other breeding waders.
Breeding wader species in the UK have seen major population declines due to large-scale landscape changes which have resulted in habitat loss and increased generalist predator numbers. Northern Ireland's curlews have declined by 82% since the 1980s, with only an estimated 250 pairs left we are in a race against time to stabilise and reverse this population decline. Following the awarding of funding through the EU's PEACEPLUS Nature programme, this charity aims to deliver landscape-scale conservation at Lough Erne, Lough Beg and the Antrim Hills. This is a fantastic opportunity to play your part in delivering this organisation's conservation work within landscapes rich in wildlife and important for people.
Key activities for all three locations will include:
- Conducting breeding wader surveys following either the modified O'Brien & Smith (Lough Erne and Lough Beg) or Brown and Shepherd (Antrim Hills) methodologies.
- Conducting habitat mapping and assessments.
- Conducting predator scat surveys.
- Data entry and upkeep.
- Developing and maintaining relationships with private land-owners and other stakeholders.
What the employer needs from you
Essential Skills, Knowledge and Experience:
- Working knowledge of the wildlife and habitats of the areas and experience in bird surveys and monitoring.
- Ability to identify a wide range of breeding birds by sight and sound, specifically waders.
- Ability to undertake demanding fieldwork in remote areas for long hours and in poor weather.
- Ability to navigate using a map, compass and GPS.
- Strong data management skills, ensuring accurate and legible record-keeping and data entry.
- A full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK and access to a vehicle for the duration of the contract.
Desirable Skills, Knowledge and Experience:
- Experience of undertaking breeding wader surveys.
- Practical experience of quantitative habitat surveys.
- Experience of managing volunteers.
- Knowledge of conservation delivery mechanisms such as agri-environment schemes.
Additional Information:
These roles are Fixed-Term Full-Time posts, working 37.5 hours per week for a period of 6 months. This employer reserves the right to extend or make these positions permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.
Closing date: 23:59, Sunday 15th February 2026
This employer is looking to conduct interviews for these positions from Monday 23rd February 2026, with a potential start date of Monday 16th March 2026.
Interested? To find out more information, please click the apply button. You will be taken to a simple CHM Recruit form and then redirected to complete your application for this position.
This employer is committed to developing an inclusive and diverse charity, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve their 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, they are particularly interested in receiving your application.
These roles are not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicants will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.
This employer is an equal opportunities employer. These roles are covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence of how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above. You will be able to contact to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.
No agencies please.
Breeding Wader Monitoring Officers x5 in Londonderry employer: CHM Recruit
Contact Detail:
CHM Recruit Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Breeding Wader Monitoring Officers x5 in Londonderry
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research their projects, values, and recent news. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn, join relevant groups, and attend events. Building relationships can give you insider info and even a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to bird monitoring and conservation. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the team directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Breeding Wader Monitoring Officers x5 in Londonderry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Conservation: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for wildlife and conservation shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about the breeding wader populations and the habitats they rely on.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have with bird surveys and monitoring. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills in identifying waders and conducting fieldwork.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your qualifications are easy to understand. Remember, we want to know how you meet the essential skills listed!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets to us. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised and makes the process smoother for you.
How to prepare for a job interview at CHM Recruit
✨Know Your Waders
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of breeding wader species, especially the curlew. Be prepared to discuss their habitats, behaviours, and the challenges they face. This shows your passion for conservation and that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Fieldwork Readiness
Since the role involves demanding fieldwork, be ready to talk about your experience in similar conditions. Share specific examples of how you've navigated remote areas or worked in poor weather. This will demonstrate your resilience and commitment to the job.
✨Data Management Skills
Highlight your data management skills during the interview. Discuss any relevant software or methods you've used for data entry and record-keeping. Being able to show that you can maintain accurate records is crucial for this role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Talk about your experience in building relationships with landowners or other stakeholders. If you have examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in conservation efforts, share those stories. It’s all about showing you can work well with a team and the community!
