At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead vital research to save the Willow Tit, Britain's fastest declining bird species.
- Company: Join Durham Wildlife Trust and be part of a national conservation effort.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holidays, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Collaborate with volunteers and contribute to engaging social media content.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in wildlife conservation while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: BTO ringing license at C level or above and passion for ecology.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Location: Rainton Meadows, DH4 6PU
Salary: £30,633
Term: Full time for 3 months.
Closing Date: 28th August, 2026
We are pleased to offer this exciting role at the heart of the national fight to save Britain’s fastest declining resident bird species.
Natural England's Species Recovery Programme has awarded funding to launch the first truly national-scale response to the decline of the Willow Tit in England.
The funding comes at a critical moment for Britain's second fastest-declining bird.
The Willow Tit has declined by 96% since 1975, and emerging evidence suggests the species could disappear from Britain within decades without effective intervention.
This is the first time partners have come together to tackle the species' decline at a genuinely national scale, spanning study areas in Cheshire and Lancashire, the West Midlands, Derbyshire, County Durham and Cornwall.
Durham Wildlife Trust, the northeast England partner in this programme is seeking to appoint a Willow Tit Research Officer for an initial 3-month period through the autumn of 2026.
This is a critical role for the project and as the Willow Tit Research Officer you will undertake key ringing activities of Willow Tit adults and juveniles at three sites in Wearside and Durham.
You will be expected to be able to identify Willow Tit and plan and undertake ringing activity through the deployment of mist netting.
You will be expected to hold a BTO ringing license at C level or above with ability to catch passerines in mist nets.
- Mainresponsibilities
- Ecological Survey, Monitoring & Recording
- Set up initial autumn population monitoring on agreed sites in county Durham and Tyne & Wear
- Undertake the initial autumn population monitoring through mist netting and ringing of Willow Tit adults and juveniles.
- Maintain appropriate records of activity planning, delivery and results to prescribed standards.
- Volunteer development and support
- Work alongside and lead volunteers where appropriate
- Communications
- Contribute towards content for social media/ blogs/ articles and promotion of volunteer opportunities.
Benefits
- Competitive salary.
- Pension: Minimum employee contribution 3% of salary, employer contribution 6% of qualifying salary (Employees can decide to opt out).
- Employee support package – on line GP appointments, access to helplines.
- Holidays: 25 days (for full time) plus Bank and Statutory Holidays.
After two years continuous employment, entitled to one extra paid day of leave per year worked up to a maximum of five extra days per year.
- Years of service in another role at DWT, or any other member organisation of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, will count towards holiday entitlement.
- Hybrid-working arrangements, with a mix of site, office-based and working from home as set out in a rota.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Willow Tit Research Officer employer: DURHAM WILDLIFE TRUST
Durham Wildlife Trust is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers employees to make a tangible impact on local ecosystems. Located in the scenic Rainton Meadows, this role offers unique opportunities for professional growth through community engagement and citizen science initiatives, all while contributing to the vital recovery of nature in the region. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values your input and supports your development in the field of ecology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Willow Tit Research Officer
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at DURHAM WILDLIFE TRUST, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like DURHAM WILDLIFE TRUST. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Willow Tit Research Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at DURHAM WILDLIFE TRUST. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at DURHAM WILDLIFE TRUST. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at DURHAM WILDLIFE TRUST
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at DURHAM WILDLIFE TRUST. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at DURHAM WILDLIFE TRUST to drive research projects forward.
