At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct habitat and breeding wader surveys in the stunning Antrim Hills.
- Company: Join the RSPB, a leader in wildlife conservation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, and 26 days of annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in protecting vital breeding habitats for waders.
- Qualifications: Degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience; knowledge of wader ecology is essential.
- Other info: Flexible hours required; work in beautiful but challenging outdoor environments.
The predicted salary is between 27123 - 28956 £ per year.
We are looking for a fieldworker to undertake a range of habitat and breeding wader surveys across a range of farmland habitats in the Antrim Hills, one of the last remaining strongholds for breeding waders in Northern Ireland.
Location: Antrim Hills
Contract: Fixed-term, 4 Months
Hours: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £27,123.00 - £28,956.00 Per Annum
Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave
What's the role about?
- Undertaking habitat surveys to assess the condition and suitability of breeding wader habitat.
- Conducting modified Brown and Shepard breeding wader surveys to identify and record breeding behaviour of key wader species.
- Timely and accurate reporting of data to an online portal and archiving of paper field sheets.
- Maintaining effective relationships with landowners, tenants and the public, to ensure effective project delivery.
This survey work is part of the Antrim Hills Curlew Initiative (AHCI), a Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) funded project to create and maintain suitable breeding wader habitat in the Antrim Hills to safeguard breeding waders.
Essential
- Degree level qualification in a relevant subject or ability to show equivalent work experience.
- Sufficient understanding of species and habitats of the project area.
- A good knowledge of breeding wader ecology.
- An understanding of the Environmental Farming Scheme/Agri Environment Schemes.
- Ability to collect data in the field and record online.
- Ability to work effectively as a team player.
- Proficient at using Microsoft Office packages including Outlook, Excel & Word.
- Full driving licence.
Desirable
- Demonstrable practical field skills of waders in breeding habitat, particularly of Curlew and Lapwing, by sight and sound.
- Competency in use of GIS.
- Understanding of the concept of landscape scale conservation and the pressures on land use in the operational area of this role.
Additional information
This is a Fixed-Term role (4 months) for 37.5 hours per week. This role will involve lone working, working in remote locations, across challenging terrain sometimes in inclement weather. This role will require weekend, early morning and evening working so will need someone who is able to be flexible. 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.
Closing: 23:59, Monday, 9th February 2026
EFS Monitoring Officer - Antrim Plateau employer: RSPB
Contact Detail:
RSPB Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land EFS Monitoring Officer - Antrim Plateau
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company and its projects! Research the Antrim Hills Curlew Initiative and understand how your skills can contribute. This will help you stand out during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn, join relevant groups, and attend local conservation events. Building relationships can give you insider info and even lead to job referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for fieldwork scenarios! Brush up on your practical skills related to breeding waders and habitat surveys. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience confidently can really impress interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role and ready to take the next step in your career with us.
We think you need these skills to ace EFS Monitoring Officer - Antrim Plateau
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Nature: When writing your application, let your love for the environment and wildlife shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for breeding waders and habitat conservation, so share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight this passion.
Be Specific About Your Skills: Make sure to detail your qualifications and skills that relate directly to the role. If you’ve got experience with habitat surveys or knowledge of breeding wader ecology, we want to hear about it! Tailor your application to show how you meet the essential criteria.
Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate a well-structured application. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. Make it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the EFS Monitoring Officer role by sticking to the point and keeping your application tidy.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end!
How to prepare for a job interview at RSPB
✨Know Your Waders
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of breeding wader species, especially Curlew and Lapwing. Be prepared to discuss their behaviours and habitats during the interview. Showing that you understand their ecology will impress the interviewers.
✨Field Skills Matter
If you have practical field experience, be ready to share specific examples. Talk about any surveys you've conducted or data you've collected in similar environments. This will demonstrate your hands-on skills and how they relate to the role.
✨Tech Savvy is Key
Familiarise yourself with Microsoft Office, especially Excel for data reporting. If you have experience with GIS, mention it! Being comfortable with technology will show that you can handle the online reporting aspect of the job.
✨Flexibility is Essential
Since the role requires working in various conditions and times, be prepared to discuss your flexibility. Share examples of how you've adapted to challenging situations in previous roles, whether it's working early mornings or in tough weather.