At a Glance
- Tasks: Monitor and protect beach nesting birds while engaging with the public to raise awareness.
- Company: Join a passionate conservation team dedicated to protecting nature at Spurn National Nature Reserve.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and the chance to make a real difference for wildlife.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital project that secures the future of endangered beach nesting birds.
- Qualifications: Ecological knowledge, communication skills, and experience in managing volunteers are essential.
- Other info: 16-week contract with opportunities to work alongside wildlife organisations and dedicated volunteers.
The predicted salary is between 20500 - 22000 £ per year.
Location: Spurn NNR - Humber Estuary, HU12
Salary: £24,571.00 - £26,231.00 Per Annum, Pro Rata
Terms: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week, 16-week contract (April to August 2026)
Are you passionate about protecting beach nesting birds and empowering others to take action for nature? We are looking for an enthusiastic, practical person with ecological experience and good communication skills to join our Humber conservation team. The successful candidate will support monitoring and protection of important beach nesting bird populations (little tern, ringed plover, and oystercatcher) on the north bank of the Humber in East Yorkshire. Beach nesting birds are a high conservation priority for the RSPB and this role will help towards securing a future for them. This is a partnership project, and you will work closely with colleagues across organisations such as the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Spurn Bird Observatory and Environment Agency.
What’s the role about?
As Seasonal Field Assistant, you will support all aspects of on‑ground survey and monitoring delivery throughout the busy breeding season (April‑August) in line with project objectives. You will be based at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust's Spurn National Nature Reserve. Activities will include:
- Monitoring breeding success of beach nesting Ringed Plovers, Little Terns and Oystercatcher.
- Maintenance of seasonal site fencing (including electric fencing), signage, and other infrastructure as required.
- Carrying out predator monitoring duties including deploying and maintaining trail cameras on site.
- Day to day engagement with beach users to inform, educate and raise awareness of beach nesting birds and their threats to empower positive behavioural change.
- Supporting a growing team of dedicated volunteers including assisting with inductions and on‑site support as needed.
- Maintaining and building relationships with existing partners and stakeholders.
Essential:
- Higher level qualification in a relevant subject or ability to show equivalent work experience e.g. agriculture practices.
- Knowledge of bird and wildlife ecology, habitat requirements and identification to enable credibility in the role.
- Knowledge of a range of delivery mechanisms for conservation work relevant to the operational area of this role e.g. agri‑environment schemes.
- Maintenance and analysis of datasets.
- Managing conflicting priorities.
- Ability to work effectively as a team player both internally and externally.
- Effective communication skills (verbal, written and presentational) - including an ability to speak confidently and cogently in public to a variety of audiences.
- Experience of managing volunteers.
Closing: Sunday 22nd February
Humber Beach Nesting Birds Field Officer employer: RSPB
Contact Detail:
RSPB Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Humber Beach Nesting Birds Field Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research the RSPB and its partners like Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. Understanding their mission and values will help you connect your passion for beach nesting birds with their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network, network, network! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about the role or the team culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Since this role involves fieldwork, be ready to discuss your ecological experience and how you’ve handled similar tasks in the past. Bring examples of your work with wildlife or conservation projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and making a difference for those beach nesting birds!
We think you need these skills to ace Humber Beach Nesting Birds Field Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for beach nesting birds shine through in your application. We want to see how much you care about nature and conservation, so share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your commitment.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your ecological experience and communication skills, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that relate to the job description to show you’re the perfect fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the one for this role. Be personal, be engaging, and don’t forget to mention how you can contribute to our conservation efforts at Spurn NNR.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re following the correct process. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at RSPB
✨Know Your Birds
Brush up on your knowledge of beach nesting birds, especially the little tern, ringed plover, and oystercatcher. Be ready to discuss their habitats, behaviours, and conservation needs. This will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since effective communication is key for this role, prepare examples of how you've engaged with the public or educated others about wildlife. Think of specific instances where you raised awareness or changed behaviours regarding conservation.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This position involves working closely with various partners and volunteers. Share experiences that highlight your ability to collaborate and support a team. Mention any leadership roles you've taken on, especially in volunteer management.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect questions about how you'd handle real-life situations, like monitoring breeding success or dealing with beach users. Think through potential challenges and how you would address them, showcasing your problem-solving skills and practical experience.