Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Ornithology Team to conserve wild birds and conduct fieldwork.
- Company: DAERA, a leader in wildlife conservation based in Belfast.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible working hours, and potential for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in bird conservation while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including Maths, English, and a science subject; 2 years relevant experience.
- Other info: Opportunity for hybrid working and involvement in exciting ecological projects.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Position: Scientific Officer – Ornithology Team
Pay Rate: £17.43 per hour
Hours: Full time, 37 hours
The successful candidate will normally be required to work 5 days each week, totalling 37 hours (excluding lunch break). On occasions the duties may include some evening and weekend working. DAERA operates a flexi working system.
Duration: Until 25/01/2026, with possibility of extension
Start Date: ASAP
Location: These posts are based in Clare House, 303 Airport Road West, Belfast, BT3 9ED. Application of the NICS Hybrid Working Policy may involve a mixture of home and office working by agreement with management.
Job Duties:
- This post relates to Departmental responsibility for ornithology matters relating to wild bird conservation. This may include:
- Preparing responses to planning or casework consultations
- Information requests related to dealing with avian influenza in wild birds
- Undertaking fieldwork (bird counts) on own or as part of a team
- Adding raw data online or to ArcGIS to display data
- Attending meetings representing the Department on ornithology matters
- Responding to other general correspondence related to ornithology
Essential Criteria:
- 5 GCSE’s A*-C including Maths and English and one science subject (must be able to show evidence)
- 2 years continuous experience gained within the last 8 years in a paid, voluntary or academic capacity associated with the conservation or assessment of our natural terrestrial or freshwater heritage (ecosystems, habitats or species), such as in one or a combination of the following:
- Knowledge of NI wildlife legislation
- Experience of species and habitats management/restoration
- Conducting ecological surveys (including mapping, recording and monitoring of scientific data)
- Professional standard report writing and preparation
Desired Experience:
- A good ecological and botanical knowledge base, preferably with some ornithological knowledge relating to Northern Ireland’s avifauna and experience of using ArcGIS to display data.
- Some fieldwork may be required for instance to undertake bird counts so a full driving licence and access to a motor vehicle is desirable.
*The successful applicant will be required to complete an Access NI during registration*
A criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining a position. The UK Recruitment Co. Ltd has policies on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders and the Secure Handling, Use, Storage, and Retention of Disclosure Information, copies of which can be made available upon request.
Scientific Officer (Ornithology) – Belfast (Clare House) employer: The Recruitment Co
Contact Detail:
The Recruitment Co Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientific Officer (Ornithology) – Belfast (Clare House)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the ornithology field, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of NI wildlife legislation and conservation practices. We suggest practising common interview questions and even doing mock interviews with friends to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience with ArcGIS or conducting ecological surveys, make sure to highlight these in conversations. We want to see how you can bring value to the team!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are eager to contribute to wild bird conservation.
We think you need these skills to ace Scientific Officer (Ornithology) – Belfast (Clare House)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Scientific Officer role. Highlight your experience in ornithology and conservation, and don’t forget to mention any relevant skills like report writing or using ArcGIS. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about ornithology and how your background makes you the perfect fit for this position. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, make sure to showcase your relevant experience clearly. Whether it's fieldwork, ecological surveys, or knowledge of wildlife legislation, we want to see how your past roles have prepared you for this job.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Recruitment Co
✨Know Your Ornithology
Brush up on your knowledge of Northern Ireland's avifauna and relevant wildlife legislation. Be prepared to discuss specific bird species and conservation methods during the interview, as this will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Fieldwork Experience
Be ready to share examples of your fieldwork, especially any bird counts or ecological surveys you've conducted. Highlight your experience with data collection and how you’ve used tools like ArcGIS to display findings, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios related to ornithology. Think about past experiences where you had to respond to planning consultations or manage species and habitats, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Communication Skills
Since the role involves attending meetings and representing the department, emphasise your ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams or communicated complex information to non-specialists.
