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- Tasks: Monitor and protect Stone-curlew pairs in the Wessex area, ensuring their breeding success.
- Company: Join the RSPB, a leading conservation charity dedicated to protecting wildlife.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, work outdoors, and contribute to vital conservation efforts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference for a recovering species while enjoying the beauty of nature.
- Qualifications: Field skills, experience with optics, and strong communication abilities are essential.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for personal growth and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Stone-curlews have undergone significant decline across the UK over the last century, leaving only two strongholds, the Brecks in East Anglia and Wessex. Thirty years of conservation efforts have seen the population recover. The RSPB works closely with landowners and farmers, including the MoD, to provide suitable habitat for breeding pairs. The population in Wessex is now approaching 150 pairs; however, continued recovery of this species relies on monitoring and protection.
The postholder will be part of a small team working on the Wessex Stone-curlew Project and will be responsible for delivery of Stone-curlew monitoring and protection, mostly in the key area of Salisbury Plain and surrounding farmland, but possibly in the wider Wessex area as well. Excellent field skills are required for this tricky and inconspicuous bird, including experience with optics and the ability to spot minute details from a distance.
The work includes:
- Locating Stone-curlew pairs
- Monitoring breeding attempts, finding nests
- Liaising with farmers, contractors, and landowners
- Carrying out intervention measures on vulnerable sites
- Data gathering and data recording, with the need to record measurements quickly and accurately
The field officer will also be required to maintain electronic records. Although the postholder will often be conducting field work alone using their own initiative, they may also work alongside volunteers. The field officer will need to be comfortable driving a 4x4 vehicle off road and spending multiple hours per day in a vehicle. Stone-curlew pairs are spread across a wide geographical area, and a significant proportion of the monitoring is done from inside a vehicle using a window mounted spotting scope.
It is essential that the postholder is adept at managing time to balance a busy fieldwork schedule, responding to farmers, colleagues, and partners in a timely manner, and ensuring delivery of project management tasks such as data entry to deadlines. For both the fieldwork and desk-based elements of this role, an ability to communicate confidently with farmers and landowners is essential. Lone working, often in remote locations, is commonplace in this role. Some evening and weekend work will be required.
Stone-Curlew Field Officer in Salisbury employer: The Rspb
Contact Detail:
The Rspb Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Stone-Curlew Field Officer in Salisbury
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the local area where you'll be working. Familiarise yourself with the habitats and the people involved in conservation efforts. This will help you build relationships and show your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your field skills! Spend time honing your ability to spot Stone-curlews and other wildlife. The more confident you are in the field, the better you'll perform during interviews and practical assessments.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with others in the conservation community. Attend local events or join online forums to connect with professionals and volunteers. These connections can lead to valuable insights and potential job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
When you're ready to apply, make sure to do it through our website. We want to see your passion for conservation and your unique skills, so don’t hold back in showcasing what you can bring to the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Stone-Curlew Field Officer in Salisbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Conservation: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for wildlife conservation, especially for species like the Stone-curlew. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to protecting our natural environment.
Highlight Your Field Skills: Make sure to emphasise your field skills in your application. Mention any experience you have with optics, spotting wildlife, or working in remote locations. We want to know how you can contribute to monitoring and protecting these elusive birds!
Communicate Clearly and Confidently: Since you'll be liaising with farmers and landowners, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to show us that you can effectively engage with various stakeholders.
Tailor Your Application to Us: Take the time to tailor your application specifically for the Stone-Curlew Field Officer role. Refer to the job description and align your skills and experiences with what we’re looking for. And remember, applying through our website is the best way to get your application in front of us!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Rspb
✨Know Your Stone-Curlews
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge about Stone-curlews and their habitats. Understand their behaviour, breeding patterns, and the conservation efforts in place. This will show your passion for the role and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Show Off Your Field Skills
Be prepared to discuss your fieldwork experience, especially with optics and spotting techniques. If you have examples of how you've successfully monitored wildlife or worked in similar environments, share those stories to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Communication is Key
Since liaising with farmers and landowners is a big part of the job, think of examples where you've effectively communicated in challenging situations. Highlight your ability to build relationships and work collaboratively, even when working alone.
✨Time Management Matters
This role requires balancing fieldwork and data management. Be ready to talk about how you prioritise tasks and manage your time effectively. Share any tools or methods you use to stay organised, especially when deadlines are tight.
