Are you passionate about inspiring change within communities to take action for declining species? Would you revel in the opportunity to be part of a five-year project aiming to put beach nesting birds in the spotlight?

We are looking for a dynamic and motivated individual with ecological experience to fill a six-month seasonal post as Field Officer, to assist our Project Officer in the delivery of the next phase of Plovers in Peril – an exciting, five-year grant-funded project that aims to reverse the declines of beach nesting birds in North West Norfolk, through a combination of on-the-ground species protection, collaborative partnership working and community empowerment.

As the Seasonal Field Officer, you will be assisting with all aspects of project delivery through the breeding season (April-August). You will be based at RSPB Titchwell Marsh but will work predominantly at the project site – a stretch of shingle beach joining Snettisham and South Heacham.

Plovers in Peril was launched in 2021, in partnership with Wild Ken Hill to establish vital monitoring and species protection measures for beach nesting birds on a previously unmonitored stretch of coast. With vital funding from the Borough Council, we are excited to embark on the next phase of the project where we look to grow our volunteer team, empower local communities, develop innovative opportunities for collaborative working and generate a bigger voice for beach nesting birds in North West Norfolk. Your work will help more than just ringed plover – you will be working on a project that seeks to cultivate positive change for all the special wildlife inhabiting this important shingle habitat, our vision is to create a place where wildlife and people thrive. Will you join us?

You will be responsible for:

1. The installation and maintenance of seasonal site fencing and signage.
2. Carrying out predator monitoring duties including checking and maintaining camera traps on site and undertaking some night shifts as required.
3. Day to day engagement with beach users to inform, educate and raise awareness of beach nesting birds to empower positive changes in visitor behaviour.
4. Reporting issues quickly and effectively communicating key information to the Project Officer to ensure that actions are delivered to agreed standard.
5. Ensuring that risks and issues are highlighted to the Project Officer as appropriate.

You will also be assisting the project officer with other aspects of project delivery which will include:

1. Monitoring ringed plover and oystercatcher nests and productivity.
2. Monitoring recreational beach use by undertaking visitor counts and visitor attitude surveys.
3. The recruitment, management and development of a growing team of dedicated volunteers.
4. Developing and delivering community focused events and collaborative projects to empower local communities – promoting positive action for beach nesting birds.
5. Developing and delivering appropriate communication activities such as social media content.
6. Working to build relationships with partners and collaborators to empower change across communities and grow a bigger voice for beach nesting birds.
7. Recording and reporting appropriately any incidences of nest disturbance or wildlife crime.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Practical skills relating to fence and sign installation and maintenance.
• Proven experience monitoring breeding birds including carrying out nest monitoring.
• Experience in predator monitoring.
• A willingness to undertake nightshifts as needed.
• Previous experience of people engagement and community liaison.
• Proven experience dealing with conflict - ability to respond to arising issues calmly and tactfully.
• Experience working alongside and leading a team of dedicated volunteers.
• Experience using social media platforms appropriately and effectively to communicate sensitive topics to a wide-ranging audience.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Understanding of safe working practices when working outdoors and a willingness to work in all weathers.
• Understanding of good record keeping and the accurate collection and handling of data.
• Competent in use of IT, Microsoft office, Excel.
• Proven time management and organisational skills.
• Confident working alone using own initiative.
• A full, manual driving licence that is valid in the UK.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Experience in predator monitoring in relation to ground nesting birds.
• Ecological knowledge of coastal wildlife (ideally vegetated shingle communities).

This is a Contract, Full Time role for 6 months from March 2022 to August 2022. 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.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 13th December 2021. For further information please contact Wynona.Legg@rspb.org.uk.

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.