Curlews are under threat, with predicted extinction in Wales by 2033 without coordinated conservation action. Curlews in Crisis is a EU LIFE funded project which works across the UK implementing conservation measures to halt the decline in breeding curlew. This is your chance to be part of a team delivering urgent actions for one of the highest species recovery priorities in UK nature conservation today. 
In Wales, the project is based in the Ysbyty Ifan and Hiraethog Important Curlew Areas (ICA).

This is a stronghold for curlew in Wales with approximately 60 breeding pairs remaining. Breeding productivity is critically low however and this population is under threat. Curlew declines are due to a combination of factors which effect the ability of the species to breed successfully. These include loss of high-quality habitat, changes in agricultural practice, afforestation and predation.

Through habitat improvements, nest protection measures and working with farmers and local communities, we aim to boost productivity and increase the number of breeding curlew within the project area. 

The Project Officer will be a key member of the Curlew LIFE team in Wales. Responsibilities will include: 

•    organising and undertaking surveys for breeding curlew, monitoring habitat condition and predator abundance. Processing, inputting and analysing data; 
•    implementing nest protection measures, 
•    engaging with landowners and providing support and advice to farmers;
•    planning and organising habitat management works, ensuring all permissions and consents are in place, managing contractors and ensuring works are completed within the specified timeframe and budget;
•    working with local partners and the local community to champion curlew in the Welsh landscape;
•    recruiting, training and managing volunteers;
•    reporting results and progress to the UK team, EU LIFE and other stakeholders. 

The project is based in the RSPB North Wales Moors Priority Landscape. This focal area is not a nature reserve and you will be working with landowners and the local community. The Project Site is a predominantly farmed landscape comprised of upland habitats (blanket bog and dry heath), ffridd, and farmland which includes rough grassland and improved pasture. The Site includes SSSI, SAC and SPA designated habitats. Monitoring of other species including hen harrier and black grouse may sometimes be required. 

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• key project outcomes rely on working with farmers and other landowners. You will be able to develop strong working relationships with farmers, provide advice and support;
• an understanding of upland land management and agricultural-environment schemes and how these relate to curlew and the habitats they use;
• a good understanding of species and habitats of the area including measures required to protect and restore these;
• experience in undertaking surveys for waders;
• organised and able to organise a survey team;
• an understanding of predator control in relation to conservation of protected species and the role lethal and non-lethal methods have within the project;
• you will work as part of a local team in Wales and be part of the wider UK team, team work and communication skills are essential.
• confident to walk and navigate in remote and rugged environments;
• full, manual driving licence that is valid in the UK.

Desirable skills and experience:

• wader nest finding;
• experience of delivering land management advice;
• good knowledge of curlew conservation and the key issues driving their decline;
• an understanding of upland land management and agri-environment schemes and how these relate to curlew and the habitats they use;
• experience of managing and delivering habitat management contracts;
• experience of working with volunteers;
• ability to communicate in Welsh;
• use of ArcGIS or similar mapping tools

This is a Fixed-Term, Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week until December 2024. 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 11th January 2023. For further information please contact lucy.foster@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. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

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