Beach Nesting Bird Project Officer, Cumbria

Do you want the opportunity to make a real impact for Beach Nesting Birds across the West Cumbrian coast? We are now recruiting for a Beach Nesting Bird Project Officer to help us change the fortunes of Beach Nesting Birds on multiple sites along the West Cumbrian coast.

Ringed plover, oystercatcher, and little tern regularly attempt nesting on shingle beaches, looking for new sites each year to raise the next generation, as well as returning to old favourite haunts. All these species are facing the growing challenge of the increased pressure and demands being made on our coastline. That's where we're aiming to make the difference.

What's the role about?

We are looking for a person to lead on our work across a network of Beach Nesting Bird sites. You'll be surveying nesting sites, monitoring their progress, creating and supporting volunteer groups to safeguard colonies, running events to spread awareness, as well as helping with other small projects as needed. You will need to be an inspiring communicator with the ability to motivate others to act.

You’ll be both creative and innovative when it comes to delivering this programme to restore and protect Beach Nesting Birds.

Developing, empowering, and supporting teams of volunteers to deliver Beach Nesting Bird protection will form an important part of the role, and experience of leading a diverse team is desirable. You will need to have the ability to relate well to others. You will work to encourage participation and to communicate the value of community and volunteer involvement to the conservation of shore birds will be central to the success of the project.

• To deliver site protection on known Beach Nesting Bird sites (working with existing staff, volunteers and partners), preparing infrastructure, monitoring bird presence and productivity. Work with external organisations, landowners, and the local community (including schools) to establish a fuller picture of beach bird nesting potential across the region, monitoring sites along the coastline.
• Help set up, lead and support a network of volunteer Beach Nesting warden teams where needed.
• Run events, for both adults and children, to increase knowledge and support for nesting shore birds at key locations on the West Coast.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• A proven passion for shorebirds and their conservation.
• A communicator with the ability to create and lead a volunteer team delivering practical conservation.
• The motivation and ability to initiate subprojects as needed.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, and competent use of Microsoft Office.
• Experience delivering community outreach and/or practical conservation.
• The ability to continue building partnerships across a broad range of people and organisations.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• A working knowledge of shorebird, seabird and wetland bird ecology, the issues they face and practical conservation methods.

Additional Information:

You will need to hold a full, manual driving licence that is valid in the UK.

This role is based in Cumbria, the vision is dual working with home, and site based, but this is flexible. Office space is available at Wasdale, Cumberland, England, CA20 1EU. 

This is a Fixed-Term 12 month contract until March 2025, Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week. 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 7 February 2024 in West Cumbria. For further information please contact James.Archer@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 exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

This role will require completion of a DBS/PVG/Access NI in addition to the standard pre-employment checks.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

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.