Research Assistant - Twite Recovery Project

We are looking for a Research Assistant to monitor the breeding population of Twite in the South Pennines.

What’s the role about?

Once widespread and locally abundant in the uplands, the Twite has declined to almost extinction in England. It is estimated that there are less than 10 breeding pairs of Twite remaining in England, the majority of which breed in the South Pennines. 

The England Twite Recovery Project (ETRP) was set up in 2008 and has put in place interventions to halt Twite declines over the past 15 years. We are looking for a Research Assistant to join the ETRP team to monitor and help to protect the remaining breeding Twite population in the South Pennines. 

Main responsibilities:

• To undertake breeding bird surveys at 5 sites across the South Pennines to monitor the Twite population. This will involve surveying all suitable nesting habitats, recording the numbers, locations, and behaviour of all Twite, and noting the colour-ring combinations of marked birds.
• To carry out surveys of Twite feeding habitat to determine where Twite are feeding and whether they are using the project feeding intervention areas.
• To carry out surveys for potential Twite nest predators to increase our understanding of predation pressure on South Pennines Twite.
• To support the team in delivering targeted species recovery work such as nest finding and nest protection fences.
• To make detailed field observation notes and keep digital records up to date.
• To coordinate with landowners and tenants within the survey sites.

What we need from you:

Essential:

• The ideal candidate will have some fieldwork experience as part of a related degree, or 1 season's experience in non-professional bird surveys (e.g., WEBS, BBS)
• Basic skills in the identification of upland birds
• Ability to navigate using maps, compass and GPS
• Experience of liaising with landholders/partners for good outcomes
• Ability to work under their own initiative with limited supervision and happy to work alone in remote locations.
• Understanding of health and safety risks associated with practical conservation work and working in the uplands
• Capable of working long hours outside under difficult conditions. Walking long distances over difficult terrain will be required.
• Capable of keeping accurate and legible records of data collected in the field
• Experience of using Microsoft packages and inputting observations into Excel
• Candidates must have a full current driving licence which is valid for use in the UK or have the ability to reach remote locations

Desirable:

• Ability to identify Twite by sight and sound (training provided)
• Nest finding and monitoring experience (training provided)

Additional Information

This is a full time fixed-term role for 4 months. The suggested start date is 8th April 2024. Hours of work are 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.

The successful candidate will be reimbursed for out-of-pocket travel expenses and provided access to a vehicle, if required, for the duration of the field season. We would expect the successful candidate to be within commutable distance (i.e. 1 hour) of HX6 4RH.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position on the w/c 5th March 2024. For an informal chat about the role or any further information please do get in touch – ashleigh.atkinson@rspb.org.uk. 

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

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to making our organisation diverse and inclusive, and as such are keen to encourage applications from people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, as well as those with disabilities.

This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.