RSPB Northern Ireland are currently recruiting for a Conservation Officer in the Lough Neagh and Lower Bann Valley area. We are l.....
RSPB Northern Ireland are currently recruiting for a Conservation Officer in the Lough Neagh and Lower Bann Valley area. We are looking for a candidate who is self-motivated and prides themselves on delivering high standards. You will have excellent ecological skills and knowledge, particularly of wet grassland and raised bog habitats and their conservation. A background in landscape scale conservation, farm advisory and nature conservation delivery mechanisms is desirable, as is an in-depth knowledge of breeding waders (curlews, redshanks, lapwings and snipe), their habitat requirements and relevant survey techniques.
About the role
As part of the Northern Ireland Operations Team, you will deliver a range of work for priority species and habitats across the Lough Neagh and Lower Bann Valley. In this varied role, you will provide advice directly to farmers and land managers, coordinate and undertake surveys, and help deliver conservation projects to help nature thrive across this priority landscape.
This role will sit within the West NI Area Team and reports to the Conservation Manager. You will have an important external role, building positive relationships with key partners and stakeholders so that RSPBs policies and messages are understood and furthered within relevant partnerships.
This is a fantastic opportunity to play your part in delivering RSPB's conservation work within a landscape rich in wildlife and important for people.
If this sounds like the job for you, we would love to hear from you!
You will be responsible for:
Providing advice, training and information to local communities, landowners, land managers and land use advisers on priority species and habitats, in close liaison with other members of the Conservation Team.
Undertaking and overseeing species/habitat surveys and monitoring work on sites to ensure delivery of site/s objectives. This includes mapping, and the gathering & management of electronic data.
Demonstrating best practice in terms of collaboration & communication, working with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
Managing medium and small projects using the RSPB’s Project Management Framework
Supervising contractors to carry out work on sites safely and legally to deliver project targets.
Building positive relationships with key decision-makers, external partners and stakeholders so that RSPB’s policies and messages are understood and furthered by decision-makers and within relevant partnerships and fora.
Manage and develop field staff and volunteers to ensure the delivery of an ambitious work programme maintaining focus on priority species and habitats.
What we need from you?
Essential Knowledge, skills and experience:
Degree level qualification in a relevant subject or ability to show equivalent work experience.
Sufficient understanding of species and habitats of the project area.
A strong knowledge of breeding wader ecology.
Sufficient knowledge of a range of delivery mechanisms, including agri-environmental schemes, for conservation work in Lough Neagh and the Lower Bann Valley.
Ability to work effectively as a team player both internally and in external partnerships.
Excellent communication skills (verbal, written and presentational) - including an ability to speak confidently and cogently in public to a variety of audiences.
Ability to rapidly analyse significant quantities of information, prioritise and balance a diverse workload often to tight deadlines.
Proficient at using Microsoft Office packages including Outlook, Excel & Word.
Experience of influencing and negotiating with the public or private sector, to deliver biodiversity benefits.
Experience of working to survey, protect and/or manage important sites, species, or habitats.
Experience of managing staff or volunteers and setting clear work priorities.
Desirable:
Experience of delivering conservation works through contractors.
Competency in use of GIS.
Effective project management skills.
Understanding of the concept of landscape scale conservation and the pressures on land use in the operational area of this role.
This is a 2 year fixed-term, full-time role for 37.5 hours per week.
We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 9th December 2024. For further information please contact Sean.Woods@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.
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.
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.
