Vacancy pack
14 December 2015
Dear Applicant
Short-term contract posts, spring and summer 2016
The RSPB Conservation Science Department has short-term contract vacancies on a variety of UK projects,
mostly starting in March or early April, 2016 and for periods of 1-6 months. There are also a small number of
equivalent posts, which will be managed from other departments within the RSPB. This year, due to
uncertainties in funding for projects in 2016, all posts should be considered as provisional, and dependent on
confirmation of funding, and some may therefore not be able to be filled.
The majority of posts are for Research Assistants or equivalent, although there are some vacancies where
more experienced applicants are required and who will be appointed at the Senior Research Assistant level
or equivalent. Further details of all the posts, which we are likely to need to fill, are given in the Job Details
spreadsheet. Details of the range of attributes required for these posts are shown on a separate Person
Specification sheet. The attributes which are considered essential or desirable for each of the individual
posts, are shown on the Job Details spreadsheet.
Take care to ensure that the information you supply addresses the various attributes listed in the Person
specification sheet, in particular those shown as essential for particular posts. Please note that we expect
that many applicants will meet all the essential criteria and that it may be your other attributes that will
determine whether you are selected or not.
Competition for posts is likely to be keen and therefore, in order to be short listed, it is essential that you
make sure that you provide us with full written details of all your ornithological, research, survey and general
ecological experience. This should include anything you have done in an amateur capacity (e.g. local or
national voluntary wildlife surveys), as well as any fieldwork you may have undertaken as a student or in paid
employment. Don’t forget to mention any special skills you may have (e.g. ability to identify woodland birds
by their songs; identifying beetles; surveying bats) and in particular if you have a ringing permit (and if so, the
details of this). In addition to ornithological skills, some projects may require familiarity with other taxa and
habitat surveying. All posts will need you to be able to record data accurately and legibly in the field and for
some you will need to be able to enter and analyse data and perhaps write a basic summary report.
Most posts require regular travel to and within various different study areas, including to places and at times
not served by public transport. Most posts also require you to be both fit enough and willing to work long
hours in rough and exposed habitats, sometimes in poor weather conditions. In some circumstances, RSPB
will be able to assist with accommodation costs during the contract period.
If you appear to have the broad range of attributes that we are looking for, you may be contacted by one of
our project managers, who will conduct a telephone interview to enable us to finally select our appointees.
Offers of employment will normally be made to you by phone and will be conditional on (1) documentary
proof of identity and right to work in the UK, (2) the receipt by us of satisfactory health clearance for your
role, via our Occupational Health provider, (3) receipt of satisfactory references, and 4) production of
certificates to prove your post school qualifications. These conditions are now required by UK employment
and immigration laws, and to protect you and the RSPB. Upon satisfactory completion of the above checks,
and receipt of any documents necessary, you will then receive a formal written appointment letter.
When submitting your completed Application Form you should indicate for which particular posts you feel
that you are particularly suited and those in which you are particularly interested. However, unless you say
otherwise you will be automatically considered for all the posts available. If the posts for which you
expressed a particular interest have already been filled, you may be contacted to find out if you are
interested in an alternative.
There is one post based in Northern Ireland where specific employment law dictates that
separate procedures must be followed. If you wish to be considered for this post please make
this clear in your application, complete the additional Fair Employment (NI) Monitoring Form and
send this on to hradmin@rspb.org.uk.
The closing date for receipt of applications is midnight Thursday, 7 January 2016. We would prefer
application forms and supporting details to be sent as electronic documents to Mrs Anita McClune; email:
conscirecruit@rspb.org.uk Please delete all other notes from the application pack and just return
your completed application form. Alternatively, they can be posted to Mrs Anita McClune, Conservation
Science Dept., RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Beds, SG19 2DL.
If you are an external candidate, may we take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in employment
with the RSPB. As a charity, we try to keep our administrative costs to a minimum and therefore you will
only be contacted if we wish to progress your application. If you have not heard from us within six weeks of
the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
We look forward to receiving your application in due course.
Yours sincerely
Anita
Mrs Anita McClune
Co-ordinator-Conservation Science
Enc.
This pack contains all the information you need to apply, including:
Useful Information
Details on our Diversity Policy statement, how we use CVs, shortlisting and employment checks and UK
Identification requirements
Applicant letter
Details on how to apply plus closing date and interview date(s)
Job details
A list of the vacancies available and the skills required.
Person specification
A list of criteria that potential candidates should aim to meet
Application Form
PDF version
Please print out, complete and return to the address on the Applicant letter
Word version
Applicants are encouraged to complete electronically and return by e-mail
Applications from candidates requiring a certificate of sponsorship under the UK points-based immigration
system will not be considered if there are suitable candidates who do not require sponsorship. This is
because employers need to demonstrate that they are unable to recruit a resident worker, before they can
recruit a non-resident worker*.
The resident worker rule does not prevent applicants requiring sponsorship from applying for our vacancies,
but such applications should be made on the understanding that they can only be considered subject to the
restrictions above.
For further information, please visit the Home Office UK Border Agency website.
*This rule does not apply to those applying for roles that require a bachelor, postgraduate degree or
postgraduate certificate in education qualification. It is necessary for the qualification to be an essential
requirement for the role and the applicant to prove that they possess such a qualification (or have completed
a minimum of 12 months study in the UK towards a UK PhD), which is recognised in the UK.
Useful Information
The RSPB is currently going through a job evaluation review. We just wanted to let you know that all jobs
are subject to this review, including our current job vacancies. The results of the job evaluation review and
the new payband structure will be implemented across the RSPB later in 2015 and you will be kept fully
informed of the outcomes.
Diversity Policy Statement
The RSPB is part of a global network that incorporates a diversity of traditions and cultures, and which
represents different inheritances, backgrounds, influences, perspectives and experiences. A better
understanding of people’s differences will help us to appreciate and value everyone’s contribution, and
recognise that we are all an integral and invaluable part of the Society.
Everyone has the right to be treated with consideration and respect. The Society is committed to achieving a
truly inclusive environment for all, by developing better working relationships that release the full potential,
creativity and productivity of each individual, and an atmosphere where everyone can learn, work and live
free from prejudice, discrimination, harassment and violence.
The Society aims to ensure that all staff, volunteers, partners, clients, contractors, members and the general
public are treated fairly. Unless it can be shown to be justified, this will be regardless of sex, sexual
orientation, gender re-assignment, marital or civil partnership status, race (including colour, nationality,
ethnicity, or national origin), disability, medical status, age, religion or belief, political opinion, social or
economic status, or ex-offender status.
Use of Curriculum Vitae (CVs)
Our policy is to recruit and employ our employees on the basis of their suitability for the work to be done. An
application form allows us to compare individuals based on like for like information and as such we do not
accept a CV unless accompanied by a fully completed application.
Shortlisting
The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to ensuring all applications are treated
fairly. Applications are sought only from those eligible to work in the UK in the first instance.
All applications are subject to our shortlisting process where we only assess information provided against the
Person Specification. If you are shortlisted we will contact you and invite you to attend an interview. You will
also be advised at this point if there will be any skills test, presentations etc.
As a charity, we lack the resources to advise all candidates if their application is unsuccessful. If you do not
hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, we will have decided not to take your application any
further. However, if you are able to supply us with an e-mail address, we will endeavour to advise you if you
have not been shortlisted. If this is the case, please do not be discouraged from re-applying as your skills
and experience may be just what we need for our next vacancy. We also have a number of volunteering
opportunities across the organisation.
Employment Checks
All offers of employment are made subject to the following criteria:
Proof of eligibility to work in the UK, Proof of Residency, Satisfactory Employment Health Check,
Two references satisfactory to the Society and where required a Satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau
Check.
RSPB CONSERVATION SCIENCE DEPARTMENT AND REGIONAL SHORT TERM CONTRACT POSTS SPRING/SUMMER 2016
Likely location
Purpose of work/main duties
Essential attributes
for specific projects
(see person
specification sheet
for key)
Desirable attributes for
specific projects (see person
specification sheet for key)
To assist a project investigating the decline of
the Wood Warbler. Main task will be surveying
and resighting colour ringed wood warblers
across Dartmoor woodlands. Tasks will also
include territory mapping, behavioural
observations, nest finding and monitoring,
catching and colour ringing adults and young,
and data entry. Fieldwork is arduous and
involves long days. The ability to work in very
steep sided woodland habitats whilst
collecting data is essential.
To assist a project investigating the decline of
the spotted flycatcher. Main task will be
identifying a suitable study population,
territory mapping, locating nests and capturing
and ringing adults, data entry. Liasing with
landowners and householders as study site
likely to be a village.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
(open nesting pullus),
14, 22, 23, 24, 26
9, 11, 12, 13 (open nesting), 18,
21, 27, 31, 32, 37
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,
22, 23, 24, 26
9, 11, 12, 13 (open nesting), 19,
21, 27, 31, 32, 37
in months (approx)
Expected contract length
Recruiting
manager
Month in which
contract is likely to
start
Project
RA = Research Assistant; SRA = Senior Research Assistant
Maximum number of
posts expected to be
available
JOB DETAILS
Posts with the RSPB Conservation Science Department
Wood
Warbler
breeding
ecology (in
partnership
with Natural
England,
BTO and
Devon Birds)
Malcolm
Burgess
1 RA
April
3
Devon
Spotted
flycatcher
tracking (in
partnership
with BTO
and Devon
Birds)
Malcolm
Burgess
1 RA
May
3
Devon
Willow tit
habitat
restoration
(in
partnership
with Natural
England)
Paul
Bellamy
1
SRA
March
4
Midlands and
south Yorkshire
Trial
management for
Ring Ouzels (in
partnership with
Natural
England)
Innes
Sim
2 RA
April
4
Northern
England
Trial
management for
Curlew (in
partnership with
Natural
England)
Philippa
Gullett
4 RA
March
5.5
Various in
Northern
England and
Scotland
Trial
management for
Curlew (in
partnership with
Natural
England)
Philippa
Gullett
1 RA
July
2
Northern Ireland
Survey previously chosen sites and
surrounding areas for Willow tit populations,
and detailed habitat measurements of sites
including woodland structure, tree and shrub
species and soil properties. Nest finding &
monitoring . Liasing with landowners to gain
access for survey of willow tits on surrounding
areas. Data entry in excel & GIS.
The post-holders will assist with a project
investigating the effects of trial habitat
management aimed at restoring breeding
numbers of ring ouzels on two RSPB reserves
in north England (Geltsdale and Dove Stone).
The post-holders will be required to count
breeding ring ouzel numbers, and to measure
habitat composition/structure, in two valleys
(one of which has retained stable numbers of
ring ouzels, and another in which ring ouzel
numbers have declined) on each reserve. The
ability to work unsupervised on a species
which can be difficult to monitor, experience in
measuring habitat composition/structure in
remote upland habitats, and the ability to work
in conjunction with key reserves staff will be
important parts of the job.
To collect data on breeding ecology of curlew.
This will include mapping the distribution,
abundance and behaviour of breeding birds,
nest-searching, vegetation recording,
assessing the abundance and distribution of
key nest/chick predators (e.g. via fox scat
surveys), and data entry.
To collect data on breeding habitat of curlew.
This will involve vegetation recording, plant
species identification, and data entry.
NB – if applying for this role please ensure
you complete the additional Fair
Employment monitoring information
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9,
16, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27
10, 11, 12, 13 natural hole
nests, 19, 21, 25 (trees &
shrubs), 29, 31, 32, 37
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12,
16, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25
(moorland and
bogland plants), 26
9, 10, 11, 13, 21, 27
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12,
22, 23, 24, 26
9, 10, 11, 16, 18, 19, 21, 25, 27,
28, 29, 32, 35
4, 5, 6, 7, 23, 26, 27
1, 16, 18, 19, 25
Langholom
Moor
Demonstration
Project
Staffan
Roos
1
SRA
March
5
Langholm, SW
Scotland
Langholm Moor
Demonstration
Project
Staffan
Roos
1 RA
March
5
Langholm, SW
Scotland
Hawfinch
Ecology (in
partnership
with Natural
England)
Will
Kirby
1
SRA
April
4
Forest of Dean,
Kent or
Dolgellau
The post-holder should monitor the number
and breeding success of the Hen Harrier
population , conduct diversionary feeding of
Hen Harriers, operate video-cameras at Hen
Harrier nests to identify prey species and
potential predation events, conduct surveys of
birds (BBS methodology) and mammals
(transects to count fox scats, vole trapping
and tunnel traps to estimate small mustelid
abundance). Liason with partners in the
Langholm Moor Demonstration Project and
local Raptor Study Group members will be an
important task, as well as overseeing all
raptor-related work at Langholm Moor. The
post-holder should be able to give
presentations of the project to a wide range of
audiences. In addition, the post-holder must
be flexible and able to help out with other
parts of the project, as and when needed.
The post-holder should monitor the number
and breeding success of the Hen Harrier
population , conduct diversionary feeding of
Hen Harriers, operate video-cameras at Hen
Harrier nests to identify prey species and
potential predation events, conduct surveys of
birds (BBS methodology), and mammals
(transects to count fox scats, vole trapping
and tunnel traps to estimate small mustelid
abundance).The post-holder must be flexible
and able to help out with other parts of the
project, as and when needed.
To assist with a project investigating the
decline of the Hawfinch in the UK. A wide
range of duties are likely to include: finding
and observing nests; deployment and
maintenance of nest cameras; radio-tracking
adults and habitat survey work. There may be
opportunities to assist in ringing operations
and there will be a data entry component.
Although likely to be based largely in one of
1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 13
(raptors), 18, 20, 22,
23, 26
8, 11, 14, 15, 21 (Hen Harrier),
24, 27
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10,
18, 22, 23, 26
8, 9, 13 (raptors), 14, 15, 21
(Hen Harrier), 24, 27
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 23,
24, 26, 28, 29
8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 22,
27, 32
the three areas, there may be a requirement
to spend considerable time elsewhere.
Hawfinch
Ecology (in
partnership
with Natural
England)
Will
Kirby
2 RA
April
3
Forest of Dean,
Kent or
Dolgellau
Tracking
Turtle Doves
John
Mallord
1 RA
May
2
East Anglia
Turtle Dove
supplementary
feeding
Tony
Morris
2 RA
late
April
4
1 post in East
Anglia1 post in
Kent
To assist with a project investigating the
decline of the Hawfinch in the UK. A wide
range of duties are likely to include: finding
and observing nests; deployment and
maintenance of nest cameras; radio-tracking
adults and habitat survey work. There may be
opportunities to assist in ringing operations
and there will be a data entry component.
Although likely to be based largely in one of
the three areas, there may be a requirement
to spend considerable time elsewhere.
To assist a project investigating the migration
route and wintering grounds of the Turtle
Dove through the deployment of electronic
tags. Assist a team to locate and prepare
catching sites, catch and tag turtle doves.
Post holder will need to have extensive
experience in bird handling, bird trapping
using mist nets and whoosh nets, bird ringing
and ideally experience of fitting electronic
tags.
This project will seek to identify methods of
effectively providing early-season
supplementary food for turtle doves, whilst
minimising the risk of disease crosstransference and increased exposure to the
protozoan parasite Trichomonas gallinae.
Good knowledge of farmland bird
identification, behaviour and standard survey
techniques is essential, as is maintaining
good relations with farmers and landowners.
Practical experience of vegetation quadratting
and collection of seed (or other
environmental) samples is desirable. Both
post-holders must be flexible, willing to work
unconventional hours (especially early
mornings) on farmland. Other tasks will
involve data entry on Excel spreadsheets and
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 23,
24, 26, 28, 29
8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 22,
27, 32
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 (C,
or A; incl target fullgrown pigeons and
doves, mist net and
whoosh-net
endorsements), 9, 26,
29
9, 10, 13, 19, 21 (Turtle Dove)
1,2,3,4,5,,6,7,9,22,23,
24,26,27
10,11,16,19,21,25 (arable
plants), 31,35,37,39
maps/GIS and the storage and dispatch of
samples for laboratory analysis.
Survey of
breeding
waders on
in-bye land
Simon
Wotton
6 RA
April
4
Upland areas
across England
(tbc)
To undertake breeding wader surveys on inbye land at sites across the English uplands.
The aim of this project is to improve
understanding of the effects of ES
management on breeding grassland waders
which nest and forage on in-bye farmland in
the English uplands. Available information
from the results of breeding bird surveys
indicates that, in many areas, this land is still
of considerable importance for several
species of breeding wader which have
declined greatly in lowland wet grasslands
and other lowland habitats in recent years. It
is therefore of critical importance to assess
the value of ES and HLS to these species and
to understand what improvements might be
necessary to maintain or increase upland
breeding populations under future AES. This
survey will cover a random sample of 2×2km
national grid tetrads containing in-bye land,
stratified to cover a range of background
abundance levels of lapwing and curlew, as
measured by the sampling undertaken for the
most recent breeding bird atlas (2007-2011).
All waders will be surveyed for and recorded
and two visits will be made to each tetrad, one
between early April and mid-May and a
second before mid-July, with a minimum of a
two week gap between visits .
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12,
22, 23, 24, 26, 29
9, 10, 11, 16, 18, 19, 21, 25, 27,
28, 32, 35
Little Tern
monitoring
(in
partnership
with EU
LIFE)
Sarah
Davis
1
SRA
May
3
Mainly Coastal
East Anglia but
possibly
colonies
elsewhere in
UK
Breeding
waders and
soil
management
Jeremy
Wilson
1 RA
early
March
4
Central
Scotland (but
with travel)
The post-holder will lead the capture, handling
and ringing of little tern adults and chicks and
associated little tern monitoring, including
reading colour rings using digital photography.
Fieldwork will take place at multiple colonies
across England. Entry of ringing and biometric
data into spreadsheets The post-holder must
be flexible, able to work long hours and travel
widely. Ringing licence essential.
The post-holder will assist in an on-going PhD
project to investigate conservation
management interventions for upland
breeding wader populations on agricultural
grassland on 7 sites in Scotland and Northern
England, ranging from Caithness to the
Pennines. Main duties will include soil cores,
sampling invertebrate prey, habitat/vegetation
recording, behavioural observations of
foraging Lapwing, Golden Plover, Curlew,
Oystercatchers and their chicks, as well as
laboratory analysis for soil condition. Field
work will be carried out by foot, in remote
locations and possibly involve some periods
of lone working. Due to the nature of
fieldwork, flexible working hours may be
required with overnight accommodation
necessary at some sites. Any overnight
accommodation and transport to sites from
Stirling University (where this post is based)
will be arranged and covered by the project
Supervisor where required. Please note that
fieldwork will be physically demanding and
occasionally involve long hours on site,
carrying equipment and in all weather
conditions.
1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 (C,
seabirds), 26, 27, 28,
29
2, 9, 10, 13, 14, 19, 21, 31, 33
2 (waders), 4,
5,24,26,27,29
1,3,6,7,9,12,16,17,18,22
(waders),23,25,28,37
UK Hen
Harrier
Survey
Daniel
Hayhow
1
SRA
Feb
6
Scotland
(various
locations)
UK Hen
Harrier
Survey
Daniel
Hayhow
8 RA
March
4
Posts in
Northern Ireland
(1), Wales (1),
Scotland
(various
locations)
Twite
recovery
monitoring
Nick
Wilkinson
1 RA
April
4
South Pennines
To assist with set up and coordination of the
2016 National Hen Harriersurvey by liaison
with Scottish Raptor Study Groups, RSPB
regional staff and landowners, and (possibly)
by supervising RSPB research assistants.
Also to conduct a full fieldwork schedule as
part of the survey, update the Conservation
Scientist regularly though the survey and
assist in post survey data handling.
To carry out Hen Harrier surveys for the 2016
National Hen Harrier survey. To work with the
RSPB Senior Research Assistant and RSPB
Conservation Scientist and to liaise with
Scottish Raptor Study Groups to ensure
coverage of Hen Harrier survey squares is
maximised. The post will involve working with
RSPB regional staff and engaging with
landowners.
To assist monitoring the population response
of breeding Twite to trial conservation
measures in the south Pennines (West
Yorkshire). Fieldwork will include surveys of
Twite, finding and monitoring nests, resighting colour-ringed birds and habitat data
collection. Ringing may also be undertaken.
The ability to identify Twite by sight and sound
is essential, while the ability to recognise
breeding behavioural cues is desirable.
Fieldwork will involve walking long distances
over rough terrain. The post-holder will be part
of a small team but will conduct most
fieldwork alone and will need to be flexible
with regard to working hours due to the nature
of the work. They will need to liaise with the
Project Officer and local landowners. The post
will include data entry into Excel
spreadsheets.
1, 2, 5, 6, 7,
9,10,18,19,20,
22,23,24,26, 28,29
11, 21, 27, 31, 33, 37
1, 2, 5, 6, 7,
9,10,18,19,22,
23,24,26, 28,29
11, 21, 27, 31,
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 22,
23, 24, 26
1, 8 (passerines), 9, 10, 11, 13
(open-cup passerines), 14, 16,
18, 19, 21, 25 (moorland and
grassland plants), 27, 31, 32,
35, 36
Twite
recovery
monitoring
Nick
Wilkinson
2 RA
May
3
South Pennines
Ecology of
Cuckoos on
Dartmoor
Jeremy
Wilson
1 RA
late
Aprilearly
May
4
Dartmoor
To assist monitoring the habitat resonse to
trial conservation measures implemented for
Twite in the south Pennines (West Yorkshire).
Fieldwork will include surveys of farmland to
record vegetation composition and abundance
between June and August, and observations
of Twite. The ability to identify common
grassland flowering plants is essential. The
post-holders, working in a team of two, will
need to organise the schedule of survey visits,
liaising closely with the Project Officer and
landowners. The post will include data entry
into Excel spreadsheets.
The postholder will assist a second-year PhD
student studying the ecological requirements
of breeding cuckoos and their main host meadow pipit - on Dartmoor. Fieldwork will
involve contributing to (i) surveys of territorial
cuckoos and meadow pipits; (ii) meadow pipit
nest finding and recording; (iii) systematic
observation of foraging habitat selection and
provisioning behaviour by nesting meadow
pipits, and (iv habitat mapping. Later in the
contract the postholder may have the
opportunity to run a programme of systematic
moth trapping across a range of farmland and
heathland habitats on the edge of Dartmoor.
Data will be recorded to Excel spreadsheets
or similar databases under the supervision of
the PhD student. The postholder will need to
be flexible in their working hours and prepared
to work long fieldwork sessions, beginning at
dawn, and in all weather conditions.
2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 16, 25
(grassland plants), 26
1, 3, 9, 12, 14, 19, 22, 23, 24,
27, 31, 32, 35, 36
2 (cuckoo, pipits,
skylark),3,4,5,6,7,22
(cuckoo, pipits,
skylark), 27
1,8,9,12,13,16,17,18,25
(moths),37
Whinchat
breeding
declines
David
Douglas
1
SRA
March
6
UK uplands
(locations TBC)
Whinchat
breeding
declines
David
Douglas
1 RA
April
5
UK uplands
(locations TBC)
Seabird
census
Ellie
Owen
2
SRA
April
4
Various UK
seabird colonies
Seabird
census
Ellie
Owen
2 RA
April
4
Various UK
seabird colonies
Assist with project set- up including securing
access permissions and fieldwork logistics.
Map breeding whinchat across a range of
sites. Collect detailed habitat data from
breeding areas. Enter data into Excel and
ensure data are error checked and prepared
for analyses. The postholder must be able to
travel widely during the breeding season with
frequent overnight stays at various sites.
Map breeding whinchat across a range of
sites. Collect detailed habitat data from
breeding areas. Enter data into Excel and
ensure data are error checked. The
postholder must be able to travel widely
during the breeding season with frequent
overnight stays at various sites.
To contribute to a national census of seabirds
breeding in the UK. Fieldwork involves
travelling to seabird colonies and carrying out
a census of various seabird species.
Experince of working in remote locations is
essential as is a demonstrated ability to follow
set protocols and be meticulous and accurate
in survey work. The applicant will have a
proven record in managing staff and
organising the logistics of fieldwork.
To contribute to a national census of seabirds
breeding in the UK. Fieldwork involves
travelling to seabird colonies and carrying out
a census of various seabird species.
Experince of working in remote locations is
essential as is a demonstrated ability to follow
set protocols and be meticulous and accurate
in survey work.
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,22,26,28
,29
9,10,11,12,16,18,19,20,21,23,2
4,25,32,35,36
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,22,26,28
,29
9,10,11,12,16,18,19,21,23,24,2
5,32,35,36
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
10,11,12, 27, 28, 29
21(seabirds), 26, 31, 33
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10,
12, 27, 28, 29
21(seabirds), 26, 31, 33
Seabird
tracking
studies
Ellie
Owen
3
SRA
April
3.5
Various UK
seabird colonies
Seabird
tracking
studies
Ellie
Owen
3 RA
April
3.5
Various UK
seabird colonies
Corn Bunting
Productivity
Rosemary
Setchfield
1 RA
May
5
Eatsern
England
(Cambs-BedsHerts border
area)
To contribute to RSPB seabird tracking
studies which are focussed on identifying key
foraging areas for seabirds
(www.rspb.org.uk/whatwedo/projects/details.a
spx?id=365020E). Fieldwork involves
attaching deploying tags with various species
of UK seabird as well as colony monitoring
and diet data collection. Experience of
handling seabirds is essential as well as a
demostrated interest in working on scientific
research projects. Fieldwork is conducted in
remote places for extended periods making a
positive attitude and ability to work well in a
team essential. We provide rope access
training to ensure safe access to cliff tops but
a fear of heights would not be compatible with
this role.
To contribute to RSPB seabird tracking
studies which are focussed on identifying key
foraging areas for seabirds
(www.rspb.org.uk/whatwedo/projects/details.a
spx?id=365020E). Fieldwork involves
deplying tags with various species of UK
seabird as well as colony monitoring and diet
data collection. Experience of handling birds
is essential as well as the ability to help plan
fieldwork and manage data effectively.
Fieldwork is conducted in remote places for
extended periods making a positive attitude
and ability to work well in a team essential.
We provide rope access training to ensure
safe access to cliff tops but a fear of heights
would not be compatible with this role.
To monitor corn bunting nesting activity in
wheat crops for evaluating nest site selection
and productivity in and around mid-field trial
provisions. Work involves intensive monitoring
of behavioural cues to locate nests within
crops; making regular visits to nests to
monitor clutch and brood sizes and to assess
nest success / failure dates; conducting
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8(seabirds), 10, 27,
28, 29
9, 19, 20, 21(seabirds), 26, 31,
33, 34
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10,
27, 28, 29
8(seabirds), 21(seabirds), 26,
31, 33
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12,
13, 22, 24, 26, 27, 35
8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21,
23, 31, 32, 37
Swift
demography
Will
Peach
1 RA
May
3
Cambridgeshire
Land sparing
& sharing
Will
Peach
1 RA
April
4
Cambridgeshire
/Wiltshire
baseline surveys of singing males; recording
vegetation data within trial provisions and in
surrounding crop areas; habitat mapping of
crop types on study farms; radio tracking and
handling / measurement of fledged chicks;
potentially recording darvic ring numbers on
birds using binoculars and telescope; liaison
with farmers and land owners; maintaining
accurate and legible data sheets; keying data
into Excel spreadsheets; providing summary
feedback to participating farmers; possible
map digitising. Training will be given where
required. Previous nest-finding experience
(open cup species) is essential. The postholder must be able to work flexibly, including
early morning starts and variable
(occasionally long) hours, be sufficiently fit to
access large farms in undulating terrain by
foot, and have good observational abilities
using sight and sound cues.
To collect and collate data on nest occupancy
by swifts and other species in urban-suburban
environments. Will include fieldwork and will
require the ability to read and use maps
accurately. Data will be recorded on
spreadsheets.
To conduct BBS type transect field surveys on
farmland and other habitats including nature
reserves. Requires the ability to identify birds
by song and call, and maintain accurate
methods in the field. Data will be entered onto
spreadsheets. The fieldworker will be required
to travel between two study areas, one in
Cambridgeshire and one in Wiltshire.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9,
12, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26
10, 11, 16, 19, 22, 27, 29, 35,
36
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9,
12, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26,
29
10, 11, 16, 19, 22, 27, 29, 35,
36
Mountain
Ringlet
autecology
Steven
Ewing
1
SRA
May
3
Lake District
Mountain
Ringlet
autecology
Steven
Ewing
1 RA
May
3
Lake District
The aim of this project is to better understand
the ecology of the Mountain Ringlet, which is
currently poorly known. The post holder will
oversee the collection of data on Mountain
Ringlets at 3-4 sites in the Lake District,
including line managing the day-to-day
activities of a Research Assistant. Key duties
of the post will be following ovipositing
females to observe egg-laying events;
recording data on habitat, topography and
microclimate; undertaking repeated butterfly
transects to monitor temporal changes in
counts; and sampling of larvae. The
postholder will need to liaise and maintain
good working relationships with both RSPB
reserves staff and external project partners.
Given the remote locations where Mountain
Ringlet occur, the postholder will require to be
fit, capable of working under difficult
conditions, and be available to work flexible
and long hours.
The aim of this project is to better understand
the ecology of the Mountain Ringlet, which is
currently poorly known. The post holder will
contribute to the collection of data on
Mountain Ringlets at 1-2 sites in the Lake
District. Key duties of the post will be
following ovipositing females to observe egglaying events; recording data on habitat,
topography and microclimate; undertaking
repeated butterfly transects to monitor
temporal changes in counts; and sampling of
larvae. The postholder will need to liaise and
maintain good working relationships with both
RSPB reserves staff and external project
partners. Given the remote locations where
Mountain Ringlet occur, the postholder will
require to be fit, capable of working under
difficult conditions, and be available to work
flexible and long hours.
1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 16, 17,
18, 21 (butterflies),
23, 25 (butterflies,
moorland grasses
and shrubs), 26
19, 20, 27, 29, 31, 32, 36
1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 16, 17,
18, 21 (butterflies),
23, 25 (butterflies,
moorland grasses
and shrubs), 26
19, 27, 29, 31, 32, 36
Crop raiding
in Gola
Fiona
Sanderson
1
SRA
April
Posts with the RSPB Nature Recovery Unit
6
Kenema, Sierra
Leone
To select, map and set up sampling plots in
forest edge farmland order to monitor damage
caused to crops (groundnut, cassava, rice and
maize) by wildlife, in particular mammals and
insects, and to input the resulting data. Plots
will need to be set up, with help from a
Conservation Scientist, at a range of
distances to forest and other habitats and in
varying field sizes and monitored every two
weeks in order to assess proportion of crop
damage and the species group responsible,
with species identification partly through
liaison with local communities. The
postholder, whilst part of a large team of local
and international staff working in and around
Gola Rainforest National Park, will need to
work independently in a remote area of West
Africa with the help of local Research
Technicians, cope with basic living conditions,
and maintain a good working relationship with
local communities. In addition to the person
specification criteria listed here, the
postholder will need to be physically fit, and
experience of camera trapping techniques is
desirable.
4, 5 (tropical
experience), 6, 16
(planning, organising,
and carrying out
ecological fieldwork
including systematic
survey design), 19
(including being
culturally aware and
diplomatic), 23, 26,
27, 30, 31, 33
20, 35 (tropical farming systems
including understanding of
human-wildlfie conflicts and
experience of identifying signs
of crop damage in field)
Corncrake
translocati
on project
(in
partnershi
p with
Natural
England)
Hannah
Ward
1 RA
equival
ent
June
3.
5
Nene Washes
RSPB Reserve,
Cambridgeshire
Posts with the Habitats and Species Dept, RSPB Scotland
Two main elements of post are 1. Monitor the
returning male Corncrakes on the Nene
Washes by means of nocturnal survey. This is
to measure both the return rates of zoo-bred
birds released in previous years and
productivity of Nene Washes wild breeding
population and to help influence field
management of nesting areas and 2.
Husbandry of Corncrake chicks whilst in the
Nene Washes rearing pens. Namely the daily
feeding of broods by provisioning
commercially bred insect food and where
possible native caught insects, applying any
medicines as directed by veterinary staff and
organising release dates. Other elements of
post are assisting in catching both adult and
juvenile Corncrakes and monitoring other
species, namely Spotted Crake. You will be
part of a team consisting of ZSL veterinary
staff, aviculturalists, RSPB wardening staff,
Pensthorpe Conservation Trust, Nature
Recovery Unit staff and Principal Research
biologist Rhys Green. It is desirable that the
post-holder has 4x4 driving certification. Full
training and day to day guidance are provided
RSPB Nene Washes staff. Experience of
animal husbandry or aviliculture is desirable
for this post.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 22,
24, 26
8, 9, 12, 17, 19, 21, 25, 27, 32,
33, 38
Monitoring
of Shiants
LIFE
project
Phil
Taylor
1 SRA
March
6
Isle of Harris,
Outer Hebrides
In 2016 the 2nd year of four years of
monitoring work will be carried out following a
winter eradication of black rats. The
eradication phase will be completed in March
2016 and the summer monitoring will include
petrel attraction work and biosecurity
surveillance for rat sign. The post-holder shall
undertake and oversee monitoring of flora,
invertebrates, land birds and seabirds on the
Shiant Isles in the Minch to understand how
the islands' ecosystem reponds to the
removal of rats. The post-holder will be based
in Harris but shall be expected to spend at
least four long periods on the remote and
exposed Shiant Isles, and shall oversee the
work of two others. Physical fitness and ability
to work on your own initiative is needed.
Some experience monitoring land birds,
seabirds and also vegetation and invetebrate
communities will also be required. The project
will provide an allowance for accommodation
on the two days either side of each trip to the
Shiants, and a contribution toward food whilst
on the islands - accommodation outside of
these times will be the post-holders
responsibility.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12,
13, 16, 17, 20, 23,
24, 25, 26, 27, 33
8, 9, 14, 18, 21 (inverts,
vegetation) 31, 33, 34, 36, 37
Monitoring
of Shiants
LIFE
project
Phil
Taylor
2 RA
April
4
The Shiant Isles,
Outer Hebrides
In 2016 the 2nd year of four years of
monitoring work will be carried out following a
winter eradication of black rats. The
eradication phase will be completed in March
2016 and the summer monitoring will include
petrel attraction work and biosecurity
surveillance for rat sign. The post-holder shall
undertake monitoring of flora, invertebrates,
land birds and seabirds on the Shiant Isles in
the Minch to understand how the islands'
ecosystem respond to the removal of rats.
The post holders will be based in Harris but
will be comfortable spending long periods of
time on the remote Shiant Isles without
regular access to communications.
Experience monitoring land birds,
invetebrates or vegetation is required,
preferably the post-holder will have
experience in more than one of these fields.
The project will provide an allowance for
accommodation on the two days either side of
each trip to the Shiants, and a contribution
toward food whilst on the islands accomodation outside of these times will be
the post-holders responsibility.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12,
13, 23, 24, 25, 27
8, 14, 16, 17, 18, 21 (inverts,
vegetation), 24, 26, 31, 33, 34,
36
To conduct survey work across the known Cirl
Bunting range in Devon and Cornwall.
Fieldwork will be carried out at the tetrad level
and c.350 tetrads will be shared between the
postholder and several staff and volunteers.
The following priority farmland bird species
will also be recorded during this survey:
Kestrel; Grey Partridge; Lapwing; Turtle Dove;
Woodlark; Skylark; Song Thrush;
Grasshopper Warbler; Linnet; Yellowhammer;
Reed Bunting. The field season runs from
April to August. Additionally, there is likely to
be detailed field mapping in 56 tetrads, in a
repeat of work undertaken in 2003 and 2009.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12,
21, 22, 23, 24, 26
9, 10, 11, 16, 19, 27, 29, 35
Posts with the RSPB South West England Region
Cirl
Bunting
survey
Cath
Jeffs or
Simon
Wotton
(Conserv
ation
Science)
1 RA
April
5
Devon & Cornwall
Posts with Reserves Ecology, RSPB Scotland
Productivity
of Lapwing
at Insh
Marshes
Chris
Bingham
1 RA
March
5
Insh Marshes
RSPB reserve,
Strathspey,
Highland
To collect data on nest and chick survival in
lapwings at study sites across Insh Marshes.
Work will include finding and monitoring
lapwing nests, and ringing and radio-tagging
chicks. Likely predators will also be surveyed,
including corvids/raptors (timed watches) and
predatory mammals (e.g. trail cameras,
tracking tunnels). The post-holder must be
flexible and willing to work unconventional
hours (dawn and dusk) if necessary. Other
duties will involve data entry and report
writing.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 24,
26, 27
8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 21, 23,
32, 33, 34
Job Title: Research and Senior research assistants and
equivalents (various short-term contract posts) 2016
Person Specification Region /Dept: Conservation Science
See separate job details sheet to
determine which attributes are required for
each post
(Page 1 of 2)
How criteria will be tested : A = Application Form, T = Test, I = Phone interview, P = Personality test, O = Other
1
2
Attributes which are either essential or desirable for
A T I
some advertised posts
Good basic knowledge of British wildlife, their habitats and
X
conservation priorities
Ability to identify a wide range of British birds by sight, in
X
particular those species or groups which are named in these
projects
Hands-on experience of fieldwork on birds – at least as part
of degree or equivalent coursework or 1 season's
involvement in non-professional bird surveys (e.g. WeBS,
BBS)
Capable of keeping accurate and legible records of data
collected in the field
Ability to undertake demanding fieldwork (long hours/poor
weather)
X
X
X
6
Ability to work under own initiative whether alone or as part
of a small team
X
X
7
Able to regularly travel to, from and within remote locations
not served by public transport
X
X
3
4
5
X
P O
Attributes which are either essential or desirable for
some advertised posts
8 BTO Ringing permit – C or A (specify grade, endorsements
and restrictions)
9 Hands-on experience of fieldwork on birds – as
degree/dissertation project and/or at least 3 years
involvement in non-professional bird surveys (e.g. WeBS,
BBS)
10 At least 1 season's appropriate involvement in professional
bird research
A T I
11 Several years professional bird survey or research
experience
12 Practical experience of using at least one standard bird
survey method (transects, mapping, point counts, BBS,
CBC
13 Practical experience of locating/monitoring nests (including
nestling biometrics) (specify experience, eg nest boxes,
seabirds, open-cup passerine nests)
14 Practical experience of reading colour-rings or other field
readable marks
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
P O
Job Title: Research and Senior research assistants and
equivalents (various short-term contract posts) 2016
Person Specification Region /Dept: Conservation Science
(Page 2 of 2)
See separate job details sheet to determine
which attributes are required for each post
How criteria will be tested : A = Application Form, T = Test, I = Phone interview, P = Personality test, O = Other
Attributes which are either essential or desirable for
some advertised posts
15 Practical experience of radio tracking
A T I
A T I
X
Attributes which are either essential or desirable for
some advertised posts
27 Ability to use standard computer packages (e.g. Word and
Excel)
28 Willing to work anywhere within UK with reasonable notice
16 Practical experience of quantitative habitat surveys
17 Practical experience of invertebrate sampling
X
29 Willing to travel widely perhaps including overnight stays
X
18 Experience of working in remote upland areas
X
30 Willing to work in specified countries overseas
X
19 Experience of obtaining access to private land and liaising
with landowners, their agents and employees
20 Experience of supervising field assistants
X
31 Relevant degree or equivalent
X
X
X
21 Previous specialist experience with a named target species
X
32 Previously employed by RSPB or comparable organization
on appropriate research or survey work
33 Writing basic scientific reports or papers
22 Ability to identify British birds by sound, in particular those
species or groups which are named in project
23 Ability to navigate using a map, compass and GPS
24 Ability to accurately locate and record on maps bird and
other data
25 Ability to identify other taxonomic groups, in particular
common invertebrates and vascular plants and/or moorland
and bogland plants and/or Identification of other taxonomic
groups (specify)
26 Ability to work alone with limited supervision
X
34 Basic statistical skills
X
35 Good understanding of farming-related issues
36 Higher level of botanical expertise
X
X
37 Experience of using MapInfo or other GIS
X
38 Experience in aviculture or animal husbandry
39 Experience of collecting seeds / other environmental
samples
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
P O
X
X
X
X
X
P O
APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT
STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL
PLEASE REFER TO VACANCY DETAILS FOR RETURN ADDRESS
Job Ref. No.
CONSCI2016
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Application Pack July 2012
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered
charity: England and Wales No. 207076 Scotland No. SC037654
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ONLY COMPLETE IF APPLYING FOR THE ROLE IN NORTHERN IRELAND
CONSCI
2016
Fair Employment (NI) Monitoring Form
The RSPB is an Equal Opportunities employer. We do not discriminate on grounds of marital status,
gender, race, colour, sexual orientation, religious belief, political opinion, nationality, ethnic or national
origin or disablement. We practice equality of opportunity in employment and select the best person
for the job within our budgetary limits.
To demonstrate our commitment to equality of opportunity in employment, we need to monitor the
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If you do not complete this questionnaire, we are encouraged to use the "residuary" method which
means that we can make a determination on the basis of personal information included in your
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Please indicate whether you are:
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Please detach this questionnaire from the application pack and return by email to
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criminal offence under the legislation for a person to "give false information in connection with the
preparation of a monitoring return".
PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM BY EMAIL TO: hradmin@rspb.org.uk.
Application Pack July 2012
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered
charity: England and Wales No. 207076 Scotland No. SC037654