Curlew Fieldworker (HELP): 7 month contract
Job Description
Post Title
Curlew Fieldworker, Halting Environmental Loss Project (HELP)
Department
Conservation
Main place of work
Donegal (Letterkenny and Inishowen)
Immediate Line Manager Senior Conservation Officer
Period covered
Mar 2013 – Aug 2013 with possible extension. Exact start and
finish dates will be confirmed at the start of the contract.
Background
BirdWatch Ireland is looking for a Fieldworker to assist with the delivery of the EU
funded Halting Environmental Loss Project (HELP). BirdWatch Ireland is a partner with
RSPB Northern Ireland (the lead partner) in this £1.5 million project, co-funded by the
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the INTERREG IVA Programme for
Northern Ireland, the Border Region of Ireland and Western Scotland. The Special EU
Programmes Body (SEUPB) is the Managing Authority for the European Union's
INTERREG Programme. The project is designed to deliver targeted cross-border
biodiversity action for a range of priority species and habitats across the Republic of
Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
The Fieldworker will assist with the survey and monitoring of breeding curlew in the
border counties and with habitat management projects and landowner agreements at
key sites. They will also undertake control of predators, principally foxes, at key sites.
The Fieldworker will be experienced in bird monitoring, predator control, habitat
management for key species, providing advice to landowners and report writing and will
be literate, numerate and professional in their day to day work.
MAIN DUTIES:
1. Survey and monitor breeding curlew at key sites in the border counties.
2. Assist with pre-survey preparation.
3. Assist in undertaking habitat surveys and assessments.
4. Assist with habitat management projects such as rush and scrub clearance,
erection of predator fences, creation and management of water features.
5. Contact farmers and assist with the drawing up of management plans for
landowners.
6. Assist with the deployment and supervision of contractors to carry out habitat
management work such as scrub clearance, ditch management etc.
7. If required assist in carrying out practical management work during the breeding
season to improve breeding curlew habitat.
8. If required, carry out management and control of predators in selected areas.
9. Carry out 1 to 1 advisory visits with landowners in the project areas to ensure
breeding sites are being effectively managed as per management agreements.
10. Develop and deliver training events for farmers in the project areas in key issues
regarding breeding curlew, e.g. grazing, rush control and ‘wetting-up’.
11. Produce advisory materials and newsletters for farmers as required.
12. Assist with profile-raising of the project in the media and elsewhere through
radio/TV interviews, press releases/articles, electronic media and talks, in line
with the communications plan.
13. As directed by the Project Manager, comply with SEUPB programme regulations
and requirements, including completion of progress reports and records.
14. Work closely with other BirdWatch Ireland and RSPB NI staff involved in the
management of breeding waders.
15. Any other duties as directed in line with the delivery of HELP
Terms and conditions
Applicants will be required to provide an average of 37.5 hours per week. Employees are
expected to be co-operative in working outside these hours if necessary and the post
holder may be expected to work longer hours as the project requires during key times.
Time off may be taken in lieu of extra hours worked. The salary for this position be
€400 per week. Leave entitlement is 20 days per annum pro rata plus statutory
holidays.
For an application form, please contact Michelle Kavanagh, at BirdWatch Ireland,
Bullford Business Campus, Kilcoole, Co Wicklow.
Tel: 00353 1 2819878; email: mkavanagh@birdwatchrireland.ie. Completed
applications can be returned via post or email to above.
Closing date for applications Thu 14th Feb 2013.Interviews Tues 19th February 2013,
Letterkenny, Co Donegal.
Person Specification
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications
High level of literacy, numeracy and
professionalism
Current gun licence
Third level qualification or equivalent in an environmental
or related subject
Experience
Experience of surveying and monitoring
birds
Demonstrable experience in face-to-face
communication with farmers and
landowners
Demonstrable experience providing advice
on land management for farmland birds,
both verbally and in writing
Knowledge of breeding curlew
Experience in face-to-face communication with statutory
agency representatives
Organising training events, workshops / facilitated
discussions and meetings
Proven experience of report writing
Experience in working with habitat
management contractors.
Confident using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint,
Outlook
Knowledge of breeding wader populations and the factors
affecting them in the border counties of Ireland
Skills and abilities
Competent bird identification skils
Ability to digitise information using Geographic Information
Systems
Ability to work within the project area
Experience producing advisory materials, newsletters etc.
Ability to work away from home
Ability to communicate clearly with the media and the
public, both verbally and in writing
Ability to work well with minimum
supervision, be delivery and priority focused
and responsible.
Ability to carry out predator control
Ability to work well as part of a team, be
accountable to peers and take the lead
when appropriate
Knowldege
Understanding of farmland bird ecology
Understanding the sensitivities of the Irish farming
community
Understanding of agricultural practices and
their impacts on farmland birds
Knowledge of current agri-environment schemes
Disposition/circumstance
Willing to undertake lone working in
accordance with agreed safety procedures
Approaches work in a positive manner and
takes ownership of issues
Receives feedback positively and adjusts
ways of working accordingly