Vacancy pack
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.
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 description
A breakdown of the vacancy, including the purpose of the job, requirements, duties and responsibilities
Person specification
A list of criteria that potential candidates should aim to meet
Department information*
Details of the department advertising the post
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
* This information will only be provided if it is relevant to this post
Useful Information
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.
Personnel Use Only
Job Reference No: __________________________
Application Reference No:
__________________ _____
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
community background of our applicants for jobs in Northern Ireland, as required by the Fair Employment
and Treatment (NI) Order 1998.
Regardless of whether they practice their religion, most people in Northern Ireland are seen as either
Catholic or Protestant. We are therefore asking you to indicate your community background by ticking the
appropriate box below.
Please note that this information will be treated in the strictest confidence and used only for FEC monitoring
purposes.
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 application for
employment.
I am a member of the Protestant community
I am a member of the Roman Catholic Community
I am a member of neither the Protestant or Roman Catholic community
Please indicate whether you are:
Female
Male
Please return this questionnaire as soon as possible in the Freepost envelope provided along with
your completed Personal Information and Equal Opportunities Data form.
Note:
It is not compulsory for you to answer the above questions. However, we would stress that it is a criminal
offence under the legislation for a person to "give false information in connection with the preparation of a
monitoring return".
Equal Opportunities form
The RSPB has an Equal Opportunities Policy which covers all areas of employment. Our policy is to recruit, employ
and promote our employees on the basis of their suitability for the work to be performed. The Society is committed to
ensuring that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, marital status,
age, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, political opinion, disability, sexual orientation,
past criminal convictions or the type of contract they are employed on unless it can be shown to be justified. In order to
help us ensure our policy is effective, please can you complete the details requested on this form. The equal
opportunities data collected will only be used for monitoring purposes.
PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO:
RSPB, FREEPOST ANG6335, PERSONNEL DEPT, THE LODGE, SANDY, BEDFORDSHIRE, SG19
2BR.
Surname & Forename(s)
Job Ref. No
Position applied for
Location
Date of Birth
Marital Status
Gender
Age(s) of children
Do you require a work permit to work in the United Kingdom?
If yes, do you have a current work permit?
Do you have a residents permit?
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
NI or Residents permit No.
Nationality
Ethnic background – Please tick the appropriate box
White
Mixed
Asian or Asian British
Chinese
Black or Black British
Other (please specify)
Other (please describe)
Physical ability – Do you have a disability as defined by The Equality Act 2010? A disability will not preclude
you from full consideration for employment with the RSPB.
If so, do you require
 any aids or adaptations to carry out the duties of the post?
 A Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (to identify any specific requirements in the event of an emergency
evacuation of the premises)
Please provide details.
Religion– If you wish, you may give details about yourself in this section, and of any adjustments that you may need to
your working arrangements.
Criminal record - Please give details of any unspent criminal offences in accordance with the Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and/or (Northern Ireland) 1979.
References – The name and address of a minimum of two referees is required.
For the references to be acceptable to the Society the following criteria must be adhered to
 The name and addresses of at least two referees is required.
 These referees must cover the last 3 years of work, study or any other circumstance.

If employed/studying at least one reference should be from the current employer/educational establishment
and should be someone at a more senior level to the individual.

Personal referees who can vouch for the candidate for the 3 year period will be suitable if they have not
been employed previously. (PLEASE NOTE: Relatives are not acceptable as referees).
If you require to give more than two referees to cover the 3 year period please do so an a separate sheet.
Name
Name
E mail
Address
E mail
Address
Address
Address
Postcode
Relationship
Postcode
Relationship
I confirm that the information contained on this questionnaire is correct, my referees meet the necessary crtieria and the
RSPB have my permission to approach my referees should I be offered and accept the vacancy on offer.
Signed
Date
Dear Applicant
Minerals Restoration Advisor – Salary £21,000-£23,000 per annum
Thank you for your enquiry regarding our advertised vacancy. An application form is enclosed, together with
a job description, person specification and other background information about the RSPB.
Also enclosed:
Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form (1)
Fair Employment Monitoring Questionnaire (2)
If you have seen this vacancy advertised on our website, please refer to ‘Working for the RSPB’ which
contains information about our benefits, and terms and conditions. This document can be downloaded if
required.
If you require any further information about this post please contact Michelle Hill, Senior Conservation Officer
(Planning), michelle.hill@rspb.org.uk or 028 9049 1547
The RSPB, Northern Ireland HQ, Belvoir Park Forest, Belvoir Drive, Belfast, BT8 7QT, 028 9049 1547
Please can you complete the enclosed application form in blue or black ink. Please refer to the person
specification when completing the form. Your completed application form should clearly describe how you
meet each of the criteria that have been identified as being necessary for this post as this will form the basis
of shortlisting candidates. If you enclose a CV, it may be referred to for supplementary information, however,
please ensure that all the questions asked on the application form are fully answered.
We take all practicable steps to safeguard the safety and welfare of children or vulnerable adults while they
are in contact with the RSPB and have a Child Safety and Welfare Policy that supports this. If the post you
have applied for involves unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults further checks will be carried
out. We will also confirm your eligibility to work in the UK prior to appointment.
Please return your completed application form to Susan Kula at the Northern Ireland Regional Office, RSPB,
Belvoir Park Forest, Belfast BT8 7QT. Please return the Equal Opportunities and Fair Employment forms to
our Personnel department in Bedfordshire (RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 2DL). Please
check the postage required on your application as incorrect postage may lead to your application being
delayed and missing the closing date. If you require an acknowledgement of receipt of your application,
please enclose a stamped, addressed envelope. Alternatively, you can email your application to
susan.kula@rspb.org.uk.
The closing date for receipt of completed application forms is Friday 17 th January 2014. Interviews will be
held Monday 03 February 2014.
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 four weeks of
the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
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.
We look forward to receiving your application in due course.
Michelle Hill
Senior Conservation Officer (Planning)
RSPB Northern Ireland
02890 491547
Job Description
Job Title:
Minerals Restoration Adviser
Dept/Section/Region/Reserve:
NIHQ
Location Of Job:
NIHQ, Belfast and QPA, Crumlin
Post holder reports to:
Senior Conservation Officer (Planning)
Reporting To Post holder:
None
Background:
The Restore project is a new €3.8million project, co-funded by the
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the IVB
North-West Europe Interreg Programme, involving seven partners in
four countries. The project is designed to engage with the minerals
industry and other stakeholders to develop a framework for the
restoration of mineral sites to provide benefits for biodiversity and
local people.
Overall Purpose Of The Job:
To work with the minerals industry, DOE Planning/NIEA and
stakeholders to develop restoration plans on key mineral sites within
Northern Ireland to the most appropriate biodiversity end use .
Minerals sites are often ideal for recreating priority wildlife habitats,
however this potential is often unrealised. This post aims to
influence the extent to which priority UK BAP habitats and species
are provided for through mineral site restoration in Northern Ireland.
This will be done through supporting and building commitment
across the mineral extraction industry and government, through
facilitating best-practice advice and improving the minerals planning
policy process.
Main Duties:

To review and prioritise mineral restoration sites in Northern Ireland for engagement, identify best
practices and innovation in restoration and aftercare, seeking to facilitate positive restoration
outcomes, and disseminate this to interested parties.

To provide site based restoration advice on key strategic minerals sites; through proactive one to
one engagement with operators and authorities, site visits, facilitating assessments of site potential
drawing upon technical experts, preparation of restoration plans and liaison with site staff.

To help DoE Planning/NIEA planning team to ensure that biodiversity after use is secured into
planning conditions for all appropriate sites, including by incorporating the new requirements into
planning conditions as the Review of Minerals Planning Permissions (ROMPPs) proceeds.

To assist DoE Planning/NIEA planning team to ensure that minerals planning policy includes
biodiversity restoration.

To enage and advise quarry owners on biodiversity restoration to help them comply with conditions
and to provide biodiversity benefits even where this is not required by planning condition.

To assist in the development and implementation of restoration plans / after-care management, and
facilitate any required consents for revisions of restoration plans, and help shape emerging policy
where appropriate.

To engage with the minerals planning process in targeted priority areas to inform and advise
minerals policy and other strategic plans and processes.

To contribute to advisory materials including information sheets and case studies to support local
and national minerals planning best practice.

To identify key demonstration sites to showcase from within industry to enhance standards of
restoration. Hold demonstration events for local, regional and European audiences to demonstrate
solutions to key issues and highlight best practice and innovation. Develop a contacts network to
engage site managers to include their sites within the demonstration network.

To promote, prepare and deliver workshops and seminars to increase knowledge transfer and
awareness on e.g. requirements of priority species and habitats in end-use restoration, and on
lessons learned from emerging minerals policy, biodiversity criteria for planning applications, EIA
checklists, etc.

To engage with the local community to raise the profile of benefits of biodiversity restoration and
opportunities for education, access, recreation.

To contribute to RESTORE partner engagement by attending and contributing to RESTORE
meetings and conferences where appropriate, of which some will be in Europe.

To report to and be directed by the local Steering Group.
Other Duties:

To provide regular progress reports to the RESTORE project co-ordinator, and wider minerals
advisory team. To work with the wider minerals Advisory team to ensure consistency of engagement
and delivery,

To perform any necessary administration in keeping with the role

Other duties as determined by the line manager

This job requires significant time visiting sites around Northern Ireland and liaising with DOE
Planning/NIEA and therefore significant travel. Ability to work unsupervised and away from the office
is essential.

Travel outside of Northern Ireland to attend site visits, meetings and conference within the wider
European RESTORE partnership will also be required.
We expect you to carry out your job responsibilities in an environmentally aware manner, ensuring as little
damage to the environment as possible. Our aim is to ensure all resources are utilised effectively and
efficiently. You will be expected to apply ‘sound value for money’ principles in undertaking purchasing or
supply of goods and services.
In the RSPB volunteers are a major resource and make a vital contribution to the RSPB’s aim to take action
for the conservation of wild birds and the environment. You will be expected to encourage, develop and
support volunteer involvement in our work.
Job Title: Minerals Restoration Adviser
Person Specification
Region/Dept: NIHQ
Based at RSPB NIHQ, Belfast
How criteria will be tested : A = Application Form, T = Test, I = Interview, P = Personality test, O = Other
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications
A T
1 Degree in relevant discipline e.g. planning, geography,
ecology

I P O Qualifications
A
B
Experience
Postgraduate degree in land use planning or related
discipline
Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. IEEM)
A T
I P O


Experience
2 Engaging with industry and providing site advice


C
3 Addressing environmental issues in the planning system


D
4 Meeting and talking to stakeholders via face to face and
written communication


E
Skills/Abilities
Experience of the mineral planning system, in contact with
mineral operators, planning officers and elected members
Dealing with mineral applications including Environmental
Assessment
Designing, creating and managing wildlife habitats for
restoration








Skills/Abilities
5 Organising and prioritising a diverse workload

G
6 Confident written and verbal communicator
  
H
Creative approach to problem solving – ability to generate
ideas and solutions
Presentation and advocacy skills
7 Using Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Outlook & PowerPoint

I
Using GIS and/or MapInfo
8 Confidence in working independently and an effective team
player
9 Interpersonal and influencing skills


 
 


Knowledge
9
Knowledge of planning legislation, policy and practice
10 Understanding of ecological principles and managing land
for biodiversity delivery
Knowledge
  
J

K

L
Behaviours/Circumstances
11 Must be able to travel around Northern Ireland and abroad,
including some sites which are not accessible by public
transport
12 Show enthusiasm for the role and helping to achieve the
objectives of the Restore project
Mineral planning processes in Northern Ireland (incl. policy,
  
applications, conditions and agreements)
Understanding of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan process?

Familiarity with the work of the RSPB & NIEA




Behaviours/Circumstances
M Understanding of stakeholder views, and ability to work
with many different types of people.


APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT
STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL
PLEASE REFER TO VACANCY DETAILS FOR RETURN ADDRESS
Job Ref. No.
5251213
Position applied for
Location
How did you first learn of this vacancy?
Identification details
(BLOCK CAPITALS PLEASE)
Surname
Dr/Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms/Other
Forenames
Address
Postcode
Email address
May we, with discretion, phone you at work?
Home tel no
Yes
No
Business tel
no
Do you hold a current, valid driving licence?
If yes, what type?
If yes, do you have any current endorsements?
If yes, please give details of any current endorsements.
Yes
Full
Yes
No
Provisional
No
Qualifications relevant to this application (including technical and/or professional).
Please provide details (note that these may be verified on appointment)
Current membership of any professional or technical organisations.
Please provide details (note that these may be verified on appointment)
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
Employment history
Please give details of all jobs held, including part-time and unpaid work, starting with your current
or most recent employer. Continue on a separate sheet if necessary.
Employer’s full name &
address
Job title/
Key achievements & areas
of responsibility
Length of time in job/
Reasons for leaving/
Final salary in role
Relevant skills/knowledge/experience
You should outline below how your skills/knowledge/experience meet the requirements of the Person
Specification. You may draw on past employment and/or out of work activities. Please include details
of any scientific papers you have had published. Continue on a separate sheet if necessary.
Why are you interested in applying for this post?
Continue on a separate sheet if necessary.
Length of notice
Declaration
The information on this form will be used for recruitment and selection purposes only and if your
application is successful it will form part of your employment record. All unsuccessful applications will
be destroyed twelve months after the closing date for positions advertised in Scotland, England and
Wales and three years after the closing date for positions advertised in Northern Ireland.
Are you eligible to work in the UK ?
Yes

No

For Internal applicants only: In the event of my application being successful give my permission for
the Personnel Department to approach my line manager for an internal reference.
If it is discovered that you have given any information, which you know to be false, or withhold any
relevant information your application may be rejected or any subsequent employment terminated.
I confirm that the information contained in this application form is correct.
Signature ...................................................................................... ……………………………………….
Date
.................................................................................................................................................
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