Curlew Life Research Assistant (Lough Erne)

Curlew Life Research Assistant (Lough Erne)
Ref: JAN20217480
Location: RSPB Northern Ireland
Salary: £17,004 - £18,255 Per Annum
Benefits: Pension, Life Assurance, Annual Leave
Duration: 4 Months

Are you passionate about species conservation? Interested in gaining valuable research experience, while working with one of the UKs most recognisable and most threatened bird species?

RSPBNI is looking for an enthusiastic individual with experience in nest finding and VHF tracking breeding birds for a four month seasonal positions to monitor breeding wader populations in Lough Erne.

As part of a UK-wide project funded through the EU LIFE programme to halt the population declines, RSPB NI aims to deliver landscape-scale conservation at our two key research sites; Glenwherry and Lough Erne. This will include habitat management, predator control, and research and monitoring. Glenwherry has the highest concentration of Curlew outside of an RSPB reserve in Northern Ireland. The RSPB is working hard to conserve this critical population.

Your role will be to collect data on the breeding ecology of Curlew. This will include nest finding and monitoring, radio tagging, and tracking broods to assess survival and habitat use, data entry, and assistance with vegetation surveys. The post holder will need to have previous experience in finding and monitoring wader nests.

The post is physically demanding, requiring predawn starts, long days of walking over rough terrain, sometimes in inclement weather. You will be required to work unsociable hours, including the occasional weekends, depending on the weather.

This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside a passionate team in one the most spectacular places in Northern Ireland. 

Key activities will include

• Nest location and monitoring of Curlew.
• Nest protection, including erecting and maintaining electrified predator proof fence.
• VHF tracking of tagged chicks.
• Nest camera installation and maintenance (SD and batteries)
• Conducting modified Brown and Shepherd breeding wader surveys.
• Conducting vegetation surveys, habitat mapping and assessments.
• Data entry and upkeep.
• Developing and upkeeping relationships with stake-holders and land-owners.

What we need from you?
Essential Criteria

• Relevant degree or equivalent work experience.
• Practical experience of locating/monitoring nests (including nestling biometrics) (waders)
• You will have working knowledge of the wildlife and habitats (Lough) of the area and experience in wader monitoring and survey.
• Ability to undertake demanding fieldwork in remote areas for long hours and in poor weather.
• Ability to work under own initiative with limited supervision, whether alone or as part of a small team

Desirable Criteria

• Practical experience of VHF radio tracking.
• Ability to identify a wide range of British birds by sight and sound, specifically waders and farmland birds.
• Ability to navigate using a map, compass, and GPS.
• Capable of keeping accurate and legible records of data collected in the field.

Closing date: 12:05, 8 February 2021

TO APPLY AND FOR MORE INFORMATION:

If you would like to find out more about this position and to apply, please click the "Apply" button to be directed to our website, where you can download the role profile and application details.

No agencies please.

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