Dear Applicant

Short-term contract posts, spring and summer 2015

The RSPB Conservation Science Department has short-term contract vacancies on a variety of UK projects, mostly starting in March or early April, 2015 and for periods of 1-6 months. There are also a small number of equivalent posts, which will be managed from the RSPB Nature Recovery Unit or the RSPB North Scotland region. This year, due to uncertainties in funding for projects in 2015, 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 BTO bird 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.

The closing date for receipt of applications is midnight Monday, 12 January 2015. 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.

Vacancy pack

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 McCluneCo-ordinator-Conservation Science

Enc.

This pack contains all the information you need to apply, including:

Useful InformationDetails on our Diversity Policy statement, how we use CVs, shortlisting and employment checks and UK Identification requirements

Applicant letterDetails on how to apply plus closing date and interview date(s)

Job detailsA list of the vacancies available and the skills required.

Person specificationA list of criteria that potential candidates should aim to meet

Application FormPDF version

Please print out, complete and return to the address on the Applicant letterWord 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 InformationThe 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 StatementThe 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.

ShortlistingThe 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 ChecksAll 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 2015JOB DETAILS RA = Research Assistant; SRA = Senior Research Assistant

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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)

Posts with the RSPB Conservation Science DepartmentReducing impacts of raptor predation on wader chicks (in partnership with Natural England)

Lucy Mason 2 RA March 5.5 Oxfordshire To conduct a diversionary feeding trial of red kites and to collect data on the hunting activities of kites and other raptors and their predation rates on wader chicks at one site in Oxfordshire. Work will include: preparing, handling and distributing diversionary food (raw meat, carrion, small animal carcasses); observational surveys of hunting raptors; photographic identification of individual kites; visual identification of prey items from a distance; surveys of breeding lapwing, redshank and snipe and their chicks at different growth stages; monitoring small mammal abundance using footprint tracking tunnels; collation of data relating to alternative raptor food sources; liaison with RSPB staff, volunteers, farmers and landowners; data entry in Excel and possibly map digitising. Previous experience of ATV or off-road vehicle use is desirable. One post-holder will lead on diversionary feeding; one post-holder will lead on red kite and wader monitoring. Both post-holders must be flexible, willing to work unconventional hours and able to regularly help out with other parts of the project as and when needed.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 24, 26, 27, 35

9, 10, 13 (waders, raptors), 14, 19, 21 (raptors, waders), 22, 23, 25 (small mammals), 31, 32, 37, 38

Causes of poor productivity in black-tailed godwits

Jen Smart 2 RA March 5 Nene Washes RSPB Reserve, Cambridgeshire

To collect data on nest and chick survival in black-tailed godwits. Work will include finding and monitoring nests, ringing and radio tagging chicks, and monitoring predators including using nest cameras at marsh harrier nests to record prey items delivered. This project will use a range of technology for remote monitoring and therefore will involve manipulating and interpreting large volumes of data using Pivot Tables in Excel or other appropriate software packages. This is a challenging project which requires dynamic and determined people and at times, could involve long hours.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 24, 26, 27

9, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 21, 22, 23, 32, 33

Wood Warbler breeding ecology (in partnership with Natural England and Devon Birds)

Paul Bellamy

1 RA April 3 Devon To assist a project investigating the decline of the Wood Warbler in the UK. 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.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 14, 22, 23, 24, 26

9, 11, 12, 13, 18, 21, 27, 31, 32, 37

Willow tit habitat restoration (in partnership with Natural England)

Paul Bellamy

1 SRA March 6 Midlands and south Yorkshire

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 and colour ringing of any chicks. Liasing with landowners to gain access for survey of willow tits on surrounding areas.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 16, 22, 23, 24, 26

8, 10, 11, 12, 13 natural hole nests,14, 19, 21, 25 (trees & shrubs), 27, 29, 31, 32

Lapwing and fallow plots (in partnership with Defra)

Michael MacDonald

1 SRA March 6 East Anglia Lapwing nest finding, chick radio-tagging and brood-locating, invertebrate sampling, habitat measuring. Liaison with farmers and landowners, data entry, and possibly map digitising. Line manage up to two Research Assistants on the same project.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 24, 26, 29

8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 31, 32, 35, 37

Lapwing and fallow plots (in partnership with Defra)

Michael MacDonald

2 RA March 5 East Anglia Lapwing nest finding, chick radio-tagging and brood-locating, invertebrate sampling, habitat measuring. Liaison with farmers and landowners, data entry, and possibly map digitising.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 24, 26, 29

8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 31, 32, 35, 37

Starling population declines (in partnership with Natural England)

Dave Buckingham

1 SRA April 6 South-West England (Avon, Somerset, Gloucestershire), possibly Cambridgeshire

To assist a project investigating the causes of population decline in starlings. Work will inlcude liaising with landowners hosting nestbox colonies to monitor nestbox uptake and productivity. Radiotagging adult and fledgling starlings and tracking adults during provisioning and juvenile dispersal during the post-fledging period). Data entry and collation, and basic report writing. If nestbox uptake in the SW study area is too low, the radiotracking work may have to be relocated to Cambridgeshire (RSPB Hope Farm).

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28

1, 11, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 31, 32, 33, 35

Yellow Wagtail solution testing (in partnership with Natural England)

Tony Morris 1 SRA April 6 Essex To assist a project testing conservation solutions to reverse Yellow Wagtail population declines. The aims of the work will be to survey farmland for breeding Yellow Wagtails, locate and monitor nests. Ability to spot breeding behaviour and recognise territorial Yellow Wagtails in arable farmland will be necessary, as will nest finding and monitoring skills. Additional duties include liasing with farmers to arrange access to study sites, habitat mapping, data entry in excel, digitising habitat data in GIS and nest survival analysis.

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 13 (open cup nests, ground nesters) , 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29, 37

1, 10, 11, 12, 16, 19, 20, 21, 28, 31, 32, 35

Yellow Wagtail solution testing (in partnership with Natural England)

Tony Morris 1 RA April 5 Essex To assist a project testing conservation solutions to reverse Yellow Wagtail population declines. The aims of the work will be to survey farmland for breeding Yellow Wagtails, locate and monitor nests. Ability to spot breeding behaviour and recognise territorial Yellow Wagtails in arable farmland will be necessary, as will nest finding and monitoring skills. Additional duties include liasing with farmers to arrange access to study sites, habitat mapping, data entry in excel.

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 13 (open cup nests, ground nesters) , 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29

1, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 19, 21, 28, 29, 31, 32, 35, 37

Trial management for Ring Ouzels (in partnership with Natural England)

Innes Sim 2 RA April 4 Northern England 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.

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

Trial management for Curlew (in partnership with Natural England)

David Douglas

5 RA March 5 Various throughout UK and likely to include Northern England, Scotland, North Wales and Northern Ireland

To collect data on breeding ecology of curlew. This is likely to include mapping distribution and abundance of breeding birds, assessing habitat selection, productivity estimates, vegetation recording and surveys of nest and chick predators (eg foxes and crows).

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

Trial management for Curlew (in partnership with Natural England)

David Douglas

1 SRA March 6 Likely to be either Northern England or Scotland

To collect data on breeding ecology of curlew. This is likely to include mapping distribution and abundance of breeding birds, assessing habitat selection, productivity estimates, vegetation recording and surveys of nest and chick predators (eg foxes and crows). Assist with project set-up , data collation and line manage a number of Research Assistants.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 22, 23, 24, 26

9, 10, 11, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 27, 28, 29, 32, 35, 37

Dotterel studies Steve Ewing

1 RA May 3.5 Cairngorms The post-holder will assist in the collection of field data on Dotterel, contributing to an ongoing PhD study. Main duties will include conducting surveys of montane birds, mapping breeding Dotterel, locating and monitoring nesting attempts, sampling invertebrate prey, habitat/vegetation recording, and data entry. The ability to work and operate safely in remote montane environments is an essential requirement of the post.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 18, 23, 24, 26

8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 25, 27

Langholom Moor Demonstration Project

Staffan Roos

1 SRA March 5 Langholm, SW Scotland

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.

1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 13 (raptors), 18, 20, 22, 23, 26

8, 11, 14, 15, 21 (Hen Harrier), 24, 27

Langholom Moor Demonstration Project

Staffan Roos

1 RA March 5 Langholm, SW Scotland

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.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 18, 22, 23, 26

8, 9, 13 (raptors), 14, 15, 21 (Hen Harrier), 24, 27

Seabird tracking studies

Ellie Owen 1 SRA April 3.5 Various UK seabird colonies

To contribute to RSPB seabird tracking studies which are focussed on identifying key foraging areas for seabirds (www.rspb.org.uk/whatwedo/projects/details.aspx?id=365020E). Fieldwork involves attaching deploying tags with 5 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.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8(seabirds), 10, 27, 28, 29

9, 19, 20, 21(seabirds), 26, 31, 33, 34

Seabird tracking studies

Ellie Owen 1 RA April 3.5 Various UK seabird colonies

To contribute to RSPB seabird tracking studies which are focussed on identifying key foraging areas for seabirds (www.rspb.org.uk/whatwedo/projects/details.aspx?id=365020E). Fieldwork involves deplying tags with 5 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.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 27, 28, 29

8(seabirds), 21(seabirds), 26, 31, 33

Hawfinch Ecology (in partnership with Natural England)

Will Kirby 2 RA April 3 Forest of Dean/Wye Valley and 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 two areas, there may be a requirement to spend considerable time elsewhere.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 23, 24, 26, 28, 29

8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 22, 27, 32

Tracking Turtle Doves John Mallord

1 RA May 2 East Anglia 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.

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 (C, or A; incl target full-grown pigeons and doves, mist net and whoosh-net endorsements), 9, 26, 29

9, 10, 13, 19, 21 (Turtle Dove)

Grassland caterpilars Dave Buckingham

1 SRA April 6 SW England: Salisbury/Andover area

To undertake caterpillar sampling and associated vegetation sampling on grasslands, including identification of caterpillars (Lepiodotpera and Symphyta) to species, which will involve rearing. The post will involve data collation and development of new caterpillar identification criteria for publication.

4, 5, 6, 7, 17, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 36

1, 16, 19, 21, 31, 32, 33

Monitoring Turtle Dove HLS package (in partnership with Natural England)

Tony Morris 1 SRA May 5 East Anglia To assist with the first evaluation of bespoke management for turtle doves through higher-level agri-environment (HLS). It will test whether management provides abundant and accessible seed food in close proximity to nesting habitat and whether turtle doves settle to breed close to the bespoke management. It will also provide a reference point for future re-surveys to determine whether the HLS management is associated with a more favourable local population trend than in the wider countryside.Ability to recognise and map territorial turtle doves and common farmland plants will be necessary, and familarity with agri-environment measures highly desirable. Additional duties include liasing with farmers to arrange access to study sites, habitat mapping, data entry in excel, digitising habitat data in GIS.

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 37

1, 10, 11, 16, 19, 21, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36

Cirl Bunting survey Simon Wotton

1 SRA March 8 Devon & Cornwall To organise and conduct survey work across the known Cirl Bunting range in Devon and Cornwall, including the recruitment of volunteers and management of the RA. Fieldwork will be conducted at the tetrad level and will cover c330 tetrads. 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. The SRA will also collate the survey forms after the survey and enter the data into an Excel spreadhseet and on to ArcGIS. Additionally, there will be detailed field mapping in 56 tetrads, in a repeat of work undertaken in 2003 and 2009.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, 20, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 37

10, 11, 16, 19, 22, 29, 35, 36

Cirl Bunting survey Simon Wotton

1 RA April 5 Devon & Cornwall To conduct survey work across the known Cirl Bunting range in Devon and Cornwall. Fieldwork will be conducted at the tetrad level and will cover c330 tetrads. 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 will be detailed field mapping in 56 tetrads, in a repeat of work undertaken in 2003 and 2009.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, 21, 23, 24, 26

10, 11, 16, 19, 22, 27, 29, 35, 36

Neonicotinoids and farmland birds

Jenny Dunn 1 SRA April 5 Cambridgeshire/East Anglia

To identify suitable farmland sites for fieldwork during autumn and spring. The post will involve contacting landowners, discussing pesticide usage and negotitating access to the land. Site visits will be needed to interveiw farmers about planned cropping management and to conduct rapid surveys of birds.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 16, 19, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 35

8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 25, 31, 33, 36, 37

Hope Community baseline monitoring

Andy Stanbury

1 SRA April 6 Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire

To organise and conduct field surveys of birds, pollinating insects and hedgehogs on urban-fringe farmland. To line manage one research assistant. The post requires relevent experience of either bird surveys (including the ability to identify farmland birds by song and call) and/or pollinating insects (especially butterflies and bumblebees). The post will require long hours of fieldwork and will involve early morning starts.

1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 16, 23, 24, 26, 27

3, 9, 10, 11, 12, 19, 20, 22, 25, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, 37

Hope Community baseline monitoring

Andy Stanbury

1 RA April 6 Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire

To assist with field surveys of birds, pollinating insects and hedgehogs on urban-fringe farmland. The post requires relevent experience of either bird surveys (including the ability to identify farmland birds by song and call) and/or pollinating insects (especially butterflies and bumblebees). The post will require long hours of fieldwork and will involve early morning starts.

1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 23, 24, 26, 27 3, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 19, 22, 25, 31, 33, 35, 37

Little Tern monitoring (in partnership with EU LIFE)

Sarah Davis 1 RA May 3 Mainly Coastal East Anglia but possibly colonies elsewhere in England

The post-holder will assist with the capture, handling and ringing of little tern adults and chicks and assist in associated little tern monitoring. 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. Previous experience of handling birds (preferably seabirds) is desirable.

1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 26, 27, 28, 29

2, 8 (seabirds), 9, 10, 13, 14, 19, 21, 31, 33

Corn Bunting survey in East Scotland

Allan Perkins

2 RA early May

3.5 North-East Scotland

The post-holder will assist with re-surveying approximately 40 lowland farms in north-east Scotland (Aberdeenshire and Moray), to determine recent Corn Bunting population trends in response to agri-environment schemes since the farms were last surveyed in 2008/9. Other key farmland species (e.g. Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting, Skylark, Tree Sparrow, Linnet, Grey Partridge, Lapwing) will also be surveyed. Whole-farm surveys of typically 3–5 hours will be conducted during mornings, walking around field boundaries and mapping locations and territorial activity of birds, along with basic land use such as crop types and locations of agri-environment scheme habitats. The ability to identify British farmland birds by sight and sound and to accurately map their locations is essential, as is maintaining good relations with farmers and landowners. Other tasks will involve data entry into Excel spreadsheets, and possibly GIS.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 22, 23, 24, 26

9, 10, 11, 19, 21, 27, 32, 35, 37

Brecks grass heath management study

Jen Smart 1 RA April 7 Norfolk (Breckland) To assist a PhD project testing how stone-curlew, woodlark and other priority grass heath species respond to large-scale ground disturbance techniques. It is likely that the post holder will be required to map woodlark territories, monitor stone-curlews, and measure the composition and structure of vegetation within and outwith the treatments. Access to the key study site is un-predictable, which means that the ability to work flexible and long hours, sometimes with little notice, is an essential requirement of this post. The post holder will need to liaise with the project partners over access and fit the monitoring programme around this schedule accordingly.

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,10,23,24,26,27

9,10,11, 12,13 (ground nesting birds),14,16,19,21,22,25 (acidic and calcareous grassland plants)

Breeding waders and soil management

Heather McCallum

1 RA March 4 Central Scotland (but with travel)

The post-holder will assist in the collection of field and laboratory data on the impacts of soil condition on breeding waders, contributing to an ongoing PhD study. Main duties will include digging soil cores, sampling invertebrate prey, habitat/vegetation recording, laboratory analysis of soil condition, data entry into Excel and possible GIS mapping. The opportunity to conduct foraging observations of waders may also be possible. Field work will be carried out by foot, in remote locations and possibly involve some lone working for periods of time. The post-holder will have to be flexible with working hours due to the nature of fieldwork and may be required to stay overnight, however, all accommodation will be provided and the post-holder is not required to have their own vehicle as lift shares to all site will be possible. Fieldwork will be physically demanding and involve long hours on site, carrying equipment and in all weather conditions.

2 (waders), 4, 5,24,26,27,29

1,3,6,7,9,12,16,17,18,22 (waders),23,25,28,37

Posts with the RSPB Nature Recovery Unit

Corncrake translocation project (in partnership with Natural England)

Jonathan Taylor

1 RA equivalen

t

April 5 Nene Washes RSPB Reserve, Cambridgeshire

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 zsl 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.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 22, 24, 26 8, 9, 12, 17, 19, 21, 25, 27, 32, 33, 38

Corncrake trapping, Nene Washes (in partnership with NE)

Hannah Ward

1 SRA Aug 1 Nene Washes RSPB Reserve, Cambridgeshire

To capture and record wild Corncrake adults and chicks in the reintroduced population at the RSPB reserve Nene Washes, Cambridgeshire.  Postholder must hold a current BTO ringing licence, at A permit level, with appropriate endorsements and would need to recruit and manage teams of volunteer helpers.

3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 26 21, 31, 32, 33

Posts with the RSPB North Scotland RegionMonitoring of Shiants LIFE project

Phil Taylor 1 SRA March 6 Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides

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 shall be expected to spend 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 post-holder will spend some time writing up results, based either in the Harris or Edinburgh office.

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

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 shall 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.

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

Person Specification (Page 1 of 2)

Job Title: Research and Senior research assistants and equivalents (various short-term contract posts) 2015

Region /Dept: Conservation ScienceSee 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 = OtherAttributes which are either essential or desirable for some advertised posts

A T I P O Attributes which are either essential or desirable for some advertised posts

A T I P O

1 Good basic knowledge of British wildlife, their habitats and conservation priorities

X 8 BTO Ringing permit – C or A (specify grade, endorsements and restrictions)

X

2 Ability to identify a wide range of British birds by sight, in particular those species or groups which are named in these projects

X 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)

X X

3 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)

X 10 At least 1 season's appropriate involvement in professional bird research

X

4 Capable of keeping accurate and legible records of data collected in the field

X 11 Several years professional bird survey or research experience

X

5 Ability to undertake demanding fieldwork (long hours/poor weather)

X X 12 Practical experience of using at least one standard bird survey method (transects, mapping, point counts, BBS, CBC

X

6 Ability to work under own initiative whether alone or as part of a small team

X X 13 Practical experience of locating/monitoring nests (including nestling biometrics) (specify experience, eg nest boxes, seabirds, open-cup passerine nests)

X

7 Able to regularly travel to, from and within remote locations not served by public transport

X X 14 Practical experience of reading colour-rings or other field readable marks

X

Person Specification (Page 2 of 2)

Job Title: Research and Senior research assistants and equivalents (various short-term contract posts) 2015

Region /Dept: Conservation Science 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 = OtherAttributes which are either essential or desirable for some advertised posts

A T I P O Attributes which are either essential or desirable for some advertised posts

A T I P O

15 Practical experience of radio tracking X 27 Ability to use standard computer packages (e.g. Word and Excel)

X

16 Practical experience of quantitative habitat surveys X 28 Willing to work anywhere within UK with reasonable notice X17 Practical experience of invertebrate sampling X 29 Willing to travel widely perhaps including overnight stays X18 Experience of working in remote upland areas X 30 Willing to work in specified countries overseas X X19 Experience of obtaining access to private land and liaising

with landowners, their agents and employeesX 31 Relevant degree or equivalent X

20 Experience of supervising field assistants X 32 Previously employed by RSPB or comparable organization on appropriate research or survey work

X

21 Previous specialist experience with a named target species X 33 Writing basic scientific reports or papers X22 Ability to identify British birds by sound, in particular those

species or groups which are named in projectX 34 Basic statistical skills X

23 Ability to navigate using a map, compass and GPS X X 35 Good understanding of farming-related issues X X24 Ability to accurately locate and record on maps bird and

other dataX 36 Higher level of botanical expertise X

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)

X 37 Experience of using MapInfo or other GIS X

26 Ability to work alone with limited supervision X X 38 Experience in aviculture or animal husbandry X

PLEASE REFER TO VACANCY DETAILS FOR RETURN ADDRESSJob Ref. No. CONSCI2015

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Do you hold a current, valid driving licence? Yes NoIf yes, what type? Full ProvisionalIf yes, do you have any current endorsements? Yes NoIf yes, please give details of any current endorsements.

Qualifications relevant to this application (including technical and/or professional).Please provide details (note that these may be verified on appointment)

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APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT

STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

Employment historyPlease 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.

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Relevant skills/knowledge/experienceYou 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.

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

Why are you interested in applying for this post?Continue on a separate sheet if necessary.

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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.

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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.

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Date .................................................................................................................................................