This is a fantastic opportunity to work at Britain's biggest and most naturally functioning floodplain wetland. Insh Marshes reserve is flanked by the stunning Cairngorm and Monadhliath mountain ranges. The reserve is home to a fantastic array of habitats, including fen, mire, swamp, wet grasslands and woodlands. The floodplain is highly designated; the features range from breeding and wintering birds, such as lapwing, redshank, snipe, curlew, spotted crake, osprey, wigeon, hen harrier and whooper swan, to nationally significant populations of invertebrates and plants. 

Breeding curlew is a key species on the Insh Marshes. Long-term monitoring efforts have shown that the reserve supports a stable population of curlews in high densities. However, little is known about curlew behaviour, chick survival rates and predator interactions in the quasi-natural functioning floodplain. 

We are looking for an energetic, self-motivated, and well-organised individual to join the Insh Marshes Team.

What's the role about?

The role will help deliver the key aspects of the RSPB's Curlew LIFE project at RSPB Insh Marshes. The project officer will work closely with the reserve management team and the UK-wide Curlew LIFE team . Work will include the following: 

What we need from you:

 Essential skills include:

• Some knowledge of the theory and practice of project management.
• Competent IT user (e.g. MS packages, Outlook etc).
• The ability to communicate about the project in a passionate and credible manner.
• An ability to produce clear written communications.
• Excellent problem solving skills and ability to find creative solutions.
• Able to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances.
• You will have a proven track record of working of completing work alone and working within a varied team.
• Experience of managing volunteers
• Comfortable managing volunteers from a range of backgrounds
• Reasonable birdwatching knowledge and experience of biological surveys
• Be willing to assist with predator control to benefit ground nesting birds
• Full driving licence valid for use in the UK

Desirable qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience:

• Organising training events, workshops or facilitated discussions and meetings
• Experience of producing written materials, newsletters and similar project related communications
• Experience with VHF radiotracking and ringing waders

Additional information:

• This role will involve lone working and working in remote locations.
• This role will require occasional weekend, early morning and evening working so will need someone who is able to be flexible.

This is a Fixed-Term role until December 31st, 2024, for 37.5 hours per week. The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

Before applying, please read through the candidate guidance notes attached. Additionally, we have attached some supporting information relating to this role.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from w/c 5th Feb. Remote virtual interviews can be arranged. For further information, please get in touch with thijs.claes@rspb.org.uk.

As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.