Overview

  • Location – Fermanagh Reserves, Northern Ireland
  • Hours – Full time – 37.5 hours per week.
  • Salary – £25,463 – £27,585 per annum
  • Basis – Maternity cover role – up to 1 year
  • Closing date – 4 January 2019
  • Interview Date – 17 January 2019

This role involves working with farmers and landowners within the Lough Erne basin to promote best practice habitat management for the conservation of breeding waders (curlew, lapwing, redshank & snipe) and wet grassland habitats for the benefit of wildlife. A number of sites across the Upper & Lower Lough are targeted for management advice and annual monitoring. The post holder will also support specific farmers within the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affair’s (DAERA) Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS) and encourage farmers who may be eligible to enter the scheme.  To assist farmers to enter the scheme will require the production of remedial management plans for each farm including assessment of habitats present. In addition the post holder will arrange demonstration of best practice events for farmers and deliver occasional events including Big Schools Bird Watch to inspire learning about the environment and wildlife.

The post holder will undertake breeding wader surveys across nineteen sites between mid April and mid July which requires early starts and to follow a standardised methodology.  At the end of the fieldwork season you will write a detailed report on the survey results following an agreed format.

This role offers an opportunity to apply your knowledge of environmentally focussed grassland farming systems for the benefit of wildlife in general and to aid the recovery of breeding curlew in particular.  Surveys allow access to some wonderful areas not open to the public; you will be able to increase your expertise and learn more about this beautiful and rich landscape.

We are looking for someone who is able to work independently with the farming community to continue established relationships, provide advice and expertise as well as support within the EFS.  Relationships within the area are key to the success of this work; we are looking for a sensitive and tactful, experienced individual who is comfortable discussing farming and environmental matters around the kitchen table.  You will work closely with colleagues in RSPBNI HQ Belfast and staff at the Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency within DAERA.

The post holder will have a desk in the RSPB Fermanagh Area Office in Enniskillen.  You will need to have access to your own vehicle, work mileage will be covered. Accommodation is not provided.

For further information and to download an application pack, please visit our website @ https://www.rspb.org.uk/about-the-rspb/about-us/rspb-job-vacancies/vacancies-listing/