Breeding Wader Surveyor - RSPB

Scotlink; Wales; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A conservation project organization is seeking mobile fieldworkers to survey breeding wader species across Wales. The role includes identifying and recording various bird species during extensive travel, requiring strong field skills and the ability to report data accurately. Candidates must possess a full UK driving license and have knowledge of bird surveying techniques. This position involves overnight stays and demands self-motivated individuals capable of maintaining relationships with landowners and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Experience with bird survey techniques is essential.
• Practical experience with waders in breeding habitats.
• Knowledge of relevant regulations regarding fieldwork.

Responsibilities

• Survey the presence of waders in targeted habitats.
• Report data accurately to an online portal.
• Maintain effective relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Bird survey techniques

Practical field skills of waders in breeding habitat

Knowledge of licensing and regulations

Initiative to solve day-to-day problems

Self-motivated and efficient work

Ability to read and understand Ordnance Survey map

Ability to collect data and report online

Communication skills

Full, manual driving licence

Job description

Reference: DEC20259419
Location: Travelling across Wales from home, not office based. Vehicle provided.
Salary: £25,847.00 - £27,594.00 Pro Rata
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Full-Time - incl earlies, lates & weekends.
Contracts: Fixed Term, 3 to 5 weeks
Five contracts of five weeks
One contract of three weeks

We are looking for fieldworkers to undertake a survey of breeding wader species at sites across Wales (primarily in North Wales, Powys and Gwent).

The role will be mobile, visiting a wide range of upland and lowland habitats, identifying and recording those with breeding waders present. Breeding species likely to be encountered are Curlew, Lapwing and Snipe, but Dunlin, Golden Plover, and Redshank are also possible.

What's the role about?

Undertaking a survey of the presence of waders in potential breeding habitat in targeted 1-km squares, following an agreed programme of data collection and collation.

Timely and accurate reporting of data to an online portal and archiving of paper field sheets.

Maintaining effective relationships with landowners, tenants and the public, to ensure effective project delivery.

Maintaining effective relationships with others involved in the survey, including BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) Cymru and Natural Resources Wales, and Curlew recovery project staff in relevant areas.

The survey is part of a Natural Resources Wales (NRW) project working with Welsh Government to ensure resilient woodlands can be created in Welsh landscapes while safeguarding breeding waders. NRW specifically requires a Wales survey of breeding Curlew, organised by BTO Cymru; other species of breeding wader will also be recorded.

Essential:

• Bird survey techniques.
• Practical field skills of waders in breeding habitat, particularly of Curlew and Lapwing, by sight and sound.
• Knowledge of licensing and regulations surrounding field work, for instance on protected species in protected habitats.
• Initiative to solve day-to-day problems in the field.
• Self-motivated and work efficiently within a defined work plan.
• Ability to read and understand Ordnance Survey map.
• Ability to collect data in the field and report through an online portal.
• Communication skills necessary to develop and maintain good relations with landowners and public.
• Full, manual driving licence that is valid in the UK.

Additional Info:

• Overnight stays away from home are required for much of the duration of the project.

Closing: Sunday 25th January 2026

To complete your application online please CLICK HERE