We need a Ferret Trapping Co-ordinator for the ‘LIFE Raft project - Rathlin Acting for Tomorrow: Removing invasive non-native ferrets and rats from the Rathlin Island SPA, NI.

Rathlin Island is 4km off the County Antrim coast and is NI’s only inhabited offshore island. At a national and international level, Rathlin’s seabird populations are important but invasive non-native ferrets and rats threaten their status.
The LIFE Raft project’s aim is to safeguard the island’s wildlife by eradicating both the ferret and rat populations from the island, whilst embedding sound biosecurity measures to prevent their return. The project will strengthen existing local pride in, and stewardship of, the island’s natural heritage and create significant socioeconomic opportunities. Success will require a multi-disciplinary approach covering technical operations, community engagement and collaborative working across the project partnership and with key external stakeholders

About the role:
This will be achieved by implementing the existing eradication plan which the candidate will be expected to lead and adapt, when needed. Once the project is ready, the successful candidate will work with the EDM to lead the ferret eradication team in the field. Office work will be part of this job but the successful candidate will spend a substantial period as an active member of the eradication team. This will involve the humane dispatch of animals. Throughout, the successful candidate will be expected to periodically audit all processes (e.g eradication plan, H&S Plans) and thus must demonstrate a commitment to safety and best practice at all times.  This role provides an exciting opportunity for a committed conservationist to be part of a unique project that is using innovative technologies,

Candidates should have experience of working, and living, on islands with small communities or in isolated locations and be prepared to adapt to inclement weather and the changes in work schedules. This position will require the successful candidate to spend extended time on Rathlin Island throughout the project, particularly during the winter months. Integrity, honesty, and mutual respect will guide your approach to engaging with the Rathlin Island community.

What we need the Ferret Trapping Coordinator to do:
•    Work as part of a team to deliver ferret eradication on Rathlin
•    Manage a small team of staff and volunteers
•    Review trapping data and adapt the project as required
•    Routinely audit trap locations, trap condition, trap use and trap checks by the ferret team
•    Review health and safety requirements and practices to ensure all staff and volunteers are working to regulations 
•    Provide reports on progress
•    Assist with final reporting and preparation of publications

Essential Criteria

Degree or equivalent relevant work experience in the area of specialism 

Practical delivery of working with/or trapping ferrets or equivalent mustelid 

Able to work in extreme conditions, sometimes for prolonged periods in the field 

Leadership, management and site supervision of a diverse team with a key focus on setting a clear direction, maintaining motivation and instigating and managing change 

Able to plan work schedules and deploy resources efficiently and effectively to achieve objectives 

Desirable Criteria 

Use of Camera traps and management of data  

Experience of eradication projects and Humane Dispatch 

Knowledge of key legal and practical requirements for ensuring health and safety of staff and volunteers working in challenging field conditions 

Compliance with relevant wildlife and environmental legislation when conducting field work associated with protected sites and species 

Interpersonal skills with the tact, diplomacy and negotiating skills to manage staff and develop and maintain good relations with the owners/managers of land on which your team is working 

Able to produce high level written communications and reports 

Competent IT user with experience of using GIS and data collection apps. 

Experience of working in isolated locations and or living within a small community 

First aid training 

LANTRA training 

Firearms License 

Mountaineering or rope access experience 

What we need from you:
You’ll be a passionate advocate for Rathlin Island and the recovery and conservation of breeding seabirds in this fragile island ecosystem. You will have empathy for people and a commitment to affording a small community the opportunity to contribute to species recovery. You will have experience of undertaking similar work with mammals elsewhere in the world. You will be keen to embrace new techniques that will facilitate the development of the field of island restoration  

The project has been made possible with funding from EU LIFE; National Lottery Heritage Fund; and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), (with contributions from RSPB NI, Rathlin Development and Community Association (RDCA) and support from the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust (CCGHT)).

This is a Fixed-Term, Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week.   Initially offered for 2 years with possibility of extension into the rat eradication phase of the project. 

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.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position on the 26.01.23. For an informal discussion about this post, please email david.tosh@rspb.org.uk 

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

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the RofOAct 1974.Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes.