This recruitment is for a Senior Project Manager for the ‘LIFE Raft project - Rathlin Acting for Tomorrow: Removing invasive non-native ferrets and rats from the Rathlin Island SPA, Northern Ireland.’ 

The project will strengthen existing local pride in, and stewardship of, the island’s natural heritage and create significant socioeconomic opportunities for a sustainable future. Success will require a multi-disciplinary approach covering technical operations, community engagement and collaborative working across the project partnership and with key external stakeholders 

The project was made possible with funding from EU LIFE+, National Lottery Heritage Fund (development phase), and 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)

We are looking for a highly experienced and motivated Project Manager who will lead on operational planning and delivery of the ferret and rat eradications.  This Project Manager will start their work programme by leading a review of the current eradication operation plans with the project team and our contractors. Once this is completed, the Project Manager will then prepare for the operationalisation of the plans. The Project Manager will work hand in hand with the Project Manager (Community) to ensure the project retains the support and cooperation of Rathlin’s community as the preparatory phase is completed and during the execution of the eradication operations. 

The role will involve managing budgets, staff, and complex logistics and will require an ability to meet unforgiving deadlines. A strong track record in report writing will facilitate work with funders and regulators.  The Project Manager will lead on navigating the UK regulatory context relevant to the eradication of ferrets and rats from Rathlin Island and ensure that the project adheres to all our legal obligations.  The role will involve planning and undertaking mammal surveys and requires knowledge of mammalian ecology as it relates to the goal of achieving successful eradication.  

You will be managed by the LIFE Raft Programme Manager and will be the main link between the formal Programme Management structures and operational teams.  The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in the overall outcome of the LIFE Raft project.  

About 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 experience in managing complex logistics and a team, ideally on an island or in a rural area.  

You will have substantial experience in planning and managing fieldwork as well as leading teams and working collaboratively within teams. 

You will also have substantial experience in monitoring techniques for small mammals, ideally as monitoring relates to eradication planning and implementation.  

You will lead when required and support others in your team and on Rathlin to thrive in their leadership roles. Most of all, you will be a team player with a ‘can do’ attitude.  

You will be able to pay careful attention to detail without losing sight of the bigger picture. You must be able to adapt project plans quickly if external demands require without compromising on delivery. You will be an active solutions finder/problem solver.  

You need to be able to communicate a vision and facilitate effective partnerships to ensure the successful eradication of invasive non-native species. You’ll need a good working knowledge of how to achieve the eradication of invasive non-native species from islands. 

You will have substantial experience engaging with island or rural communities to tackle environmental challenges. Specific experience working with island communities during similar mammal eradication projects would be advantageous.  

Essential qualifications, skills, and experience: 

• Substantial experience of small mammal ecology as it relates to eradication planning and implementation on islands (specifically rats and/or mustelids).  
• Substantial experience of methods to survey and monitor various species of mammals e.g. rats, ferrets, mice, hare, rabbits and cats.  
• Experience of delivering eradication of an invasive non-native mammal from an island (highly desirable).
• Demonstrated understanding of environmental legislation in Northern Ireland including designated sites and writing Habitat Regulations Assessment (or similar).  
• Experience of planning logistics or complex field research projects with pressing deadlines.
• Experience of delivering complex projects and managing project budgets.
• Experience of leading and managing multidisciplinary teams.
• An ability to produce clear written communications and reports and/or peer review papers.
• Demonstrable experience in developing and working in partnerships to achieve shared outcomes.
• Competent IT user. 

This is a Five year Contract role to begin with Full Time 37 hours per week.  The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs.
As part of this application process, you will be asked to complete an application form to evidence of how your meet the skills, knowledge, and experience requested.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.

Interviews will be held on Thursday 9th December

For further information please contact Claire.Barnett@rspb.org.uk .

This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act1974.