This recruitment is for a Supporting Specialist for the ‘LIFE Raft project - Rathlin Acting for Tomorrow: Removing invasive non-native ferrets and rats from the Rathlin Island SPA, Northern Ireland.’
The aim of the LIFE Raft project is to safeguard this 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 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 motivated Project Support Specialist who will help with preparation for, implementation of the LIFE Raft ferret and rat eradication projects. This person will also be integral to securing the legacy of the project by supporting the development of sound biosecurity for Rathlin Island. This will be a diverse role that will contribute to the overall success of the project.
The Project Support Specialist will be managed by the LIFE Raft Programme Manager, but will work to support the two Senior Project Managers to develop and deliver their work plans. This will require both office working from home and fieldwork on Rathlin Island.
The post holder will need to be able to draw on their expertise and ingenuity to help with planning, securing logistics and engage in active problem solving with our stakeholders.
Adaptability will be key to success. The project will encounter challenges and strong team working and individual leadership will be vital. We aim to recruit a pragmatic and practical self-starter who is able to run with allocated tasks whilst also knowing when to ask for advice. We expect the post holder will be a team player with a ‘can do’ attitude, willing to support every member of the team to succeed in their respective roles. The post holder can expect the same in return.
The Project Support Specialist will manage tasks assigned to them, for example, finding local contractors, developing logistics plans, engaging with community members in a friendly and trustworthy manner, undertaking monitoring tasks as requested by the Programme Manager, participate in team training and much more.
About you:
You will proactively support the Programme Manager and the two Senior Project Managers in developing and implementing work assigned to you. You will be a proactive team member and problem solver that understands how their assigned tasks, no matter how large or small they may seem, contributes to the success of the overall LIFE Raft project. You will have empathy for people and a commitment affording a small community the opportunity to contribute to species recovery. Experience engaging with island or rural communities to tackle environmental challenges is vital. Specific experience working with island communities or project staff during similar mammal eradication projects would be beneficial. You will work to identify project risks and opportunities throughout. This will lead to strategy success or changes in our planned ways of working.
Essential knowledge
Experience of working to support complex projects or programmes.
You will ideally have secured this experience from a minimum of five years working in a relevant environmental organisation or project.
Excellent team working and supporting your peers to succeed.
Practical experience of conservation projects.
A proven ability to use your initiative to solve problems, particularly with urgency under prevailing deadlines.
Experience in biological monitoring techniques and data capture.
Record keeping/data management.
Organisational including time management and prioritisation.
Competent IT user.
Communication and interpersonal skills.
Problem solving
Attention to detail in your work and ability to report problems.
Individual and team management skills.
Working with staff, volunteers, stakeholders and members of the public.
This is a 5 year contract initially. Full time permanent hours of 37 per week. The RSPB reserves right to make permanent without further advertising. If you require further information please contact Claire Barnett on claire.barnett@rspb.org.uk
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.
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 Friday 10th December.
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