Are you passionate about inspiring people to save nature? Curlew are rapidly declining across the UK and could be lost in some places unless action is taken now. Northern England remains a stronghold for the species so we are looking for a dynamic project officer to enable farmers, volunteers, communities and local partners to successfully deliver a major new project supported through the National Lottery Green Recovery Challenge Fund.

As part of a bigger Northern England project to halt the decline of curlew, you will drive the delivery of management interventions, undertake monitoring of the curlew response and inspire many more people from nearby communities to get involved across the Forest of Bowland landscape.

The role is about working with farmers and landowners and our partners to deliver practical management for curlew on land not in Defra schemes in the Forest of Bowland. The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator and advocate for curlew conservation.

The 12 month role will be entirely based within the Forest of Bowland, working with the RSPB’s Conservation Advisor and Senior Conservation Officer, however, the role will require the applicant to work alone on often remote upland farmland sites within the project area.

The Forest of Bowland in the breeding season is an incredibly exciting place to be for wildlife enthusiasts, and this is a very special opportunity for someone with the required skills.

Key activities will include:

• Advocacy and advisory work on curlew conservation to farmers, landowners and the public, encouraging engagement and support for our work and to deliver results.
• Assisting the Conservation Advisor in the coordination of volunteer surveys of breeding curlew and other waders
• Identification of suitable sites and organisation of appropriate permissions for site works which may be undertaken with partners including the Forest of Bowland AONB, which will include:  
  • design and implement small wetlands
  • the management of rush for the benefit of curlew

What we need from you?

Essential

• Proven ability to influence others and negotiate desired outcomes
• Experience of partnership working
• Experience of contactor management
• Working experience of species/habitat survey work
• Confidence in advocating a position to landowners and managers who may have different views
• Competence in the use of core MS Office programmes
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written and presentational)

• Knowledge of the ecology of upland breeding waders
• Knowledge of the land management practices we are seeking to influence