The RSPB Investigations team has two vacancies in Scotland, and is looking for enthusiastic, organised and committed individuals to join us in helping ensure a better future for our wildlife. This is a rare opportunity to join a dedicated team in the fight against wildlife crime and to really make a difference!

Across Scotland, our magnificent birds of prey continue to be illegally persecuted, with some of our rarest species such as golden eagles, hen harriers, red kites and peregrines regularly targeted. These two roles will be focussed on fieldwork, with the aim of detecting, recording, analysis and dissemination of information on wildlife crime, particularly in relation to priority species and habitats.

If you could thrive in a dynamic, challenging environment where you will have the opportunity to contribute your own ideas within a unique and specialised team, then this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

The successful applicant will need to be based in Scotland and prepared to travel throughout the Scottish uplands and occasionally further afield. Some evening and/or weekend work may also be required.

What's the role about?

These roles involve working on the front line, following up reports of dead birds, monitoring the nests of some of our rarest breeding species, and carrying out targeted fieldwork in areas with a history of criminal activity. 

An enthusiastic, professional approach to fieldwork is essential. You will be spending a lot of time outside in remote upland environments where excellent navigation skills, confidence in working alone, and health & safety awareness are imperative. You will also need excellent bird identification skills and a comprehensive working knowledge of Scotland’s birds of prey.

Engagement with external partners such as the police and statutory agencies through providing advice, expert witness, and investigative help will be a key part of the role.

You need to be robust, persistent, focused, show initiative and be able to work calmly in pressured situations. 

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• A degree in ecology or conservation and/or relevant practical experience
• Ability to undertake demanding fieldwork in remote locations, whether alone or as part of a small team, in all weather and over rough terrain
• Comprehensive knowledge of wild birds, with experience in raptor monitoring
• Knowledge of Scottish wildlife protection legislation
• Knowledge of RSPB's Investigations team priorities and work
• Experience of practical conservation delivery in support of species & habitat conservation
• Proven IT skills including MS Office software especially Excel, Outlook and Teams
• A confident and personable manner, able to liaise professionally with enforcement partners, and also to handle reports of wildlife crime with understanding and empathy, sometimes in sensitive situations
• Full, manual driving licence, valid in the UK

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Knowledge of gamebird management practices
• Experience of specialist software eg GIS
• Experience of working with Police standards for information management/best practice, and/or statutory agencies, media, or law enforcement partners
• Knowledge of data protection regulations
• Knowledge and experience in the use of satellite transmitters to monitor birds of prey
• Confident speaking in public eg. giving presentations, media interviews or giving evidence in court

We are looking to fill two roles as part of this vacancy:

• One is a permanent position working 37.5 hours per week;
• The other is a fixed-term contract until 31 March 2025, also working 37.5 hours per week. 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 these positions from 19th June 2023. For further information please contact william.hayward@rspb.org.uk

As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above. Please advise as part of your application which of the contracts you would like to be considered for.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.