Would you like to deliver the recovery of Lowland Raised Bogs in Northern Ireland?  

Lowland raised bogs are one of Ireland’s most iconic and important ecosystems. They store and sequester huge amounts of carbon, are homes for some of our rarest species, and can provide a window into our past. However, many of our raised bogs are under threat or have been lost due to conflicting practices.

This project aims to halt the degradation of lowland raised bogs and restore them to a healthy state. This will be achieved through building strong partnerships, developing restoration plans and undertaking conservation action. We are seeking three team players to contribute to delivery of this work.

About the role

This is an exciting and forward-looking role that will enable the right candidates to accelerate the recovery of Lowland Raised Bogs, upskilling themselves in delivery of peatland restoration while working with a team of project staff. The team will have the support of a variety of other RSPB staff in Northern Ireland and further afield. The role will engage and develop relationships with landowners, assess sites, and draw up costed Restoration Plans for a number of lowland raised bogs. 

This is a collaboration between RSPB NI and our funding partners at The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA). It is a 5-year post where successful candidates will work in collaboration with key contacts internally and externally in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, and in other UK countries as appropriate.

You will work on many of the Peatland Restoration and Recovery objectives within the Accelerating Lowland Raised Bog Recovery Programme. There will be ample opportunity for personal and role development.

The actions for the team include fieldwork-based survey, (drones, peat depth mapping, hydrological monitoring, habitat and species recording etc), mapping sites according to established or emerging protocols and drawing up restoration plans from this data which can align with funding mechanisms such as through grant, Philanthropic opportunities or other mechanisms such as the IUCN Peatland Code. The surveys, mapping and plans will be informed by a prioritised project pipeline of lowland raised bog restoration projects.

You will also assist with the delivery of peatland restoration contracts as and when they are funded, ensuring value for money, management of risk and achievement of agreed objectives.

What we need from you.

Candidates may be able to demonstrate some or all of the skills and experience we need already, however we welcome applications from those who recognise their own development needs and we will help realise their potential as a conservation practitioner delivering high impact outcomes.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• A keen interest in the restoration of peatland habitats in NI
• Ability to work effectively as a team player both internally and in external partnerships, as well as the ability to work alone. 
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written and presentational)
• The ability to walk long distances and navigate in remote and rugged environments.
• The ability to confidently develop strong working relationships with a range of people including farmers, landowners, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• An organised and reliable approach to managing your own time.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Proficient at using Microsoft Office packages including Outlook, Excel & Word
• The ability to recognise areas where personal development is required and a willingness to work on these, with the support of your line manager and peers.
• A full drivers’ licence which is valid for use in the UK and access to a vehicle for the duration of the contract.

Desirable skills, knowledge, qualifications and experience:

• A good level of knowledge of the ecology, challenges and opportunities of peatlands in Northern Ireland.
• Sufficient knowledge of a range of species that you would find in peatland habitats.
• Experience of working to survey, protect, manage or restore important sites, species, or habitats.
• Experience of writing management and/or restoration plans.
• Competency in GIS.
• Degree-level qualification in a relevant subject.
• Experience of productive partnership working.
• Experience of delivering conservation works through contractors.

These are Full-Time, Fixed Term Contracts of 55 months, with a fixed end date of 31st March 2029. We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 26th September. For further information please contact maria.mulholland@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 (you can paste a cover letter here).

This role will require completion of an Access NI in addition to the standard pre-employment checks.

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

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.

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