Conservation Adviser

RSPB Northern Ireland’s Countryside & Land Management Services (CLMS) is expanding its large-scale habitat management work. CLMS provides ecological surveys, conservation advisory, management plans, and habitat restoration using specialised machinery. The income generated supports RSPB’s mission to protect and restore nature.

About The Role

We seek a passionate Conservation Adviser to advance our mission across NI & Ireland. Collaborating with partners and landowners, you’ll provide tools and expertise to restore & manage habitats, including wetlands, peatlands, and grasslands, while generating income for RSPB’s work. This role offers a chance to work with the UK’s largest conservation charity, gain experience, and receive training.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice & information to clients, supported by professional reports.
• Conduct habitat & species surveys for clients to project objectives.
• Supervise contractors & work as a team on practical habitat management tasks.
• Build strong relationships with decision-makers, external partners & stakeholders.
• Research & secure new contract opportunities, including tender submissions.
• Promote the work of CLMS to expand its reach & impact.
• Work closely with the Machinery Manager & Operators to deliver team-based projects.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for a motivated, adaptable & results-driven individual who is passionate about conservation. The ideal candidate will have:

• Excellent ecological knowledge of species and habitats in NI and Ireland.
• Experience in surveys, management plans, and habitat restoration.
• Physical resilience for fieldwork in remote areas.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to manage workloads under deadlines.
• Flexibility to work irregular hours, travelling and overnight stays.

Essential Skills And Experience

• Degree-level qualification in a relevant subject or ability to show equivalent work experience.
• Excellent knowledge of the ecology, species and habitats across NI and Ireland.
• Experience of working to survey, protect and/or manage important sites, species or habitats.
• Ability to undertake demanding fieldwork in remote areas for long hours.
• Ability to work effectively as a team player both internally and in external partnerships.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written and presentational) – especially when compiling professional management reports.
• Ability to rapidly analyse significant quantities of information, prioritise and balance a diverse workload to tight deadlines.
• Proven ability to influence others and negotiate desired outcomes.
• Experience of using Microsoft Office packages including Outlook, Excel & Word and GIS packages, such as QGIS.
• Full drivers’ licence which is valid for use in the UK and access to a vehicle or ability to access remote locations without use of public transport.

Desirable Skills And Experience

• Effective project management skills.
• Specialist conservation knowledge in relevant areas, such as, wetland, peatland and farmland.
• Competency in use of drones for survey works.

Additional Information

• The role involves working alone and in remote areas.
• Weekend, early morning, and evening work will occasionally be required, with overnight stays necessary to complete certain tasks.
• Projects may be located across NI and Ireland, requiring substantial travel to complete the work.

This is a Permanent Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 7th March 2025. For further information, please get in touch with [email protected]

As part of this application process, you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence of how you meet the skills, knowledge, & experience listed above.

We are committed to developing an inclusive & diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, & able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, & more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour & disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, & conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour &/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 an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship – the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

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