Rare opportunity to spend summer monitoring stone-curlew population in west of England

                                           

Stone-curlew - just two strongholds left in Britain 

THE deadline is approaching for anyone applying to be a stone-curlew field officer in  the south-west of England.

The RSPB says midnight on Tuesday March 5 is the cut-off point.

The job description for the  post reads: "We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic individual with skills in wildlife surveying to join our team conserving stone-curlews across the Wessex area.

"The species has undergone significant decline across the UK over the last century leaving only two strongholds, the Brecks in East Anglia and Wessex. 

"Some 30 years of conservation efforts have seen the population recover with the RSPB working closely with landowners and farmers, including the Ministry of Defence, to provide suitable habitat for breeding pairs. 

"The population in Wessex is now approaching 150 pairs, but continued recovery of this species relies on monitoring and protection."  

It continues: "The postholder will focus on monitoring and protection in the key area of Salisbury Plain and the surrounding farmland. 

"The role has a strong fieldwork focus during the peak breeding season (April to September), and excellent field skills are required for this tricky and inconspicuous bird. 

"The work includes locating Stone-curlew pairs, monitoring breeding attempts, finding nests, liaising with farmers, contractors and landowners, and carrying out intervention measures on vulnerable sites.

Although the postholder will often be conducting field work alone, he or she will also be taking a lead role working alongside survey volunteers. 

"Lone-working often in remote locations is commonplace in this role. Some evening and weekend work will be required."

This is a fixed-term role for six months (April to September).  Full-Time for 37.5 hours per week. 

Interviews will be conducted  from week the commencing March 11.

The salary is the equivalent of £21,255 - £22,818 per annum.

For further information, contact megan.gee@rspb.org.uk.

* Photo, via Wikimedia Commons, taken in Italy by Francesco Venonesi