RSPB seeking two researchers to help investigate habitat preferences of Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers

                                                         

The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker has been a species in retreat in recent decades. Photo: Andrey Gulivanov via Wikimedia Commons

THE RSPB is recruiting for two staff to research Woodpecker habitats in the south of England.

The focus will fall in particular on the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker - a species in widespread decline.

Says the society: "We are keen to collect and analyse data to understand what makes good Spotted Woodpecker habitat. 

"We will build on information gathered by Hampshire Ornithological Society in a survey conducted in 2022.

"The primary focuses will be collecting data on abundance of catkin and deadwood  which are thought to be important habitat characteristics for Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers.

The salary for the senior researcher will be £30,075 - £32,108 per annum.

That for the assistant will be £25,847 - £27,594 per annum.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience are identified thus:

* Good navigation skills using maps and GPS to locate sampling points in woodland

* Ability to identify tree and shrub species

* Ability to locate and contact landowners and maintain good relationships

* Experience creating work schedules for others and line management

* Experience of checking and manipulating electronic data sets using excel and ArcGIS

* UK driving licence, or right to drive in the UK

The deadline for applications is Sunday November 30.

More information from:  paul.bellamy@rspb.org.uk