Residential on Reserve (More than 4 weeks) (Abernethy Reserve Highland)
When April - September 2022, 6 month placement
Why We Want You
Abernethy National Nature Reserve is a place of ancient majesty, set amidst the Cairngorms National Park, covering approximately 135 square kilometres. Its wild landscape embraces the montane plateau of two of the UK's highest peaks, moorland, bog, lochs and the largest single tract of Caledonian pine forest - a remnant of the once extensive forest that covered much of Highland Scotland. The reserve species record stands at over 4,500, and more are added every year. This intricate mix of habitats is home to many hundreds of rare and scarce species, including capercaillie, red squirrel, crested tits, Scottish crossbill, twinflower, green shield moss and tooth fungi.
We are looking for an enthusiastic committed residential volunteer to join our team. You will work closely with RSPB reserve and science staff, carrying out important reserve monitoring field work and learning to collect and accurately record data. This data will inform future management decisions for local and national pinewoods. Work will take place in a scenic but sometimes rough environment in the heart of wild Scotland. You will also work with the reserve team on a variety of practical tasks, including checking nest boxes, infrastructure maintenance, monitoring breeding raptors, using camera traps and removing invasive species.
Tasks will include:
•Reserve monitoring – collecting data and carrying out surveys for a variety of priority species.
•Using standard and bespoke monitoring equipment (flight traps, cameras, etc)
•Managing and analysing data
•Removing unwanted non-native tree species
•Helping reserve and science staff with other practical and monitoring duties
What’s In It For You
In this role you will gain:
•Training and extensive practice in the use of a variety of standard and bespoke survey methodology skills carried out in one of the last truly wild places in the UK.
•Learning and experience of identification of key species in the field, including plants, birds and mammals, and of invertebrate family groups.
•On-going personal development, including recognised qualifications for the use of 4x4 off-road vehicles, 1st Aid and Hill skills.
•Experience as part of a team working to preserve, enhance and extend a semi-natural pinewood habitat, whilst also engaging with the visiting public and locals.
•Free accommodation in a former hunting lodge in a stunning location
•An in-depth working knowledge of the RSPB and conservation issues.
•Access to guidance on career progression.
Requirements
We are looking for someone who is determined, enthusiastic, a good team player, but also able to develop and work to a schedule on their own. You must have a desire to pick up new skills and learn about nature (particularly uplands ecology), including monitoring live and dead tree stands, dwarf shrub cover, ants nests, beetles, mammals and woodland and moorland birds. You must be willing to carry out manual work and help the reserve team with a variety of physical tasks. You must have excellent written skills, including a meticulous attention to detail. You must understand the importance of careful use and maintenance of equipment. Self motivation and good levels of concentration are essential as well as the ability to walk long distances over rough terrain and work outside in all weathers.
Some previous experience of practical reserve work and/or fieldwork in an upland environment, including navigation skills and use of a GPS is desirable but not essential.
A full driving licence is essential, and a car or bike is recommended.
For more information, contact
Christopher Tilbury
Tel: 01479 821409
Email: Christopher.Tilbury@rspb.org.uk
Notes
Closing date for applications is Thursday 24th March. Interviews will take place via Teams as soon as possible thereafter.
Appropriate training will be provided and pre-arranged expenses will be re-imbursed where necessary. Your time and skills could make a real difference to the work of the RSPB and it would be great if you could join us.