Residential on Reserve (More than 4 weeks) (Forsinard Flows - Conservation Skills)

Where: Forsinard Flows nature reserve, Highland

When: Mid-March/April - October 2023

Commitment: 7-8 months

Why We Want You:

We are looking for four enthusiastic residential volunteers to take up these placements from March/April until October to assist with the survey and monitoring, research and land management aspects of the site. We would like you to help with supporting all aspects of work on this internationally important expanse of blanket bog, which at 21,000ha is the RSPB's largest reserve in the UK.

What's In It For You:

In this role you will gain valuable experience in many key areas including natural history surveying and monitoring skills, practical management, fieldwork and data management.

The knowledge and skills gained from these traineeships will be of benefit for anyone wishing to pursue a career in conservation in a variety of areas, including monitoring work, habitat work, wildlife surveys and research, as well as giving you an insight in to which areas you prefer working in.

We will provide in house training in the various elements of the placements, to enable you to learn and develop in the role and help us conserve this fantastic habitat.

Your main duties, will be divided between a variety of areas, subject to operational requirements, these can be broadly grouped as –

Assisting with the reserve's survey and monitoring programme, this will include –

Bird surveys, such as undertaking Moorland Bird Surveys, monitoring rare and vulnerable wetland species, farmland wader counts and raptor watches.

Wildlife and habitat surveys.

Hydrological and ecological monitoring of habitat restoration areas and habitat condition.

Data management and GIS

Assisting with land management tasks such as –

Trail and infrastructure maintenance.

Control of regenerating conifers.

Rush management at our upland grassland farm.

Assisting with on going research and innovative peatland restoration on the reserve such as –

Undertaking surveys to help with applications for funding, grant reports and planning management calendars.

Assisting with visitor engagement work

Relevant external training

Requirements

Essential

You must be 18 years or over.

Available for full seven months.

The ability to undertake strenuous manual labour outside in all weathers and to walk up to 14km a day on rough terrain.

Full clean driving licence.

Ability to identify upland bird species by sight, song and call.

An understanding of the importance of working to methodologies and instructions, as well as keeping accurate and legible field notes.

A keen and broad interest in natural history and conservation.

Good organisational skills, with familiarity with standard office software, especially Excel and a good standard of reading and writing.

Keen and willing to learn and undertake various ecological survey techniques, including flora, fauna and hydrology.

An understanding of the importance of following Health and Safety protocols.

The ability to lone and team work.

A willingness to engage with the team.

Ability to live in shared accommodation

Ability to navigate by map, compass and GPS

Desirable

An interest and some knowledge of the habitats/challenges in the UK uplands.

Experience in a people facing role

An understanding of the importance of maintaining equipment and kit.

Effective communicator with the ability to motivate, inspire and enthuse others, as well as form productive internal and external relationships.

Notes:

Please send a copy of your CV in the first instance to Claire Foot at Forsinard reserve (claire.foot@RSPB.org.uk)

Closing date for applications: 20th January