Volunteer Coordinator (Farmland Birds - County Down)

This is an exciting new opportunity to work with our Conservation officers to further develop a team of existing volunteers to help protect a priority species in Northern Ireland – Yellowhammers.

Male yellowhammers are unmistakeable with a bright yellow head and underparts, brown back streaked with black, and chestnut rump. In flight it shows white outer tail feathers. They are often seen perched on top of a hedge or bush, singing.

Yellowhammers in Northern Ireland have declined by 65 per cent since 1991. Consequently, it is red-listed on both the Irish & UK lists of Birds of Conservation Concern. The yellowhammer is widely distributed on all farmland types. The main factor is low overwinter survival, probably because fewer seed food sources are available to them on farmland.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

• Join a wider network of volunteer coordinators across Northern Ireland to assist in species recovery

• Help manage an develop the team of volunteers already working on surveying the species

• Supporting the Site Manager or project manager, reserve wardens and project officers with volunteer administration and recruitment as necessary.

This role will require approximately 6-12 hours of work per week. There will be general flexibility to fit those hours in around your existing commitments. Training will be provided in everything you need to know beforehand, and we'll support you every step of the way. You'll have access to the RSPB computer network so you can comfortably carry out your role at home.

"For me, volunteering really has made a big difference. I have something to share with other people and it makes other people stop and think." - Jacqui Forster, Volunteer Coordinator