Conservation Officer (Red Kite Field Surveyor - Northern Ireland)

In spring and summer, you will be monitoring nests of red kites to assess the success of breeding pairs and fledglings. In winter you will be watching roosts at sunset and identifying wing tags to help monitor the progress of the population after their reintroduction.

You will be deployed in various locations to investigate red kite sightings and identify new nesting and roosting sites within rural communities in South Down, from Ballynahinch to Downpatrick, Newcastle and more.

There are some basic requirements for this role, including:

• Passion for red kites and other birds of prey
• Enthusiasm for being outdoors
• Basic bird ID skills
• Basic IT skills to be able to submit data
• Ability to work with own initiative
• Flexibility in terms of times and locations
• Access to own vehicle
• Ability to follow Health and Safety procedures

The first kite chicks were released in County Down in 2008, and since then the population has expanded to around 30 breeding pairs. By delivering this vital role you will be helping to establish a healthy and thriving population of the birds in some of the most beautiful areas of Northern Ireland.

This is a flexible role, making most of your availability and preferred locations. While some basic knowledge of birds ID is desirable, you will receive all necessary training and gain experience in nest and roost monitoring. You will meet and work with other passionate volunteers and staff that are experts in the ecology of red kites. You will contribute to raising awareness of these beautiful birds, as well as aid the efforts to prevent raptor persecution in Northern Ireland.