Conservation Officer (Wildlife Survey Volunteer Loughborough & Charnwood)

The RSPB is partnering with idverde, the UK's largest grounds maintenance company, in Charnwood Borough. The aim of this partnership is to conserve biodiversity in parks and green spaces managed by idverde on behalf of Charnwood Borough Councils.

In order to help wildlife in our green spaces, we need to know which species are present. Help us survey the wildlife in Charnwood's green spaces, so we can better conserve them, and to monitor the effectiveness of our conservation efforts.

This a great opportunity to assist the RSPB in biodiversity conservation and make a real difference in your local area. It's also a chance to spend time in nature and possibly discover a local or national rarity! You'll gain useful experience of survey work and improve your identification skills.

**You will need to have good knowledge or a special interest in specific species and how to make basic identifications in the field or using photographs for later analysis. **

Your knowledge will include the identification of insects, plants, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fungi and so on. A good generalist knowledge is welcomed along with an enthusiasm to learn.

**Ideally, we are seeking experienced recorders and surveyors from an ecological background who can help us increase the number of specialist species on our sites. **

We are looking for people who are flexible and reliable. We plan surveys a month or two in advance, so it is beneficial to be available at least a couple of days per month, especially during Summer. This could be early mornings or late afternoons/evenings working in pairs or small team.

You will also need to be reasonably fit (able to walk at least a few kilometres) and be able to access Charnwood Borough Council green spaces such as the Outwoods, Dishley Pool, Charnwood Water amongst others.

• Surveying an agreed wildlife species on a regular, ad-hoc or one-off basis during set times of the year.
• Input surveying data to the database or submitting it for another individual to input.
• Administration.
• IT skills, creating documents, managing spreadsheets, submitting records.
• Excellent communication skills for engaging with different audiences, internal and external to the RSPB.
• Organisational skills.
• Specific skills will be dependent on what species are being monitored/surveyed. For example, bird ID skills would be required for breeding bird surveys.
• Ability to work independently, or possibly in a small team.

This role provides the chance to develop hands on experience and skills around surveying.