Skomer Seabird Field Worker - Haverfordwest, United Kingdom - Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts

Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts

Verified Company

Haverfordwest, United Kingdom

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

beBee Recruiter

Description

Closing date:
Thursday 23 February 2023- Salary: £19,838.00 per annum pro rata

Contract type: Fixed term / Working hours: Full time
Location: Skomer Island, Skomer Island, Martins Haven, Haverfordwest, SA62 3BJ, Wales.
Overall purpose of the role:Skomer NNR is one of just four key sites within the UK Seabird Monitoring Programme and is the most suitable location in southwest Britain for more intensive annual monitoring. Skomer is the most important seabird colony in Wales and has uninterrupted longterm data sets for seabirds and it is imperative that these are maintained to a high standard. The purpose of this role is to assess the breeding numbers, breeding success and phenology of a range of seabird species, thereby contributing to the integrated monitoring provided by the SMP Key Site network and helping to inform the Skomer Island Management Plan.

Main responsibilities:

To carry out seabird study plot and population counts and productivity studies as follows:

Responsible for monitoring the timing of breeding (assessed by recording the date each species lays its first egg) of northern fulmar, black-legged kittiwake, guillemot and razorbill.
Responsible for monitoring breeding success of northern fulmar, black

- legged kittiwake, guillemot and razorbill, herring gull and great black-backed gull.

Responsible for counts of breeding guillemot and razorbill in standardised sample plots on up to ten dates in the first three weeks in June.
Responsible for diet monitoring of great blackbacked gull assessed by identification of prey remains surrounding a sample of nest sites.
Assist with wholecolony counts of great blackbacked gulls, herring gulls, lesser blackbacked gulls, northern fulmars, razorbills and guillemots in collaboration with the island warden and working with other staff.
Plan fieldwork timetable following the monitoring standards as described for each species in the Seabird Monitoring Handbook and following any sitespecific methodology as detailed in the Skomer Island Management Plan.
Accurate record keeping, data storage and analysis.
Produce relevant sections of the Seabird Monitoring report for submission to BTO, in a collaboration with the island warden.
To carry out other species monitoring as directed by the warden in accordance with the management plan (e.g. breeding bird survey)
To assist with the interpretation of the island's wildlife to visitors and represent the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales.
Ensure Health and Safety Policy is complied with at all times.

Job specification:

This is a fixed term contract from 11 April to 25 August 202
The salary will be £19,838.00 per annum pro rata.
Accommodation on the island is provided for the duration of the contract as is boat travel to and from Skomer.
A flexible approach to working hours and days is required hours of work can be long and the timing of fieldwork will be dictated by suitable weather conditions.
You will be required to live in accommodation provided by the Wildlife Trust on the island, as this is necessary for the delivery of the duties for which you are employed. Termination of occupation of the property will occur at termination of employment.
The location and nature of the post requires high levels of physical stamina.
In order for the organisation to work efficiently, you may be required to assist with other areas of work and therefore you should be prepared to undertake other duties appropriate to the post, as delegated by your line manager.

The post holder has responsibility for the operational delivery in the areas listed in the job description.

After an initial training and familiarisation period, the post holder has considerable personal autonomy and an overall duty to properly plan and execute the project.

Your role will involve lone working at well-established study sites to carry out observational studies on a range of seabirds.

This work can be repetitive but also allows the unique opportunity to grasp the breeding strategies of Skomer's seabirds.

Person specification:

Can demonstrate practical experience of seabird monitoring and survey techniques.
Can identify British seabirds and demonstrate some knowledge of seabird and marine ecology.
Experience of wildlife survey, monitoring techniques, data collection and report writing.
Excel/spreadsheet use, data inputting and analysis, Word processing skills and scientific report writing.
Ability to plan and manage workloads and meet deadlines.
High levels of enthusiasm, selfmotivation and adaptability.
Fit and hardy nature; able to work outside in all weathers, for long hours and able to carry field equipment.
Happy to share living quarters with colleagues and live in a small and isolated community.
Flexible approach to working hours.
Knowledge of health and safety and the risks associated with lone working and working in a remote environment.
Experience of managing,