This is fixed term contract for 2 months beginning in May

We are looking for an enthusiastic and energetic aviculturalist to join the Dartmoor Curlew Recovery Project team at Dartmoor National Park to assist in the implementation of a headstarting programme for curlew.

Dartmoor Curlew Recovery Project is a Prince of Wales’s Charitable Foundation grant funded project that is aiming to secure the future of breeding curlew in Dartmoor National Park through habitat management, research, supplementing the population through headstarting, and engaging local communities. Headstarting refers to the bringing of wild laid eggs in to captivity where they can be hatched and raised in relative safety and later released back in to the wild, in order to boost population numbers. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to develop a career in animal management and/or species conservation.

Dartmoor Curlew Recovery Project is a partnership between Duchy of Cornwall, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, RSPB, Natural England and Dartmoor National Park Authority with major funding from the Prince of Wales Charitable Foundation and the Duchy of Cornwall. The project aims to secure the future of curlew within Dartmoor National Park.

About the job:

Working alongside a passionate and friendly team you will:

• Assist with the maintenance of temporary indoor and outdoor facilities and all associated equipment required for the successful incubation, hatching and rearing of curlew.
• Assist with the incubation, hatching and rearing of curlew eggs and chicks.
• Carry out daily feed and care routines in accordance with strict protocols.
• Collect and record data on eggs and chicks as well as environmental conditions and husbandry activities using paper and electronic record-keeping systems.
• Implement and uphold rigorous biosecurity standards to ensure the health and safety of humans, eggs, birds and the environment.

This post is based at Princetown within the Dartmoor National Park and regular travel around the site will be essential. Some travel to nearby sites will also occasionally be required.

The position will require a flexible working pattern of five days out of seven, and will regularly require working during weekends, public holidays, and evenings, to meet the requirements of the post.

What type of applicant are we looking for?

The successful candidate will have an enthusiastic approach with a warm, positive, ‘can do’ attitude, excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in an ambitious, self-less team.

The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) is a conservation charity that protects wetlands for wildlife and people. We conserve, restore and create wetlands. We are pioneers in saving wetland wildlife, both in the UK and around the world. At our 10 UK sites around a million visitors a year engage with wetland nature. We work internationally in key global wetland areas, balancing conservation with sustainable livelihoods and influencing national and international conservation policies.

In return for your hard work and dedication you’ll enjoy a wide range of benefits including:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• Contributory pension scheme (conditions apply)
• Life assurance
• Free entry to all our centres

Closing date: 14th March 2021

Interview date: 25th March 2021

WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered solely on merit.