This is an exciting opportunity to take a lead role in forming positive relationships in the uplands of the Antrim Plateau, to build trust and collaborations which explore ways to achieve even better outcomes for nature and people. The focus will be on both private and government-owned land, including blanket bog, heather moorland, upland pasture, semi-natural woodland and forestry plantation, used for livestock grazing and timber production of varying intensities, and where gamebird shooting is an existing established practice and source of income.

What's the role about?

You will seek to build relationships with stakeholders who want to manage their land for nature alongside other economic interests. You will support their ambition by providing advice and fostering collaboration at a time of significant change in land management policy in Northern Ireland. You will promote and seek support/demonstration for good conservation practice among land managers, highlighting the opportunities and funding associated with protected sites, priority habitats/species and public goods.

You will seek opportunities for land managers to work together and share best practice, encouraging nature-positive voices to be advocates across the area. You will work with partner organisations, respecting the relationships they already hold with estates and landowners and work sensitively as advised by partners.

The role is a full time 2-year, fixed term contract and will be home-based or hybrid working (part office/part home). You will be line managed by RSPB NI’s Head of Species and be part of the Operations and Land Team in RSPB NI. You will work with senior conservation officers, conservation officers, policy officers, communications officers and other colleagues, and will report to a steering group comprising representatives from these groups.

What we need from you:

Essentials:

• Very good knowledge of the ecology, species and habitats of the Antrim Plateau.
• Sufficient knowledge of a range of delivery mechanisms for conservation work in the Antrim Plateau e.g. agri-environment schemes, woodland grants.
• Understanding of the pressures on land use in the operational area of this role.
• Understanding of the land management practices that we are seeking to influence (upland agriculture/forestry/sporting interests).
• Proven ability to influence others and negotiate desired outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written and presentational).
• Confident advocating a position to landowners and managers, local politicians, members and volunteers who have different views.
• Ability to form effective teams (both internal and partnership) and work effectively as a team player.
• Competent user of core MS Office programmes.
• Experience of productive partnership working.
• Demonstrable experience of working with multiple stakeholders.
• Degree level qualification in a relevant subject or ability to show equivalent work experience.

Desirables:

• Effective project management skills.
• Specialist conservation knowledge of Northern Ireland’s uplands.
• Competency in use of GIS.

Additional information:

• This role will involve lone working and working in remote locations.
• This role will require occasional weekend, early morning and evening working so will need someone who is able to be flexible.

Additional information

Previous applicants need not apply.

This is a Fixed-Term role for 2 years, for 37.5 hours per week. The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position on Friday 29th July 2022. For further information please contact [email protected]

As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer.

This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.