Field Officer

How would you like to be at the cutting edge of delivering a variety of practical land management solutions across a wide range of some of the most sensitive, protected and treasured sites throughout England? If that sounds like of interest, then RSPB Ecology & Land Management may just be what you have been looking for!

The Ecology and Land Management team serve as the contracting land management arm of the RSPB and a noted ecological consultant within the sector. As such, not only do they actively support local RSPB reserve teams where specialist work is required, but primarily provide credible, cost-effective land management solutions on third-party sites for partners, clients and landowners.

In recent years, the team has grown significantly in response to an increase in contracts and geographical scope in which they now operate.   In this context, an exciting opportunity for a new Field Officer has become available.

What's the role about?

The successful candidate will get to work on a variety of sites, primarily in the Southwest but also on occasion across the UK. Primarily, the post holder will be operating from the Southern operation hub based at RSPB Arne, Dorset.

They will work closely with the wider team on projects including habitat restoration, creation, delivery and monitoring.  They will be actively involved in onsite delivery, working along with team members and volunteers, but also on occasion, lone working, especially when completing bird and species surveys.

Whilst on site, they will be responsible for delivery of technical field conservation work to ensure that objectives are met and methodologies are followed. This will include operating machinery such as chainsaws and tractors. For the right candidate there will be scope for development within post, with further training provided for specialist machinery where necessary.

The post holder will need to have experience in working with a variety of tools, machinery and equipment (from chainsaws and brushcutters to tractors) and assist with basic maintenance of machinery to ensure it is operating safely and efficiently.

A basic knowledge of survey methodology will be beneficial as they will be expected to deliver elements of survey work throughout the summer months. The degree of survey work will depend upon the candidate but there is a wide scope for development within these areas.

The role requires someone who is passionate about nature and who is committed to achieving the best possible outcome in delivering land management solutions. We are looking for someone who is a problem solver, with a "can do" mentality.

A good team member, but also someone who can maintain motivation while working alone.

Since the team are providing a professional paid service, it is highly important that they have excellent communication skills and can interact with a variety of stakeholders, clients and partners.

While much of the work programme will be in the South, there will also be a need for travel and working away from home for short periods of time throughout the year.

The role is based on a standard weekly work pattern and does not require weekend work.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

•    You will have knowledge and experience of practical habitat and estate management with knowledge of relevant techniques.
•    You will have a proven track record of working and completing work alone as well as working within a varied team.
•    Comfortable managing volunteers from a range of backgrounds
•    Reasonable birdwatching knowledge and experience of biological surveys
•    Full driving licence.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

•    Lantra or equivalent qualification in using equipment such as chainsaw, brushcutter, tractor and PA1/6 pesticides.
•    Knowledge of servicing and maintaining vehicles, machinery, tools and equipment to agreed standards.
•    Experience of staff or volunteer recruitment and line management.
•    Implementing and updating health and safety records and assessments.

Additional Information

This is a Permanent/Full-Time/role for 37.5 hours per week.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 18th August 2025. For further information please contact [email protected]

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

This role will require completion of a DBS

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.