Hen Harrier Protection Officer

RSPB Geltsdale in the North Pennines is one of the largest nature reserves in England covering some 5000ha.

We are looking for someone with raptor experience and the ability to spend long hours alone in remote and difficult upland terrain. The early part of the contract will concentrate on patrolling the reserve to spot harriers returning and setting up breeding territories. If we have nesting harriers the emphasis will be on watching the nest site and possibly being part of a team of staff and volunteers undertaking 24 hour surveillance.

Essential skills include:

• You will have a proven track record completing work alone and working within a varied team.
• Good birdwatching and identification skills, particularly of raptors.
• Experience of upland working and navigation.
• Full driving licence valid for use in the UK.

Desirable qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience:

• Hill skills course completed.
• Knowledge of raptor breeding behaviour.

Additional information:

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

This is a Fixed-Term (4.5 months), Full-Time role 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 from 16th February 2026. 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.

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.

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.