Research Assistant

There is an opportunity for a short-term seasonal role for 2 months within the England & Wales team in Conservation Science. We are looking for a BTO licensed bird ringer to support groups studying Willow Tit demographics across the Midlands and North of England. This role is part of a project looking at the viability of Willow Tit populations in landscape scale projects across their range in England. The project is aiming to identify where and how landscape scale population recovery would be most effective.

What’s the role about?

Willow Tit is one of the species with the largest population declines in the UK over the past 30 years and is a high priority for population recovery. One of the causes of population decline is poor breeding productivity and this project aims to support projects across England to collect standardised data on year-to-year survival, nest success and numbers of juveniles at the end of the breeding season. The project aims to identify if regional variation in breeding productivity is driving local extinctions and provide a basis for designing a population recovery plan.

The successful candidate will be able to support partner organisations to set up the initial autumn population monitoring for this two-year project. The role is to support partner organisations to collect data where capacity or expertise is limiting and the postholder will be able to work with others to map Willow Tit activity and catch and colour mark Willow Tits. They will also help to collate data from others and ensure it is recorded in a standardised way.

Study sites are mainly in north of England and north Midlands and the postholder will be expected to be able to travel to sites and be comfortable with overnight stays and working outside in suitable weather conditions. The role will be home based.

What we need from you, essential criteria?

• BTO ringing experience - Holds a BTO ringing licence at C level or above, with a mist net endorsement
• Standardised data collection - Able to record data accurately and consistently, following agreed protocols. Support will be available for learning organisation-specific systems.
• Collaborative communication - Communicates clearly and respectfully, and builds positive working relationships with partners, volunteers, and community members.
• Managing shared priorities - Able to identify, balance, and manage priorities across multiple partners or projects, with openness to different perspectives and ways of working.
• Driving for fieldwork - Holds a UK driving licence or can demonstrate another reliable way to travel to field sites, including shared transport, public transport, or reasonable adjustments.

Whilst not essential, practical experience of Willow tit behaviour and calls or colour ring resighting would be beneficial, so please mention this in your application if you have it.

Additional information

This is a Fixed Term 2-month contract of (37.5 hours per week) from October 2026 until November 2026, dependent on confirmation of external funding.

We are looking to conduct interviews as soon as possible. For further information and to discuss the role please contact Paul Bellamy ([email protected]).

As part of this application process, you will be asked to provide your CV and complete an application form. In your application form please take care to describe how you meet each of the essential criteria listed above.

This role will require completion of standard pre-employment checks. The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

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, and we can make reasonable adjustments to the interview process.