Opportunities for ringers
Opportunities for ringers holding a valid BTO permit will be posted on this page as and when they become available. These may be paid opportunities, but some may be voluntary positions or just opportunities to gain additional ringing experience. If you wish to advertise an opportunity or position on this page, please email ruth.walker [at] bto.org.
Job opportunities at the BTO will be advertised separately on the BTO job vacancies page.
Calf of Man Bird Observatory opportunities
The Calf of Man Bird Observatory is seeking to recruit a ringer (experienced T or above) to assist with daily census and ringing during the early spring migration (mid-March – end of April 2024).
Additionally, two long-term volunteers are required to assist with general BBS surveying (May to mid-July) plus more specific monitoring of Chough, Eider, Manx Shearwater and other seabirds and will include assisting with several colour-marking projects through the ringing of pulli. Particular focus will be on trying to prove if Puffin and Storm Petrel are now breeding on the Calf.
Boat travel from the Isle of Man to the Calf and accommodation on the Calf will be provided free of charge. Some funding opportunities to assist with other travel and subsistence costs may be available, and support will be provided in making applications for these where applicable.
To register your interest and for further information contact: calfbirdwarden [at] mwt.im
Short-term Field Assistants: Bird Ecology – Spring 2024
We are seeking to appoint two full time field assistants to work on the Wytham Tit Project for nine weeks in spring 2024. Duties will include (i) collecting standardised data from nest-box breeding populations of tits, (ii) ringing parents and nestlings, (iii) collecting tit faecal samples and (iv) inputting data collected in the field. These positions with run from approximately Monday 1 April to Friday 31 May.
All fieldwork will take place in Wytham Woods, near Oxford. The work is variable in intensity and will at times require long days in the field, and working some weekend days, but this will be balanced out by a quieter period at the start and end of the season.
Successful candidates must have (or be qualified to obtain) a BTO permit to ring adult and nestling tits, be able to demonstrate skill and enthusiasm for biological research as well as experience of fieldwork under arduous conditions, and both lone work and working as part of a team. Due to the short-term nature of these posts, successful applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.
Salary & Accommodation: Field assistants will be paid at grade 5.2 (£15.60/hour) and responsible for finding their own accommodation. It will be possible to hire accommodated at the Wytham Chalet, a research station within Wytham Woods (single or bunk rooms with access to shared facilities). Alternatively, field assistants can find private accommodation locally and use their own transport to commute to the woods (approx. 30 min by car or bike, depending on location).
Please submit an application, consisting of (1) a covering letter explaining relevant experience and motivation, (2) a CV (max 2 pages), and the names of two people who can be contacted as referees, by Friday 9 Feb 2024 to eleanor.cole [at] biology.ox.ac.uk. Interviews will be held remotely 19-21 Feb. Informal inquiries can be emailed to Dr Ella Cole (eleanor.cole [at] biology.ox.ac.uk). For more details about the project see www.wythamtits.com
Spurn Bird Observatory roles
Assistant Warden
Spurn Bird Observatory is seeking a dedicated and passionate individual to join our team as an Assistant Warden. The Assistant Warden will work closely with the Observatory Manager, Warden, Little Tern Head Warden and other team members to actively support the daily operations of the observatory, assist with conservation efforts, conduct bird surveys, engage with visitors, and contribute to the overall success of our conservation and research initiatives.
- Salary: Up to £22,308 per annum pro rata (NLW).
- BTO ringing permit is desirable for this role.
For full details and how to apply, see here.
Seasonal Little Tern Warden
As a Seasonal Little Tern Warden at Beacon Lagoons, you'll play a crucial role in the protection and conservation of the vulnerable Little Tern species. Your responsibilities will involve monitoring nesting sites of Little Tern, Ringed Plover and Oystercatcher as well as any other casual breeding shore nesting bird such as Avocet and Little Ringed Plover, educating the public, and implementing conservation measures to ensure the safety and success of these delicate seabirds during their breeding season.
This is a seasonal position during the Little Tern breeding period, typically running from 1st May to 31st August. The position will require full-time availability, including weekends and holidays, with flexibility based on nesting activity and monitoring needs. 24 hour wardening takes place and the wardens will work on a rota to ensure constant coverage is maintained.
One of these three positions will be for the role of Head Little Tern Warden who will be responsible for coordinating the Little Tern wardening rotas, and managing volunteers alongside the Assistant Warden.
- Salary paid monthly. Rates of pay equal to National Living Wage or National Minimum wage depending upon age.
- Cheap accommodation at Spurn Bird Observatory in a specific cabin for use by the Little Tern Wardens at £50 per week.
For full details and how to apply, see here.
Summer residential volunteers
The Residential Summer Volunteer will play a crucial role in supporting the daily operations and activities at Spurn Bird Observatory including actively supporting the wardens on the Little Tern nest protection project, so a reasonable level of bird identification skills using both sight and sound is required for seabirds and waders.
The role will involve public engagement around the Little Tern colony so it is essential you are confident to approach members of the public and can communicate in a clear, polite and non confrontational manner. You will also be supporting the Warden and Assistant Warden of the Observatory with maintaining and cleaning the Observatory facilities and keeping pathways and caravan site areas clear.
This is an unpaid volunteer position. Volunteers will receive training, accommodation, food and travel expenses, and the invaluable experience of contributing to conservation efforts at Spurn Bird Observatory.
For full details and how to apply, see here.
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