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@bto.org
Job opportunities at the BTO will be advertised separately on the BTO job vacancies page.
Calf of Man Ornithological Volunteers: Autumn Migration
Responsible to:
Calf Ornithological Warden
Dates:
4th September – 6th October 2026 OR 6th October – 10th November 2026
Limited flexibility available for start and end dates, with a minimum requirement of three weeks, but the full time is desirable.
Role Purpose:
To assist with the delivery of Manx Wildlife Trust’s contract to provide wildlife monitoring services on the Calf of Man for Manx National Heritage, maintaining the bird research element key to the continued accreditation within the Bird Observatories Council. Specifically, to assist with the monitoring of autumn migration.
Responsibilities and Key Tasks:
- Provide support with daily census counts and bird ringing activities.
- Assisting with other migration surveys such as VisMig and seawatching.
- Taking part in nocturnal activities such as dazzling, Manx Shearwater ringing (early September) and gull roost catches.
- Spring trapping for Rock Pipits to further our colour-ringing project.
- Attending the daily log
- After leaving the Calf, provide a short write-up of your time on the island.
You will also be expected to assist with general tasks around the Observatory, such as:
- Assisting the Estate Team with any maintenance tasks, etc.
- Assisting with any admin tasks
- Contributing to the general cleaning of the Observatory building.
- Providing support to other team members, as and when required.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential | Desirable | |
| Able to live and work in remote situations | ü | |
| Bird identification skills | ü | |
| BTO Trainee (or higher) ringing permit | ü | |
| Can maintain accurate and detailed field notes | ü | |
Comfortable working on uneven terrain and near heights
| ü | |
| Enthusiasm and willingness to chip in with anything | ü | |
| Have the ability to work in isolation or with small groups | ü | |
| Other wildlife identification skills | ü | |
| Previous experience with conducting species specific and more general field surveys, including BTO Surveys | ü | |
| Qualification and/or experience in conservation/ecology/environmental protection | ü |
To apply for the role, please send an up-to-date copy of your CV to calfbirdwarden@mwt.im. If you are a ringer, please also supply a copy of your current ringing permit. The closing date for applications is Friday 17th July 2026.
