The RSPB is seeking an Eradication Delivery Manager for the LIFE Raft Project – Rathlin Acting for Tomorrow: Removing invasive non-native ferrets and rats from the Rathlin Island SPA, Northern Ireland.

We are looking for a highly experienced & motivated Eradication Delivery Manager who will lead the delivery phase of the rat eradication project. Success will require a multi-disciplinary approach covering technical operations, community engagement & collaborative working across the project partnership and with key external stakeholders. The role holder will start their work programme by supporting the eradication team by leading the preparations for the operationalisation of the LIFE Raft project’s Winter Baiting Operation for the rat eradication project.

The successful candidate will have a lot of complex information to read and digest in a short space of time. The role will involve managing, staff, and complex logistics and will require an ability to meet unforgiving deadlines. A strong track record in report writing will facilitate work with funders. The Eradication Delivery Manager will contribute to ensuring we adhere to our UK regulatory requirements relevant to the eradication of rats from Rathlin Island and ensure that the project observes all our legal obligations. You will be managed by LIFE Raft Programme Manager and will be the main link between the formal Programme Management structures & operational teams. You will play a pivotal role in the overall outcome of the LIFE Raft project.

You’ll be a passionate advocate for Rathlin Island and the recovery and conservation of breeding seabirds in this fragile island ecosystem. You will have experience in managing complex logistics and a team, ideally on an island or in a rural area. You will have substantial experience in planning and managing fieldwork as well as leading teams and working collaboratively within teams. You will also have substantial experience in monitoring techniques for small mammals, ideally as monitoring relates to eradication planning and implementation. You will lead when required and support others in our team to thrive in the roles. Most of all, you will be a team player with a ‘can do’ attitude. You will be able to pay careful attention to detail without losing sight of the bigger picture. You must be able to adapt project plans quickly without compromising on delivery. You need to be able to communicate a vision and facilitate effective partnerships to ensure the successful eradication of invasive non-native species. You’ll need a good working knowledge of how to achieve the eradication of invasive non-native species from islands.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

1. Degree level in a relevant subject with relevant work experience of more than 5 years.
2. Experience of delivering eradication of an invasive non-native mammal from an island would be highly advantageous.
3. Substantial experience of small mammal ecology as it relates to eradication planning and implementation on islands (ideally rodents).
4. Communication skills and Community engagement skills.
5. Substantial experience of methods to survey and monitor various species of mammals e.g. rats, ferrets, mice, hare, rabbits and cats.
6. Experience of planning logistics or complex field research projects with pressing deadlines.
7. Experience of leading and managing multidisciplinary teams.
8. An ability to produce clear written communications and reports.
9. Demonstrable experience in developing and working in partnerships to achieve shared outcomes.
10. Competent IT user
11. Experience of delivering complex projects and managing project budgets.
12. Demonstrated understanding of environmental legislation including designated sites and writing Habitat Regulations Assessment (or similar). This can be from Northern Ireland or with transferable skills from other jurisdictions.
13. Experience engaging with island communities or small rural communities.

This is a fixed-term role until 31/3/2026, full-time 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 29 September 2026. For further information please contact erin.mckeown@rspb.org.uk

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.

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.