We require a Field Team Leader for the ‘LIFE Raft project – Rathlin Acting for Tomorrow: Removing invasive non-native ferrets and rats from the Rathlin Island SPA, Northern Ireland.’ Rathlin Island is NI’s only inhabited offshore island. At a national and international level, Rathlin’s seabird populations are important but invasive non-native ferrets and rats threaten their status. The LIFE Raft project aims to safeguard the island’s wildlife by eradicating both the ferret and rat populations from the island, whilst embedding sound biosecurity measures to prevent their return. The project will strengthen existing local pride in, and stewardship of, the island’s natural heritage and create significant socioeconomic opportunities. Success will require a multi-disciplinary approach covering technical operations, community engagement and collaborative working across the project partnership and with key external stakeholders. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in the overall outcome of the LIFE Raft project. They will be monitoring the ferret eradication project and helping to lead field teams for the rat eradication team.

Key duties will include:

• Playing a key role in the induction and management of both staff and volunteers.
• Directing the day-to-day tasks of their team as required by the LIFE Raft Field Work Managers.
• Taking on some of the most challenging aspects of fieldwork required for the rat eradication project such as in the coastal zone.
• Supporting both the LIFE Raft Fieldwork Managers and the Operations Manager to achieve eradication success.
• Reporting problems and challenges as soon as they are identified.

A key task is preparing the LIFE Raft project for the operationalisation of the rat eradication project. This will require community engagement for permissions, working as team leader and problem solving throughout.

The ideal candidate will be:

• A passionate advocate for Rathlin Island and the recovery and conservation of breeding seabirds in this fragile island ecosystem.
• Have significant track record in troubleshooting problems in the field and putting in place solutions in line with RSPB systems and procedures.
• Able to understand your role in Health and Safety systems.
• Able to communicate to members of the Rathlin community with respect for their views, and with confidence about LIFE Raft mission to ensure the successful eradication of invasive non-native species.
• Always have a collaborative and inclusive work ethic.
• Have the communication skills and interpersonal skills needed to ensure good team spirit during high pressured work periods.

Essential skills, knowledge, & experience:

• 12 months of direct “on the job” experience of an eradication projects, particularly in a fieldwork situation.
• A good working knowledge of what it takes to achieve the eradication of invasive non-native species from islands.
• Experience working with the Rathlin Community. Failing this, experience from similar islands in the UK or Ireland.
• Mountaineering or rope access experience.
• Ability to take direction from your manager in a field work situation.
• Proven ability to work to agreed schedules and support your manager in achieving field based objectives.
• Proven ability to work towards demanding or immovable deadlines.
• Competent IT user with experience of using GIS and data collection apps.
• Excellent physical fitness.

Desirable skills, knowledge, & experience:

• Previous experience managing individuals or teams.
• Track record in applying RSPB standards in the field.
• First aid training.

Additional Information:

This is a fixed-term role for 6 months, 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 6 October 2025. For further information please contact Ulf.Keller@rspb.org.uk or Kirsty.Benton@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.

The project has been made possible with funding from EU LIFE; National Lottery Heritage Fund; and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), (with contributions from RSPB NI, Rathlin Development and Community Association (RDCA) and support from the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust (CCGHT).