Conservation Breeding Officer

We are looking for a proactive aviculturist to join the Dartmoor Curlew Recovery Project team at Dartmoor National Park to assist in the implementation of a head starting program for curlew.

Dartmoor Curlew Recovery Project is a King Charles III Charitable Fund grant funded project that is aiming to secure the future of breeding curlew in Dartmoor National Park through habitat management, research, supplementing the population through head starting, and engaging local communities. Head starting refers to the bringing of wild laid eggs in to captivity where they can be hatched and raised in relative safety and later released back in to the wild, in order to boost population numbers. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to develop a career in animal management and/or species conservation.

Dartmoor Curlew Recovery Project is a partnership between the Duchy of Cornwall, WWT, RSPB, Natural England and Dartmoor National Park Authority with major funding from the King Charles III Charitable Fund and the Duchy of Cornwall. The project aims to secure the future of curlew within Dartmoor National Park.

Working alongside a passionate and friendly team you will:

• Assist with the maintenance of temporary indoor and outdoor facilities and all associated equipment required for the successful incubation, hatching and rearing of curlew.
• Assist with the incubation, hatching and rearing of curlew eggs and chicks.
• Carry out daily feed and care routines in accordance with strict protocols.
• Collect and record data on eggs and chicks as well as environmental conditions and husbandry activities using paper and electronic record-keeping systems.
• Implement and uphold rigorous biosecurity standards to ensure the health and safety of humans, eggs, birds and the environment.

The successful candidate will have an enthusiastic approach with a warm, positive, ‘can do’ attitude, excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in an ambitious, self-less team.

You will bring:

• A current driving licence so that you can travel to our remote field sites.
• Experience in waterbird aviculture and experience in the successful incubation of birds’ eggs and the hand raising of hatchlings.
• Proven ability to organise, conduct and lead conservation project field activities alone or with colleagues for extended periods (up to four months), including fieldwork in challenging and isolated conditions.
• Experience of working in an environment with stringent hygiene and cleanliness requirements, and following strict biosecurity protocols.
• Comprehensive experience in buildings and grounds maintenance, including vegetation management using horticultural machinery
• Experience of liaising with a variety of stakeholders, including suppliers, contractors and funders, and engaging the general public, e.g. giving talks or guided tours.
• Good computer skills including competency with Microsoft Office programs, in particular MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.