Are you experienced ornithological fieldworker with a passion for breeding waders?
WWT Welney are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic individual with excellent fieldwork skills to join the team.
You will primarily be responsible for the collection of monitoring data for Black-tailed godwits at WWT Welney.
Black-tailed godwits are a red-listed species with fewer than 40 breeding pairs, of which 95% are found within the Fens. WWT have worked in collaboration with RSPB and NE since 2016 to prevent the species from becoming extinct. This has included pioneering the worlds first black-tailed godwit headstarting and translocation programme, which has boosted the fenland population. Continued monitoring of the population at WWT Welney directly contributes to the National Single Species Action Plan for the UK breeding population of Black-tailed godwits, ensuring we can continue to 'maintain and improve existing key breeding sites' and 'increase understanding of factors influencing predation pressure and breeding success.'
As part of this role you will be responsible for implementing a programme of data gathering for Black-tailed godwits at WWT Welney, mostly unaccompanied with minimal supervision. This is will include:
- conducting standardised monitoring
- colour-ring reading of returning birds
- locating and monitoring Black-tailed godwit nests
- Overseeing the setup, deployment and maintenance of data loggers and nest cameras
- Assisting with catching and ringing of chicks, under supervision/license
- Monitoring the distribution and abundance of known predators of Black-tailed godwits
- Habitat mapping
- Production of end of season report
This is a full-time position, working 37.5 hours per week, for a fixed period of six months until 30th September. During the fieldwork season, this position will require working on some weekends and bank holidays and working outside of normal hours. Considerable flexibility will be required during the fieldwork season. All overtime will be reimbursed through TOIL (time off in lieu).