Conservation Officer Salary 20,500- 26,000 Per Annum

Vacancy pack

Dear Applicant

Conservation Officer – Salary £20,500-£26,000 per annum

Thank you for your enquiry regarding our advertised vacancy. An application form is enclosed, together with a job description, person specification and other background information about the RSPB.

Also enclosed:

Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form (1)

Fair Employment Monitoring Questionnaire (2)

If you have seen this vacancy advertised on our website, please refer to ‘Working for the RSPB’ which contains information about our benefits, and terms and conditions. This document can be downloaded if required.

If you require any further information about this post please contact John Martin, Senior Conservation Officer at 028 9049 1547

Please can you complete the enclosed application form in blue or black ink. Please refer to the person specification when completing the form. Your completed application form should clearly describe how you meet each of the criteria that have been identified as being necessary for this post as this will form the basis of shortlisting candidates. If you enclose a CV, it may be referred to for supplementary information, however, please ensure that all the questions asked on the application form are fully answered.

We take all practicable steps to safeguard the safety and welfare of children or vulnerable adults while they are in contact with the RSPB and have a Child Safety and Welfare Policy that supports this. If the post you have applied for involves unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults further checks will be carried out. We will also confirm your eligibility to work in the UK prior to appointment.

Please return your completed application form to Susan Kula at the Northern Ireland Regional Office, RSPB, Belvoir Park Forest, Belfast BT8 7QT. Please return the Equal Opportunities and Fair Employment forms to our Personnel department in Bedfordshire (RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 2DL). Please check the postage required on your application as incorrect postage may lead to your application being delayed and missing the closing date. If you require an acknowledgement of receipt of your application, please enclose a stamped, addressed envelope. Alternatively, you can email your application to .

The closing date for receipt of completed application forms is 21 March 2014. Interviews will be held 2 April 2014.

If you are an external candidate, may we take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in employment with the RSPB. As a charity, we try to keep our administrative costs to a minimum and therefore you will only be contacted if we wish to progress your application. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. However, if you are able to supply us with an e-mail address, we will endeavour to advise you if you have not been shortlisted.

We look forward to receiving your application in due course.

John Martin

This pack contains all the information you need to apply, including:

Useful Information

Details on our Diversity Policy statement, how we use CVs, shortlisting and employment checks and UK Identification requirements

Applicant letter

Details on how to apply plus closing date and interview date(s)

Job description

A breakdown of the vacancy, including the purpose of the job, requirements, duties and responsibilities

Person specification

A list of criteria that potential candidates should aim to meet

Department information*

Details of the department advertising the post

Application Form

PDF version

Please print out, complete and return to the address on the Applicant letter

Word version

Applicants are encouraged to complete electronically and return by e-mail

* This information will only be provided if it is relevant to this post

Applications from candidates requiring a certificate of sponsorship under the UK points-based immigration system will not be considered if there are suitable candidates who do not require sponsorship. This is because employers need to demonstrate that they are unable to recruit a resident worker, before they can recruit a non-resident worker*.

The resident worker rule does not prevent applicants requiring sponsorship from applying for our vacancies, but such applications should be made on the understanding that they can only be considered subject to the restrictions above.

For further information, please visit the Home Office UK Border Agency website.

*This rule does not apply to those applying for roles that require a bachelor, postgraduate degree or postgraduate certificate in education qualification. It is necessary for the qualification to be an essential requirement for the role and the applicant to prove that they possess such a qualification (or have completed a minimum of 12 months study in the UK towards a UK PhD), which is recognised in the UK.

Useful Information

Diversity Policy Statement

The RSPB is part of a global network that incorporates a diversity of traditions and cultures, and which represents different inheritances, backgrounds, influences, perspectives and experiences. A better understanding of people’s differences will help us to appreciate and value everyone’s contribution, and recognise that we are all an integral and invaluable part of the Society.

Everyone has the right to be treated with consideration and respect. The Society is committed to achieving a truly inclusive environment for all, by developing better working relationships that release the full potential, creativity and productivity of each individual, and an atmosphere where everyone can learn, work and live free from prejudice, discrimination, harassment and violence.

The Society aims to ensure that all staff, volunteers, partners, clients, contractors, members and the general public are treated fairly. Unless it can be shown to be justified, this will be regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender re-assignment, marital or civil partnership status, race (including colour, nationality, ethnicity, or national origin), disability, medical status, age, religion or belief, political opinion, social or economic status, or ex-offender status.

Use of Curriculum Vitae (CVs)

Our policy is to recruit and employ our employees on the basis of their suitability for the work to be done. An application form allows us to compare individuals based on like for like information and as such we do not accept a CV unless accompanied by a fully completed application.

Shortlisting

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to ensuring all applications are treated fairly. Applications are sought only from those eligible to work in the UK in the first instance.

All applications are subject to our shortlisting process where we only assess information provided against the Person Specification. If you are shortlisted we will contact you and invite you to attend an interview. You will also be advised at this point if there will be any skills test, presentations etc.

As a charity, we lack the resources to advise all candidates if their application is unsuccessful. If you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, we will have decided not to take your application any further. However, if you are able to supply us with an e-mail address, we will endeavour to advise you if you have not been shortlisted. If this is the case, please do not be discouraged from re-applying as your skills and experience may be just what we need for our next vacancy. We also have a number of volunteering opportunities across the organisation.

Employment Checks

All offers of employment are made subject to the following criteria:

Proof of eligibility to work in the UK, Proof of Residency, Satisfactory Employment Health Check, Two references satisfactory to the Society and where required a Satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau Check.

Personnel Use Only
Job Reference No:______
Application Reference No:______

Fair Employment (NI) Monitoring Form

The RSPB is an Equal Opportunities employer. We do not discriminate on grounds of marital status, gender, race, colour, sexual orientation, religious belief, political opinion, nationality, ethnic or national origin or disablement. We practice equality of opportunity in employment and select the best person for the job within our budgetary limits.

To demonstrate our commitment to equality of opportunity in employment, we need to monitor the community background of our applicants for jobs in Northern Ireland, as required by the Fair Employment and Treatment (NI) Order 1998.

Regardless of whether they practice their religion, most people in Northern Ireland are seen as either Catholic or Protestant. We are therefore asking you to indicate your community background by ticking the appropriate box below.

Please note that this information will be treated in the strictest confidence and used only for FEC monitoring purposes.

If you do not complete this questionnaire, we are encouraged to use the "residuary" method which means that we can make a determination on the basis of personal information included in your application for employment.

I am a member of the Protestant community

I am a member of the Roman Catholic Community

I am a member of neither the Protestant or Roman Catholic community

Please indicate whether you are:FemaleMale

Please return this questionnaire as soon as possible in the Freepost envelope provided along with your completed Personal Information and Equal Opportunities Data form.

Note:

It is not compulsory for you to answer the above questions. However, we would stress that it is a criminal offence under the legislation for a person to "give false information in connection with the preparation of a monitoring return".

Equal Opportunities form

The RSPB has an Equal Opportunities Policy which covers all areas of employment. Our policy is to recruit, employ and promote our employees on the basis of their suitability for the work to be performed. The Society is committed to ensuring that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, marital status, age, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, political opinion, disability, sexual orientation, past criminal convictions or the type of contract they are employed on unless it can be shown to be justified. In order to help us ensure our policy is effective, please can you complete the details requested on this form. The equal opportunities data collected will only be used for monitoring purposes.

Please RETURN this form TO:

RSPB, FREEPOST ANG6335, Personnel Dept, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 2BR.

Surname & Forename(s)
Job Ref. No
Position applied for
Location
Date of Birth / Marital Status
Gender / Age(s) of children

Do you require a work permit to work in the United Kingdom?YesNo

If yes, do you have a current work permit? YesNo

Do you have a residents permit? YesNo

NI or Residents permit No.
Nationality

Ethnic background – Please tick the appropriate box

WhiteAsian or Asian BritishBlack or Black British

MixedChinese Other (please specify)

Other (please describe)

Physical ability – Do you have a disability as defined by The Equality Act 2010? A disability will not preclude you from full consideration for employment with the RSPB.

If so, do you require

• any aids or adaptations to carry out the duties of the post?
• A Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (to identify any specific requirements in the event of an emergency

evacuation of the premises)

Please provide details.

Religion– If you wish, you may give details about yourself in this section, and of any adjustments that you may need to your working arrangements.

Criminal record - Please give details of any unspent criminal offences in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and/or (Northern Ireland) 1979.

References – The name and address of a minimum of two referees is required.

For the references to be acceptable to the Society the following criteria must be adhered to

• The name and addresses of at least two referees is required.
• These referees must cover the last 3 years of work, study or any other circumstance.
• If employed/studying at least one reference should be from the current employer/educational establishment and should be someone at a more senior level to the individual.
• Personal referees who can vouch for the candidate for the 3 year period will be suitable if they have not been employed previously. (PLEASE NOTE: Relatives are not acceptable as referees).

If you require to give more than two referees to cover the 3 year period please do so an a separate sheet.

Name / Name
E mail Address / E mail Address
Address / Address
Postcode / Postcode
Relationship / Relationship

I confirm that the information contained on this questionnaire is correct, my referees meet the necessary crtieria and the RSPB have my permission to approach my referees should I be offered and accept the vacancy on offer.

Signed / Date
/ Job Description

Job Title: Marine Conservation Officer

Dept/Section/Region/Reserve: Conservation, Northern Ireland HQ

Location Of Job: Belvoir Park Forest, Northern Ireland HQ

Post holder reports to:Senior Conservation Officer (Sustainable Living)

Reporting To Post holder: N/A

Overall Purpose of The Job:

To develop and advocate RSPB policy and best practice for the protection of the marine environment, including all marine habitats and species, but especially seabirds, in Northern Ireland.

To secure improved national policy and best practice, with an emphasis on the implementation of the Marine Act (Northern Ireland) 2013 and other conservation and environmental legislation to achieve better protection for marine wildlife and effective management of our seas. The post holder will also take the lead on developing and promoting marine policy within RSPB Northern Ireland, and provide input to the RSPB’s UK-wide marine work where appropriate.

Main Duties:

1. To develop and promote policies to deliver better protection for marine ecosystems and all marine wildlife, especially seabirds, in Northern Ireland, by promoting the sustainable management of the marine environment and ensuring that important species and habitats are effectively protected both within and outside designated sites

1. To develop and in some cases lead on one or more areas of marine policy, including but not limited to:

1. Marine (spatial) planning;
2. Marine casework (in support of Senior Conservation Officer-Planning)
3. Fisheries and interactions with seabirds and the wider marine environment;
4. Marine protected areas;
5. Species protection;
6. Oil spill response, including managing the RSPB’s oil spill action plan and lists of internal/external contacts.

1. To input to and influence the development and implementationof UK and EU marine environment and nature conservation policy. To follow government, EU and international convention marine policy processes and respond to relevant initiatives and/or public consultations

1. To contribute to and/or sit on relevant national working groups and steering groups, and advocate RSPB priority conservation and policy positions at these meetings and to a variety of wider audiences, including government officials, politicians and the public. This work will be carried out in tandem with the Policy and Advocacy Conservation Officer

1. As agreed with line manager, represent RSPB in appropriate public fora such as meetings and events and advocate our priority conservation and policy positions to a variety of audiences

1. To contribute to the marine strand of the RSPB’s corporate strategy Saving Nature, including contributions to relevant internal Conservation Implementation Plans (CIPs) and Nature Recovery Groups (NRGs)

1. To support other RSPB staff with the development and promotion of all aspects of marine conservation and protection, including working with the RSPB’s marketing and media staff to promote messages to RSPB members and the wider public

Other Duties:

1. To represent RSPB within the Northern Ireland Marine Task Force (NIMTF) and to work alongside the NIMTF Officer through the next phase of the marine campaign. This work will include leading on the development of policy on marine nature conservation measures so as to influence implementation of the Marine Act (Northern Ireland) 2013 by responding to NI Government proposals, strategies and consultations and holding meetings with Government and other external organisations

1. To build positive working relationships with key external organisations such as other NGOs, Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment (DETI) and other marine stakeholders, and use these contacts to further the RSPB’s conservation objectives, as agreed with your line manager

1. To provide input on behalf of RSPB Northern Ireland to the RSPB’s UK-wide marine work, including gaining understanding of regional Marine Conservation Zone projects, seabird conservation priorities, and inputting a Northern Irish perspective to RSPB marine campaign and information materials

1. To maintain close working relationships with all appropriate RSPB staff, inputting to internal and external meetings and reporting back to colleagues, and contributing to the development and implementation of RSPB strategies such as the RSPB’s Corporate Strategy, Saving Nature - The RSPB's Strategy to 2020

1. To undertake additional duties as directed by your line manager or the NI Conservation Manager

You are required to operate at all times in accordance with wildlife/environmental protection legislation. You must also carry out your duties in accordance with RSPB procedure and H&S guidelines and be responsible for the good care of equipment provided.

We expect you to carry out your job responsibilities in an environmentally aware manner, ensuring as little damage to the environment as possible. Our aim is to ensure that all resources are utilised effectively and efficiently. You will be expected to apply ‘sound value for money’ principles in undertaking purchasing or supply of goods and services.

In the RSPB volunteers are a major resource and make a vital contribution to the RSPB’s aim to take action for the conservation of wild birds and the environment. You will be expected to encourage, develop and support volunteer involvement in our work.