We are seeking a Maternity Cover Conservation Advisor to work within our Forest of Bowland Priority Landscape. They will be responsible for helping to deliver the work of RSPB’s conservation team within the area. The Forest of Bowland is a large-scale open, upland landscape, encompassing rolling hills of blanket bog and upland heath, steep valleys, pockets of clough woodland, upland rivers and streams, no major settlements and a small, rural, very dispersed population. Above the moorland line, the landscape is predominantly managed for hill sheep farming and grouse shooting, whilst the lower ground supports largely pastoral farming with pockets of species-rich grassland, hay meadows, and wet flushes. The Forest of Bowland is nationally important for breeding wading birds and local farmers are at the forefront of efforts to conserve the area’s breeding curlew, lapwing, oystercatcher, redshank and snipe. What's the role about? The post holder will manage the ongoing RSPB Bowland Breeding Wader Survey on c.76 farms in addition to monitoring and reporting on the work plan and to develop further work plans and/or project ideas. The post holder will contribute directly towards curlew conservation in Bowland, through survey and advisory work and through organising physical interventions on the ground. The post holder will also be responsible for delivering on farm advisory work through the provision of conservation advice and will help to deliver an advisory work programme focused on our Forest of Bowland Priority Landscapes, species and habitats. They will play an important role in delivering the work of RSPB’s conservation team, contributing to the delivery of the National Landscape Management Plan and the work RSPB’s other partners including; United Utilities and the Bowland National Landscape Team and other eNGO's within the Priority Landscape. Conservation Advisors have a key role in delivering projects, in association with RSPB colleagues. This includes RSPB projects and RSPB’s delivery in wider partnership projects, particularly within priority landscapes. This role is key in building positive relationships with farmers, landowners, managers and with key partners and stakeholders so that our collective policies and messages are understood and furthered within the Forest of Bowland. Essential skills, knowledge and experience: As the Conservation Advisor working within our Bowland Priority Landscape you will need Proven experience of working with volunteers Proven knowledge of the land management practices we are seeking to influence Proven ability to influence others and negotiate desired outcomes Proven knowledge of the ecology of upland breeding waders Proven experience of partnership working Proven experience of farmland advisory work and Agri-Env schemes Working experience of upland species / habitat survey work Confidence in advocating a position to landowners and managers who may have different views Excellent communication skills (verbal, written and presentational) Competence in the use of GIS and core MS Office programmes Desirable skills, knowledge and experience: Full UK driving Licence and own vehicle (mileage will be paid) This is a one year fixed-term role for 12 months on a part-time basis for 30 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 8 December 2025. For further information please contact Hilary.McGuire@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 exempt from 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.