Seasonal Inishcreenry Predator Control Officer Reference: D_JUJQBWLocation: RSPB Inishcreenry, FermanaghContract: Fixed Term, January to July 2027Hours: Part Time, 30 hours per weekSalary: £27,579.00 – £29,445.00 Per Annum, Pro RataBenefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days’ Annual Leave (Pro Rata)
An exciting opportunity has opened up at our Inishcreenry Nature Reserve we are looking to employ a Predator Control Officer for the reserve, to lead on predator control and thus take an active role in ensuring we reach our targets for ground nesting waders on the reserve.
Purchased thanks to funding, Inishcreenry is a 60 ha ASSI on Upper Lough Erne and the newest RSPB reserve in Northern Ireland. It supports a range of habitats, including species rich grasslands, wetland habitats and wet woodland. It previously supported high numbers of breeding waders, and predator control will play a vital part in ensuring the waders return. The site is part of the Upper Lough Erne SPA, SAC and Ramsar site, and also supports other key species, such as cryptic wood white and Irish hare.
Key result areas for the Predator Control Officer:
- Plan and undertake a seasonal programme of appropriate predator control to enable management plan targets for the protection of ground nesting waders to be reached
- Operate all predator control activities within RSPB permissions and procedures to ensure compliance with legal requirements, including the legal compliance and safe operation of firearms
- Maintain all site infrastructure relating to predator control across the site to ensure management plan targets to be reached and investment in infrastructure to be protected
- Act as the predator control expert for Inishcreenry by sharing knowledge and advice to a range of audiences both internal and external and to share best practice and manage reputational risk
- Advocate RSPBs policy on vertebrate control and the benefits to wildlife to both internal and external audiences to increase support for and understanding of the for these measures
- Keep detailed records and write regular reports to site/area/country and national staff as required by RSPB monitoring and reporting procedure for sites undertaking vertebrate control
Essential qualifications
- Holder of appropriate fire arms licences for control of fox, mink and corvids.
- Lantra Fox Control (Centre Fire Rifle) or Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1 or higher qualification
Essential knowledge
- Excellent knowledge of the ecology and behaviours both target and non-target species, and the key species for the site for which predator control is most likely to protect.
- A thorough knowledge of firearms legislation relevant to firearms and ammunition held/operated by the post holder.
- Excellent knowledge of good practice with regard to safe use of firearms including appropriate kill distance for the firearms in use relevant to the target species, safe backstops, assessment of appropriate weather conditions, informing neighbouring landowners and local police.
- Excellent knowledge of the most appropriate firearm, including calibre and types of ammunition to be used for a particular target species in a certain situation.
- Excellent knowledge and experience of the safe and effective use of traps used for other species, and use of thermal technology
Essential skills
- Excellent field skills in locating and identifying tracks and field signs and in identifying the remains of prey species
- Ability to use technology such as smart phones and computers
- Able to work both independently and as part of a team.
Essential experience
- Have experience of and be able to shoot a fox at 100m
- Experience of using fire arms, including storage of firearms and ammunition to the standards set out by the local police authority Firearms and Explosives Branch
Desirable qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience
- Good knowledge in the installation and management of predator-proof fences
- Good knowledge of other non-lethal methods of predator management including habitat manipulation to reduce the negative impacts of predators on key species
Additional Information
- This is a part-time, seasonal role with 30 hours a week to be worked between January and July 2027.
- The role will include working outside normal office hours, including at night, regularly.
Closing date:Monday November 30th, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Interested?
If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.
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 natures 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.
In order to apply you will be required to complete an application form where you will have the opportunity to explain how you meet the criteria above.
Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.
No agencies please
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