Voluntary Placement
Placement Title:
Coquet Island Research Placement (voluntary)
Person specification: Lower age limit is 18; must be fit and healthy and happy to
sit in a hide reading the rings in birds legs through a telescope for some of the
time.
Dept/Section/Region/Reserve:
Location:
Reserves, CQI
Coquet Island, Northumberland
Availability: mid-June to mid-July 2015
Applications to and contact for further details: To apply please send a cover
letter and CV to Chris Redfern at ([email protected])
Reports to:
Coquet Island Assistant Warden / Dr Chris Redfern
Overall Purpose of the Placement:
To assist with the recording and monitoring of Sandwich terns, through the
implementation of a colour ring programme to investigate natal and breeding
dispersal, to support the staff with the implementation of roseate tern protection
measures, and to support in the effective and efficient day-to-day running of
Coquet Island Reserve.
Main Duties:
1. Undertake a planned programme of colour-ring reading of the Sandwich tern
colonies, using hides
2. Assist with the collection and recording of biological data relating to the
reserve, particularly the other tern species, including ring reading of roseate
terns.
3. Prepare reports and other documents as necessary to a satisfactory standard
and timetable
4. Assist with programme of large gull management
5. Help prevent accidental and/or wilful disturbance to the roseate tern colony
by authorised and/or unauthorised visitors to the island
6. Contact the Assistant Warden or emergency services should a deliberate act of
disturbance take place.
7. Help island colleagues maintain safe and healthy working practices on the
reserve.
8. Help ensure the accommodation is maintained in a clean and tidy state.
9. Help maintain all equipment and tools in safe and working order.
10. Contribute to the RSPB Coquet Island social media effort (Facebook)
Other Duties:
1. To assist with other related tasks as required by the Assistant Warden.
Other Relevant Factors of the Job:
You will be expected to:
1. Work out of normal office hours
2. Be prepared to live and work on Coquet Island, 1 mile off-shore in very
basic accommodation.
3. Stay on the island during periods of bad weather when the island is
inaccessible
4. Travel to and from the island in a small inflatable boat.
5. Learn how to identify key bird species found on the island.
6. Work in extreme weather conditions wind, rain and sun.
7. Respond to emergencies.
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 all resources are utilised effectively and efficiently.
In the RSPB, volunteers and researchers 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.