Job opportunity: Hen Harrier Protection Officer (RSPB Geltsdale & North Pennines)

Job advert from the RSPB:

Hen Harrier Protection Officer
Reference: DEC20259029
Location: RSPB Geltsdale, CA8 + North Pennines
Salary: £24,571.00 – £26,231.00 Pro Rata
Contract: 4.5 months
Hours: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week
Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days’ Annual Leave (pro rata)

RSPB Geltsdale in the North Pennines is one of the largest nature reserves in England covering some 5000ha.

We are looking for someone with raptor experience and the ability to spend long hours alone in remote and difficult upland terrain. The early part of the contract will concentrate on patrolling the reserve to spot harriers returning and setting up breeding territories. If we have nesting harriers the emphasis will be on watching the nest site and possibly being part of a team of staff and volunteers undertaking 24 hour surveillance.

Hen Harrier carrying nesting material. Photo by Laurie Campbell

Essential skills include:

  • You will have a proven track record completing work alone and working within a varied team.
  • Good birdwatching and identification skills, particularly of raptors.
  • Experience of upland working and navigation.
  • Full driving licence valid for use in the UK.


Desirable qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience:

  • Hill skills course completed.
  • Knowledge of raptor breeding behaviour.


Additional information:

  • This role will involve lone working and working in remote locations. Candidates will need to be able to meet the rigour of the role.
  • This role will require occasional weekend, early morning and evening working so will need someone who is able to be flexible.
  • This is a Fixed-Term (4.5 months), Full-Time role for 37.5 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.


Closing date: 23:59, Friday, 30th January 2026
We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 16th February 2026.

To complete your application online please CLICK HERE

Closing Date: 30/01/2026  Location: RSPB Geltsdale, CA8 + North Pennines

ENDS

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