Observatory Manager Job Opportunity

We’re looking for someone to be part of an amazing community of local birders, recording, and enjoying the wide range of birds that pass through the Spurn area in any given year. An ideal career change for anyone interested in ‘Birds and Business’.

Our ideal candidate will be a keen birder, with excellent people skills and be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of running a small multi-aspect business. They will be a good leader and manage the Warden, Assistant Warden, and Volunteers to help Spurn Bird Observatory continue to go from strength to strength.

What you can expect:

Spurn Bird Observatory operates a busy and thriving hostel, with birders visiting from all over the UK, especially so in spring and autumn. We own a number of small areas of land in the area surrounding the Observatory and look to manage that for the conservation of wildlife in the area. Our membership base, which is the beating heart of the Observatory now stands at over 1,200 members and continues to increase year on year.

The successful candidate will help to deliver many of the different projects the Observatory currently runs including  Motus tracking network, Little Tern protection, BTO WeBS counts, science projects, Spurn Migration Festival, guided walks and ringing demonstrations as well as looking to further develop these projects as opportunities arise.

The successful candidate will:

• Manage the day to day running of the Observatory to ensure the smooth operation of the Observatory, as well as leading the Observatory’s team to effectively perform and make sure that all site operations are safe, secure and as risk-free as possible.
• Developing current fundraising opportunities and finding grants and funding applications alongside the Observatory team
• Manage and develop events such as Migration Festival, talks, workshops and guided walks.
• Maintain the data held by SBOT and encourage use of this data alongside the daily monitoring of bird populations, their distribution and migration.
• Work closely with key external partners to further the work done in the area
• Be the main point of contact with the local community and volunteers to build / maintain good relationships.
• Manage the Friends of Spurn membership and ensure growth and development
• Work alongside the editorial team to oversee the production of Spurn Wildlife
• Develop an overall marketing plan for SBOT covering website, email, social media and other ad hoc marketing activities.
• Have a flexible approach to working hours including occasional weekends.

The salary is £25,000-£30,000 per annum, depending on experience with 28 days annual leave.

To apply please send a CV and covering letter (up to 500 words), to our director, Tim Jones

The deadline for applications is 12.00 midday on Friday November 18th 2022. Interviews will take place at the Observatory.