JOB OPPORTUNITY: “Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group – Raptor Ranger”

The Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group (NIRSG) is seeking enthusiastic and committed individuals to join our team as seasonal Raptor Rangers, supporting the protection, monitoring and wider conservation of birds of prey across Northern Ireland. These roles offer the opportunity to work directly in the field and carry out species monitoring, habitat assessments, data collection and a range of conservation tasks, while also contributing to the broader operational needs of the organisation. This may include field surveys, online research, data and IT tasks, volunteer coordination, safety and logistics support and public engagement activities.

The Raptor Ranger positions are ideally suited to individuals with a genuine passion for wildlife, ecology and the outdoors, who are comfortable working both independently and as part of a wider conservation network. We are seeking applicants with strong observational skills, sound reasoning and reliability and who have the ability to engage positively with landowners, partners, volunteers and the public. We anticipate appointing multiple Rangers to support delivery across the programme.

Raptor Rangers will be paid £15–£17 per hour (depending on experience), with all necessary travel and expenses covered. The work is flexible and project‑based and will take place across a variety of sites in Northern Ireland. Applicants with experience in ecology, ornithology, wildlife conservation or field survey methods – particularly those familiar with species monitoring, habitat assessment and accurate data recording – are strongly encouraged to apply. We also welcome individuals with wider skills that support the NIRSG operational capacity, including IT and data handling, communications, volunteer support and safety and logistics.

These positions will support delivery of the wider NIRSG work programme, reflecting the organisation’s growing operational needs, and a range of activities that contribute to raptor conservation across the region. The roles form part of a broader effort to build capacity within NIRSG, recognising both new applicants and long‑standing volunteers who may wish to contribute in a paid capacity.

If you are interested in joining the NIRSG in safeguarding Northern Ireland’s raptors we invite you to request an application form by contacting info@nirsg.com. We look forward to hearing from those who would like to contribute to this important conservation work. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview and short skills‑based assessments relevant to the role(s).

Photos by I. Dickey (HH) and M. Ruddock (BZ)