Willow Tit Research Officer

Rainton Meadows,

Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve, Houghton-le-Spring, DH4 6PU

Contact details

Mark Dinningmdinning@durhamwt.co.uk
0191 584 3112

Willow Tit Research Officer 
Durham Wildlife Trust | Rainton Meadows, Houghton-le-Spring £30,633 per annum pro rata | Full time, 3 months (extension possible) | Closing 5pm, 28 August 2026

Join the national fight to save one of Britain's fastest-declining birds. Durham Wildlife Trust is seeking a Willow Tit Research Officer to lead the North East's contribution to a major new Natural England and RSPB-led species recovery programme, spanning Cheshire, Lancashire, the West Midlands, Derbyshire, Cornwall and County Durham.

The Willow Tit has declined by 96% since 1975. The Willow Tit Research Officer will set up and deliver autumn population monitoring across sites in Tyne & Wear and County Durham, using mist netting and colour-ringing to gather standardised data on survival, breeding productivity and juvenile numbers — evidence that will shape a national recovery plan.

You'll need a BTO ringing licence at C level or above (with passerine mist net endorsement), strong record-keeping skills, and the flexibility for some early morning, evening and weekend work. Experience with Willow Tit or similar woodland/scrub species, volunteer supervision and GIS tools would all be an advantage.

This is a rare opportunity to play a hands-on role in a genuinely national, landscape-scale conservation effort, working closely with Durham Wildlife Trust's Ecology Manager, Community Ecologist and volunteers.

For an informal discussion, contact Mark Dinning, Ecology Manager: mdinning@durhamwt.co.uk

To apply, complete the application form here and submit it with a personal statement (max 2 sides of A4) to jobs@durhamwt.co.uk, subject line "Willow Tit Research Officer". CVs and covering letters will not be accepted.

Closing date: 5pm, 28 August 2026 Interviews: Friday 4 September 2026, at Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve