Join the team on the Calf of Man.

Manx Wildlife Trust is seeking an enthusiastic Assistant Ornithological Warden to join the warden team on the Calf of Man Bird Observatory. Working on behalf of Manx National Heritage, the Island's owner, you will support the Ornithological Warden in monitoring the Island's internationally important bird populations and contributing to a wide range of conservation projects.

This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in ornithological fieldwork, bird monitoring, ringing, conservation management and scientific data collection, while living and working in one of the British Isles' most important wildlife locations.

What you'll be doing

No two days are the same on the Calf. This varied role combines practical fieldwork, wildlife monitoring and conservation management, including:

• Carrying out daily bird census surveys across the island.
• Assisting with bird ringing programmes and associated research projects.
• Monitoring breeding bird populations and recording productivity.
• Supporting seabird conservation initiatives, including the Puffin Project.
• Assisting with remote camera monitoring and wildlife recording.
• Maintaining monitoring equipment and supporting habitat management work.
• Contributing to data entry, reporting and long-term monitoring projects.
• Working alongside volunteers and helping engage visitors with the island's wildlife.

Daily Bird Monitoring

A key part of the role involves undertaking daily bird census surveys. This includes covering designated sections of the island on a rotational basis and accurately recording all birds seen and heard. Additional monitoring activities may include sea watching, visible migration counts and roost surveys.

Bird Ringing and Research

The Calf of Man has a long-established bird ringing programme. You will assist with a variety of ringing activities, including mist-netting, nestling (pullus) ringing, nocturnal surveys for Storm Petrels, spring trapping and colour-ringing projects. The role may also involve searching for and recording colour-ringed birds and helping to deliver ringing demonstrations for visitors.

Breeding Bird Monitoring

You will support the monitoring of breeding bird populations through territory mapping, productivity assessments, nest finding and record keeping. The Assistant Ornithological Warden will take specific responsibility for monitoring Eider ducks and either Wheatear or Wren populations, while assisting with surveys of other breeding species.

Supporting the Puffin Project

Working alongside Manx Wildlife Trust's Marine Officer, you will help deploy and retrieve decoy Puffins, acoustic attraction equipment and camera traps. The role also includes reviewing camera footage and undertaking Puffin watches to monitor activity around the colony.

Remote Camera Monitoring

The Calf's network of wildlife cameras plays a vital role in seabird monitoring. You will assist with installing and maintaining live Manx Shearwater cameras and reviewing footage from trail cameras used to monitor bird populations across the island.

Supporting Conservation Management

Alongside ornithological work, you will help with the maintenance of monitoring equipment, habitat management tasks and general conservation activities. You will contribute to annual reporting and data management and may occasionally assist the wider estate team. There will also be opportunities to work alongside and help supervise volunteers.

This role offers an exceptional opportunity to develop practical conservation skills, gain experience in professional ornithological monitoring and contribute directly to the protection and understanding of the Calf of Man's remarkable wildlife.

For more information and full role descriptor, see below. 

To apply please send a cover letter and CV to Lara Howe at lara@mwt.im

The closing date is 2nd December 2026.