Appointments: New osprey project role making history; JOB OF THE WEEK Osprey community project officer.

ALITTLE bit of history is about to be made in North Wales and the hunt is on to find the right person to make it happen.

For the first time, in not just this region but the whole of Wales, a job is on offer to look after a pair of mating ospreys.

Never before have these rare and magnificent birds settled anywhere in this country.

There are several pairs in Scotland and there has been a successful attempt to introduce them into the Lake District.

Then a pair began nest building on the top of a pine tree just outside of Beddgelert in Gwynedd.

They migrated in late August but the RSPB are so confident that they will return next year that they want to appoint an osprey community project officer.

An RSPB official said: ``We are feeling very positive that they will return next year.

``They were very site faithful in the summer and the birds have a wonderful ability to return from their migration and find the exact nest they left the previous year.

``So we want to be prepared for their return and have someone specifically in place to ensure its protection and make the areas safe so that bird watchers and visitors can see the birds in complete safety. ``No such job has ever been created in Wales before.

``A wonderful piece of history is being made. ''

The two year post offers a salary of around pounds 18, 000. They are looking for someone who can efficiently manage the many volunteers who give up their time to work for the organisation.

They will also have to liaise with landowners, maintain an effective rot a of volunteers to watch the birds and the viewing platforms, build up a good working relationship with the locals and ensure they are informed of all developments at the site.

And arrange, promote and deliver guided walks, talks and practical activities in the area to enable the local population and the considerable number of visitors to see the osprey.

Other duties include writing for the RSPV web site about the bird's progress and liaising with television, radio and local press about significant developments Knowledge of the area, the ability to speak Welsh and having your own transport are also distinct advantages.

During the birds' absence the RSPB are considering climbing up to the nest and wiring the structure to give it strength and solidity.

In the summer the mating pair produced chicks.

But during high winds part of the nest collapsed killing the chicks.