Conservation Scientist (Maternity Cover)

Introduction

This is a fixed term (12 months) role for a Conservation Scientist to join the RSPB UK marine
science team, working on a wide range of seabird conservation science projects. There will be a
particular focus on research directed at improving our understanding of the impacts of offshore
renewable energy development on seabirds, but the post-holder will have opportunity to work on
a wide range of seabird conservation topics. There is flexibility to be based anywhere in the
UK, either at an RSPB office, home based, or hybrid working. There is a requirement for
extensive travel during the seabird breeding season (May – Sept), including long periods away
from home. It is possible we may be seeking additional Conservation Scientists to work on other
seabird tracking projects, depending on the outcome of current funding bids 

What’s the role about?

The post-holder should have a PhD in a relevant subject, or equivalent experience. Working
under the guidance of a Senior Conservation Scientist, the post-holder will lead elements of a
number of seabird research projects, including surveys and tracking of Leach’s and European
storm petrels at various sites in Scotland. They will take responsibility for aspects of
planning fieldwork logistics, procurement of equipment, recruitment and management of seasonal
fieldworkers, field data collection, data analysis and write up of results for funders and
peer-reviewed publication. The post-holder should have an aptitude and enthusiasm for
fieldwork, living for extended periods under expedition conditions in extremely remote
locations, working under sometimes inhospitable conditions. Previous experience of such work is
essential.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Recognised expert on seabird ecology and conservation. Proven scientific research experience
  (e.g. from timely completion of a PhD or managing a similar project; communicating to various
  audiences by writing reports, publishing peer-reviewed scientific papers, giving talks).
• Knowledge of UK and international species ecology and ecological principles, such that
  correct methods can be chosen or devised from scratch to answer novel questions at both
  practical and analytical levels.
• Knowledge of key legal and practical requirements for ensuring health and safety of staff and
  volunteers, sometimes in challenging field conditions such as cliff-nesting seabird colonies,
  lone working.
• Knowledge of the appropriate data collection methods, and the ability to develop new
  ethically-sound methods as and when necessary to answer novel questions.
• Practical field skills in seabird research, including ability to work in extreme conditions,
  sometimes for prolonged periods at remote locations.
• Willing and able to travel to remote fieldwork sites around the UK, often with large
  quantities of equipment and for periods of several weeks, and to liaise effectively with
  relevant field and site staff.
• Collecting, curating and analysing large and complex data sets that can pass international
  peer-reviewed standards of scrutiny and audit.
• Some knowledge of how to apply complex analytical procedures to enable innovative, robust
  analysis and interpretation.
• Self-motivated and able to work efficiently under pressure within a defined work plan to meet
  deadlines. This necessitates the ability to plan and organise own work and to manage the work
  of managed staff.
• The post-holder will require a high level of physical fitness, and be at ease working on
  uneven terrain in the vicinity of sea cliffs.
• The post-holder must be able to maintain a positive attitude in the face of challenging
  fieldwork conditions (poor weather, equipment failure etc) and to maintain team morale. They
  will be resilient, a problem-solver and innovative, always looking for the positive outcome.
  They will relish the opportunity to spend long periods (several weeks at a stretch) living
  under expedition conditions (in tents) without access to mains electricity or running hot
  water.
• The successful candidate should demonstrate effective, inspirational and authoritative
  leadership to lead a team of field assistants that may include individuals with a wide range of
  previous seabird research experience.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience

• Line management experience
• Possession of a licence to handle wild birds in UK
• Possession of a full UK driving licence or ability to access remote locations without public
  transport
• Ability to train and coach others in data collection techniques in sometimes difficult
  conditions
• Confident and capable of being a public face for RSPB science to the media and social media

There is flexibility to be based anywhere in the UK, either at an RSPB office, home based, or
hybrid working. 

This is a Fixed-term (12 months) Full-Time maternity cover role for 37.5 hours per week. The
RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising
dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

We are looking to conduct interviews in late January 2024. For further information please
contact [email protected]

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete
an application form.

This role will require the completion of standard pre-employment checks.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer.

This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels
supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world
richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of
colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate,
sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled,
we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any
additional support you may need to complete your application.