Conservation Scientist

We are seeking Conservation Scientists to join the RSPB’s UK Marine Science team in an exciting
fixed-term role for a minimum of 6 months, work will be both field-based and
analytical/desk-based. The role provides a great opportunity to work at the cutting edge of
research to improve our understanding of seabird distribution, movements, and behaviour. The
post-holder will lead programmes of seabird tracking, data analysis, and other research to
inform the assessment of impacts of offshore renewable energy development on seabirds in the
UK. 

The RSPB provides a supportive and flexible working environment (including home or hybrid
working), with commitment to the training and personal development of its staff and volunteers.
There is, however, a requirement for extensive travel within the UK during the seabird breeding
season (May – Sept), including long periods away from home.

What’s the role about?

The post-holder should have demonstrable experience developing and delivering field-based
and/or analytical-based research. Working under the guidance of a Senior or Principal
Conservation Scientist, the post-holder will lead elements of a number of seabird research
projects, in particular, the monitoring and tracking of Black-legged Kittiwakes at various
sites on the east and north coast of Scotland, novel analyses of seabird tracking data, and a
project involving field trials of a new type of tracking device. They will take responsibility
for aspects of planning fieldwork logistics, procurement of equipment, field data collection,
data analysis, and write up of results for funders and peer-reviewed publication. They should
have an aptitude and enthusiasm for fieldwork, living away from home for extended periods of
time, often under challenging conditions and prior experience of statistical analysis, ideally
including the analysis of spatial data using R, and of taking a leading role in writing
scientific papers for peer-reviewed journals.

Some previous experience of relevant work is essential however there will be the opportunity to
develop skills in all areas of seabird research. 

Essential skills, knowledge, and experience:

• Recognised expertise in 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).
• Knowledge of current conservation issues and practice, and conservation science, gained
  through experience of leading a scientific project. 
• An understanding of the ecology and conservation of seabirds, including experience in
  appropriate data collection methods, and their associated licensing and regulations. 
• Practical field skills in seabird research, including ability for outside work in exposed
  conditions, sometimes for prolonged periods at remote locations.
• Willing and able to travel to remote fieldwork sites around the UK, often for periods of
  several weeks, and to liaise effectively with relevant field and site staff. 
• Collecting, curating, and analysing large and complex data sets.
• Skilled use of Microsoft Office and some knowledge of how to use advanced scientific
  software for data analysis. 
• Self-motivated and able to work efficiently under pressure to meet deadlines. 

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Specific expertise in one or more relevant technical field skills (e.g., seabird tagging,
  ringing licence, tissue sampling, or rope access skills for cliff work). 
• Specialist and up-to-date knowledge of how to apply complex analytical procedures to enable
  innovative, robust analysis and interpretation to data. 
• Line management experience, including the ability to train and coach others in data
  collection techniques in sometimes difficult conditions. 
• Knowledge of key legal and practical requirements for ensuring health and safety of staff
  and volunteers, sometimes in challenging field conditions, for instance cliff-nesting seabird
  colonies and lone working. 
• A full, manual driving licence that is valid in the UK.

Additional Information:

This is a fixed-term role for a minimum of 6 months, full-time 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 for this position as soon as suitable candidates present
themselves, so please do not delay in applying. Please note that we are actively recruiting for
this vacancy and reserve the right to close once sufficient applications have been received.

For further information please contact [email protected] and [email protected].

As part of this application process, you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and
complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and
experience listed above.

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.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act 1974.