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Senior Conservation Scientist - Social Science (Flexible in UK)

Reference: MAY20226122
Expiry date: 2022-06-12 22:57:00.000
Location: Flexible in UK
Salary: £38,000.00 - £39,425.00 Per Annum
Benefits: Pension, Annual Leave, Life Assurance
Duration:2 years
Attachments: CandidateGuidanceNotes2021.pdf

The RSPB Centre for Conservation Science is responsible for the science that informs delivery of the RSPB’s conservation programmes for inspirational species, habitats and landscapes. If you would like to be part of a large dynamic and enthusiastic team of Conservation Scientists and are keen to use your science to inform policy and practice across the UK, then this might be the position for you.

What's the role about?

We are seeking a 2-year fixed term, Senior Conservation Scientist to be responsible for developing and delivering the social science needs of a programme of work relating to food, farming and land management. You will have a broad knowledge base and expertise and have an adaptable and flexible approach to what you work on. Understanding of rural livelihoods, food chains and socio-political context of the UK agricultural sector are desirable. This position will work alongside RSPB colleagues to fundraise for, and manage the science around, conservation research projects where testing and evaluation of interventions are fundamental.

You will develop and maintain scientific and technical expertise in relevant specialist areas, to identify emerging issues and associated research questions to underpin RSPB’s conservation activity and to provide scientific advice and input to colleagues across the RSPB. You will manage and develop staff up to Conservation Scientist grade, collaborate with academic partners, engage volunteers and supervise post-graduate students when appropriate, to ensure the RSPB has the knowledge, skills and partnerships required to deliver excellence in conservation science whilst ensuring data quality, ethical and health and safety standards.

*Location is flexible, with travel to field locations across the UK expected.

What we need from you

Essentials:

  • PhD in relevant subject, or equivalent experience.
  • Broad knowledge of current conservation issues and practice, and conservation science, gained through experience of running scientific projects.
  • Externally recognised expert or specialist in an area of conservation science and knowledge of how to provide practical and scientific guidance in that area.
  • Broad and deep knowledge of appropriate data collection methods, and specialist up-to-date knowledge of analytical procedures to enable robust interpretation of data and demonstrable track record of scientific publication in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Able to effectively manage several projects and staff.
  • Self-motivated and able to work efficiently under pressure to meet deadlines, with the independence to prioritise own working schedule. This necessitates the ability to plan and organise own work and to manage the work of managed staff.
  • Practical scientific skills of a standard that ensures the safe and ethical collection of high quality data and the ability to respond appropriately to changing circumstances in sometimes tricky field conditions.
  • Great written and verbal communication skills such that you can communicate with a range of audiences.
  • Skilled use of Microsoft office and ability to use advanced scientific software for data analysis.

Desirables:

  • Supervision of PhD and MSc projects students.
  • Knowledge of UK farmland species ecology and ecological principles.
  • Able to work in collaboration with external people and organisations on sometimes tricky and confrontational issues.
  • Ability to translate conservation science into conservation policy and practise.
  • Knowledge and ability to influence others to have best chance of securing external and internal funding.
  • Have good links with a wide range of external academic specialists and at least one well developed link with a University or academic institution.
  • Knowledge of licensing and regulations surrounding field work. 
  • Initiative and scientific horizon scanning to conceptualise and propose innovative projects to answer novel and important conservation questions using science.
  • Confident and capable of being a public face for RSPB science to the media and social media.

Additional Information

This is a 2-year fixed term role for 37.5 hours per week. However, we also welcome applications from qualified candidates who may be seeking a part-time position. 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 interview in the w/c June 27th, and are very willing to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate specific needs.

For further information please contact -  joelene.hughes@rspb.org.uk or richard.bradbury@rspb.org.uk

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.

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

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.