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Conservation Scientist

Reference: AUG20210113
Expiry date: 2021-09-26 23:59:00.000
Location: Flexible
Salary: £27,574.00 - £30,590.00 Per Annum
Benefits: Pension, Life Assurance, 26 days Annual Leave
Attachments: CandidateGuidanceNotes.pdf

We are seeking a Conservation Scientist with excellent analytical skills, GIS and satellite remote sensing experience, to help deliver a diverse programme of research in support of RSPB’s international conservation work. Collaborating closely with other RSPB scientists, policy colleagues, BirdLife International and others, you will undertake spatial analyses and remote sensing projects to support conservation of globally threatened species and important sites and habitats throughout the wider landscape. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to international conservation at a crucial time in the joint biodiversity and climate crises.

The location of this role is flexible within the UK and although advertised as a full-time position, we will also consider applicants who wish to work part time.

What’s the Role About?

  • In this role, you will be responsible for developing and delivering research projects to high scientific standards, to provide evidence to underpin RSPB's international conservation policy and practice.
  • You will be the analytical lead for RSPB’s programme of work on Key Biodiversity Areas, as well as undertaking species distribution modelling of migratory birds, and supporting other projects as required.
  • You will bring technical expertise in GIS and spatial data analysis, including analysis of satellite remote sensing data, and be keen to further develop your skills through the role, keeping up to date with new methods, techniques and emerging issues.
  • You will contribute to the conception, design and development of new research projects to address priority conservation questions.
  • You will lead, and contribute to, the writing of peer-reviewed scientific papers, reports and other articles to ensure the quality and profile of RSPB’s conservation science.
  • When necessary, you will recruit and manage research assistants, volunteers and students, encouraging their professional development.
  • You will build and maintain effective internal relationships across departments, regions and countries, working together to ensure effective project delivery and providing informed scientific advice to colleagues across the organisation, as required.
  • You will also build and maintain effective collaborative working relationships with external partners including universities, research institutes, governments and NGOs, to build the strength, depth and impact of RSPB’s conservation science.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

  • Specialist and up–to–date knowledge of GIS, spatial analysis and modelling, including the ability and willingness to learn and apply novel techniques as necessary.
  • Experience of working with satellite remote sensing data, including land cover classification, land cover change assessments and species distribution modelling.
  • Good knowledge of at least one programming language (e.g. R, Python, JavaScript).
  • Excellent data management skills, including collecting, collating and manipulating large, complex data sets in a way that can pass international peer-reviewed standards of scrutiny and audit.
  • Ability to design projects, to a robust scientific standard, including forecasting time scales.
  • Ability to be self-motivated and work efficiently, planning and organising your own time.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively through written material (e.g. peer–reviewed papers in scientific journals, reports to funders, blogs) and verbally, through presentations to a variety of audiences.
  • Ability and willingness to collaborate with colleagues both internally and externally.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

  • Experience of using Google Earth Engine.
  • Demonstrable track record of scientific publication.
  • Knowledge of ecology and conservation issues and practice, and application of remote sensing and GIS to answering conservation science questions.
  • Experience of managing research assistants, volunteers, students, or other staff.

This is a Permanent, Full Time role that can be conducted flexibly within the UK. For further information please contact Alison.Beresford@rspb.org.uk.

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete a full application including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience requested. If you wish to provide a cover letter with your application, please include this at the end of your CV document upload.

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.