Overview

Would you like to help design and coordinate a large field research project to help with the conservation and protection of badgers?

An exciting and unique opportunity to help with a large-scale research programme looking at badger population status and influences in England is available with Badger Trust.  We are looking for a dedicated and proactive person with a strong conservation biology research background to help oversee the project.

Over the coming years Badger Trust is seeking to realise the potential for the protection of badgers in the UK by understanding better population-level threats and opportunities.  With growing interest in species conservation and welfare issues, and species recovery programmes high on government and public agendas, this is an exciting time to promote badgers as flagship species for nature based-solutions.

Using an evidence-based approach, Badger Trust is looking for a researcher to join our growing team to support the delivery of this project.  Using best practice Citizen Science techniques we want to better understand the pressures on badger populations and identify how recovery of this flagship species can be pivotal to wider nature recovery.  In doing so, we want to shape policy and action for badger conservation.

As part of this ambitious project, Badger Trust has received funding to conduct an initial 12-month pilot study.  There may be scope for the project to be extended beyond 12 months depending on the candidate and additional funding.  Using a citizen science approach the successful candidate will manage the day-to-day tasks of the research project, co-ordinate and train 40-50 volunteers, and be involved in project design, write-up, and analyses.  A strong scientific research background is essential, and a Masters in conservation, biodiversity, or similar field is highly desirable.

The successful candidate must be able to communicate effectively and work as part of a team with multiple departments, collaborate with other NGO’s and academic partners, and be able to focus on the common goal of the project and the conservation outcomes.

The post-holder will work closely with and report to the Project Lead, the Campaigns & Research Manager, to help with project design and implementation and to ensure that the project runs smoothly and to time and budget.

Travel around the UK, with possible over-night stays, will be required.

This would be an ideal and exciting position for a motivated researcher with skills in population biology and research who will contribute energy and ideas to the project and wants to be involved in making a real difference to badger conservation.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Coordination of all survey activities including identifying survey sites and locations, and implementation of the project in the field using a citizen science approach.
• Lead regular meetings to train and coordinate volunteers (40-50 persons) on the project and to ensure that data collection is carried out accurately and to a high and scientific standard.
• Create and lead on volunteer training resources and survey materials.
• Proactive attitude towards designing and delivering a large research project, and able to trouble-shoot quickly.
• Clean and up-to-date driving licence with the ability to travel to the field sites to conduct assessments of data collection reliability, field site suitability, and to train volunteers.
• Ability to report clearly and concisely and take direction as needed while working with the Project Lead, the Executive Director, and Groups Coordinator.
• Knowledge and experience of data management and analysis.
• Proactive attitude towards research funding and scientific publication opportunities.

Required Skills

• Masters in Conservation, Biodiversity, Ecology, or similar field.
• Knowledge of population modelling
• Field research skills, especially in mammal survey design, with a strong knowledge and experience of project design, data collection methods and analysis techniques.
• Experience and ability to conduct fieldwork in all weather conditions.
• Experience managing and training volunteers and creating and maintaining a positive and rewarding environment for individuals and teams.
• Proven record of supervision and team building skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Previous experience in managing research conservation projects and field surveys, and risk assessments.
• Creative and strategic approach to project development and delivery.
• Willingness to occasionally work during weekends or holidays.

Desired Skills

• Knowledge and experience with Citizen Science projects is desirable.
• Ability to write clear and high-level scientific reports and papers.
• Able to communicate the project and its findings to scientific and lay audiences to promote engagement.
• Some knowledge and experience with statistical analyses and relevant software.
• Passion for conservation and for badgers.

Benefits

2 days a week

Salary: £9,600

c£24,000 FTE

Role to be freelance or employed basis.

Location

Remote and/or hybrid working considered.  Will require travel to field sites, with possible overnight stays, several times during the 12-month period.