Overview

Thetford, Norfolk

Full time, Permanent

£30,198 per annum + 11% employer pension contribution

The position of Research Ecologist is part of the BTO’s Wetland & Marine Research Team and will support and lead on projects in that team and also provide support to the BTO Surveys Team.

The focus of the work initially will be to organise the Winter Gull Roost Survey, working with the BTO’s Information Systems Team to deliver the online data entry portal and site allocation application in time for counts in January 2024. The postholder will also be responsible for analysis and reporting of this survey which will be carried out over two winters. The Winter Gull Roost Survey was last undertaken in 2003/04–2005/06 and provides updated population estimates for Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull and Great Black-backed Gull wintering in the UK, its constituent countries and the Crown Dependencies of the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, which is a priority in informing the conservation status of these species.

Additional support is required in the short-term for the BTO/JNCC Seabird Monitoring Programme and it is envisaged that the postholder will also work on the BTO/RSPB/JNCC Wetland Bird Survey and the BTO/JNCC/NatureScot Goose and Swan Monitoring Programme.

The postholder will also have the opportunity to work on a range of other research projects aiming to better understand the pressures facing seabirds and waterbirds.

This position is based at our HQ in Thetford, Norfolk, although you will be able to work from home part of the time on a hybrid working regime.

You can read the full role description by clicking on the role description under ‘supporting documents’ in the job details on our careers page. Please contact us if you are not sure if you meet all the criteria for the role and would like to discuss the role in more detail.

British Trust for Ornithology: Birds Science People; it is a powerful combination – will you be part of it?

BTO helps to secure the future for birds and nature, using our science, monitoring and data to inform good environmental decisions, inspiring others with the wonder of birds and empowering them to work with us. Our priority is to make a positive impact for birds, using our strong and objective science in partnership with others. We strive to work sustainably and to welcome everyone.

Our values

We are evidence-led, using our science, data and expertise to make a positive difference for birds and for people.

We are inclusive, supporting, valuing and having respect for our staff and those who work with us.

We are collaborative, working in partnership with individuals and organisations to achieve our collective goals.

We are empowering, using our work to create opportunities through which individuals and communities can engage with science and the natural world, for the benefit of all.

WHAT WE OFFER

• £30,198 per annum
• Annual leave entitlement on starting is 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata if part time).
• Life assurance (four times salary)
• 11% employer pension contribution
• Employee Assistance Programme offering help and advice to staff and their families on matters related to bereavement, wellbeing, finances, relationships, family and more. This includes a number of free counselling sessions if they are needed.
• Retail discounts
• Cycle to work scheme- spread the cost of purchasing a new bike and save money
• Discounts on BTO books
• Flexible working- A combination of home and office working and flexible start and finish times (where this meets business needs)
• Free eye tests and a contribution of £49 towards prescription glasses for VDU use only.
• Free car parking
• Effective job evaluation policy that recognises where staff increase their level of responsibility over time
• Coaching and mentoring scheme
• Staff groups and forums- First Aiders and mental health first aiders, Coaching and mentoring, Diversity working, Sustainability and Natural Working, and our staff group, creating a positive and welcoming culture to work in.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive environment
• Commitment to sustainability

Closing date for receipt of applications is 23:59 on Sunday 11th June and Interviews will be held in Thetford or online on the 19th or 20th June.

If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@bto.org

If you have a disability or long-term illness that otherwise prevents you from meeting any of the essential criteria, please contact us to discuss whether a reasonable adjustment could be made.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the vacancy.

We recognise that candidates from minority ethnic groups are under-represented in our organisation, and that there are often additional barriers present for people from these groups when applying for roles in the charity sector and beyond. We are committed to taking positive action to expand the diversity of our staff team, and if you meet the essential criteria for a role and are from a minority ethnic background, you’ll be guaranteed a first stage interview.

Charity No. 216652 (E&W); SC039193 (Scotland)