Overview

Conservation Scientist
Reference: OCT20218366
Full-Time
Northern Ireland or Flexible within UK
Salary: £27,574.00 – £30,590.00 Per Annum
Benefits: Pension, Annual Leave, Life Assurance
Duration: Until the end of March 2022

The RSPB is looking for a scientist with excellent communication skills to join our team to conduct social science research which will play a role in informing future environmental land management in Northern Ireland. This role is funded by RSPB and DAERA.

We are looking for a scientist experienced in collecting social science data on farming practices. The successful candidate will collect information from farmers and landowners in Northern Ireland communities that were most recently known to be the strongholds of two bird species: Corncrake Crex crex and Chough Phyrrocorax phyrrocorax.

This research project aims to understand current land use and farming practices in these areas, as well as understanding the attitudes and constraints around any future conservation efforts to encourage colonisation of Corncrakes or Chough. This will be a pragmatic study built first and foremost on the views and information of key farmers and landowners.

What’s the role about:

You will need to be face to face with people in the field in Northern Ireland, so although we have not restricted the post to being based in Northern Ireland (meaning you could be based anywhere in the UK), you will need to have the flexibility to travel to Northern Ireland to carry out farmer interviews.

You will lead on finalising the methods used to best collect the necessary data and what that data should be. Much of the project will involve contacting and interviewing farmers and landowners. You will collate the information, summarise, and analyse it for a written report. The report will provide invaluable baseline information for any future land management for Chough and Corncrake in NI.

This role will involve:

·         Using social science research to explore farming practices in areas most recently occupied by two bird species.

·         Working within the RSPB Conservation Science team to deliver the results of this study

·         Working closely with RSPB Conservation Officers with local knowledge.

·         Interviewing farmers and landowners in the most effective way, which may be face-to-face or by remote means.

·         Collating information in a scrupulous way in accordance with data protection and confidentiality

·         An ability to summarise, analyse and write up the results for a report during the last month of the contract.

What we need from you?

·         Of primary importance is the ability to talk to farmers in a knowledgeable way to allow you to quickly make the most of the information being provided.

·         Good knowledge of farming practices in Northern Ireland, particularly around the management of livestock, grazing and silage production.

·         You will need to be face to face with people in the field in Northern Ireland, so although we have not restricted the post to being based in Northern Ireland you will need to have the flexibility to travel to Northern Ireland to carry out farmer interviews.

·         You will be educated to at least a degree level with a scientific background and proven experience in data collection, analyses, and write-up.

·         Good knowledge of conservation in particular bird–habitat relationships and habitat management for conservation.

·         Experience of social science data collection methods would be desirable.

·         An ability to be self-motivated, organised and to use your own initiative to collaborate with RSPB colleagues and others where necessary.

Closing date: 23:59, 07 November 2021

To Apply and for More Information:

If you would like to apply and find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website. 

Please note that you will be required to upload a CV and complete an online application form where you will be able to tell us why you are best suited for this role.

The RSPB is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

No agencies please.