Overview

Stirling, Scotland Other BTO office locations can be considered
Part time/ full time, permanent  29.6 -37 hours per week
£31,998 per annum + 11% employer pension contribution

We are seeking an enthusiastic ecologist, ideally with a good knowledge of UK breeding wader ecology, and broad knowledge of UK birds, habitats and conservation issues. This newly created role will primarily comprise undertaking and contributing to research projects on breeding waders, but the postholder may also lend support to other research work depending upon workloads and the postholder’s specific skills and experience.

The successful candidate will participate in a variety of BTO work on breeding waders, including monitoring to evaluate management outcomes, development of surveys, and broadening participation in monitoring. A few of the other related areas of BTO work that the post-holder could get involved with include assessment of agri-environmental measures and impacts, effects of land-use and climate change, conservation outcomes of woodland and forestry management, and using acoustic data to monitor birds.

The postholder must be an effective communicator and collaborator, and have suitable experience in relevant areas (e.g. gained through PhD or employment). They must be able to develop and deliver field-based projects and to get involved in a wide range of monitoring and other scientific projects. They should have a good working understanding of the ecology and main population drivers of UK breeding waders, and wider knowledge and experience of bird surveys and ecology would also be an advantage. Good analytical and data handling abilities, experience of putting together funding applications, good bird identification skills and understanding of volunteer citizen science are all desirable.

The preferred location for the position is the BTO Scotland office in Stirling, but we will also consider candidates who would prefer to be based from another BTO office. You will be able to work from home part of the time on a hybrid working regime and flexible start and finish times can also be accommodated to ensure a good work-life balance. Applications for part time hours will be considered (down to be a minimum of 29.6 hours – equivalent to 4 full days).

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.

WHAT DOES BTO DO?
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, inclusive, collaborative and empowering.

Birds Science People; it is a powerful combination – will you be part of it?

WHAT WE OFFER

  • £31,998 per annum
  • Annual leave entitlement on starting is 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata if part time).
  • Paid ‘journey days’ (up to 2 days) to staff who travel on holiday by land or sea instead of flying.
  • 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.
  • Enhanced sick pay
  • Enhanced Family leave- Maternity, Adoption, and Shared Parental Leave, 12 weeks at full pay. Paternity and Partner leave, 4 weeks at full pay.
  • Retail discounts
  • Cycling friendly employer- gold accredited
  • Cycle to work scheme- spread the cost of purchasing a new bike and save money
  • Discounts on: BTO books, Bird care from Vine House Farm (10% discount on orders placed on the website) and Opticron (30% off)
  • Free access to BTO training courses
  • 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, Becoming Inclusive, 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 3rd November  and Interviews will be held in Stirling on Monday 18th November.  Remote interviews can be accommodated upon request. 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)