We have an exciting opportunity for a Conservation Scientist to join the England & Wales team in the RSPB Centre for Conservation Science to lead the delivery of a component of a large multi-organisation research project focused on breeding wader productivity and testing effectiveness of a variety of management solutions.

What’s the role about?

We are seeking an experienced movement ecologist to lead a research project focusing on breeding wader productivity and finding solutions to reverse wader population declines. The project uses ATLAS tracking systems to follow wader chicks and adult raptors simultaneously on reserves to examine: wader and raptor interactions and space use across reserves; wader chick survival and causes of mortality, including comparing areas with and without predator exclusion fencing; raptor diet and the use of diversionary feeding stations.

The successful candidate will have a demonstrable record of designing and conducting field-based ecological research, of managing and analysing very large datasets using modern statistical methods, and publishing papers in international peer-reviewed scientific journals. Relevant experience of operating automated tracking systems and/or drones is desirable.

The role will entail:

• managing the RSPB led elements of the project including management of field staff, securing licenses and permissions, managing large datasets, and ensuring external reporting deadlines are met,
• leading the analysis, writing and publication of research outputs from the project, and,
• providing remote and in-person support to field teams including technical and practical support for setting up and maintaining ATLAS tracking systems, operating drones, nest finding and operating camera traps, and wader and raptor nest monitoring, capture and tagging.

This role will be home-based with a flexible location, although the preferred location is central/eastern England to facilitate regular visits to RSPB’s reserves at the Nene (Cambridgeshire) and Otmoor (Oxfordshire). Occasional travel will be needed within the UK to support related fieldwork and attend meetings, and these trips will require occasional overnight stays away from home.

Essential skills and knowledge:

• Able to design, lead and deliver ecological or conservation research projects from project planning through to reporting and publication, gained through a PhD or equivalent professional research experience.
• Able to design and implement field-based ecological research and monitoring methods to collect robust data on breeding waders and raptors.
• Demonstratable experience of leading the preparation, writing and submission of multiple peer-reviewed scientific publications in internationally recognised journals, delivering outputs to project deadlines.
• Able to operate and maintain automated wildlife tracking systems and manage, validate and curate the resulting datasets.
• Experience of coordinating research projects, manage project resources and support staff to achieve agreed project objectives and deadlines.
• Able to manage multiple project activities simultaneously, prioritise competing demands and coordinate contributions from colleagues and partners to meet project deadlines.
• Experience carrying out field research, including nest finding and monitoring breeding success to collect high-quality ecological data safely and ethically, adapting methods or plans where required in response to field conditions.
• Up-to-date specialist knowledge of how to apply the latest statistical methods in movement ecology to analyse and interpret complex ecological datasets.
• Able to communicate scientific findings through reports, publications and presentations, adapting content appropriately for scientific, operational and non-specialist audiences.
• A UK driving licence.

*Experience of wader and raptor ecology would be beneficial. We recognise that candidates may have developed relevant expertise through research on other species or ecological systems and will support the successful candidate in developing project-specific knowledge. Having a current British Trust for Ornithology bird ringing permit with endorsements to capture, ring and fit tags to wader chicks and/or adult raptors would be an advantage. Please use your application to demonstrate how your knowledge and experience are relevant to this role.

Additional Information

This is a Fixed-Term full-time role (37.5 hours per week) from January 2027 to March 2029.

The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

For further information please contact: malcolm.burgess@rspb.org.uk

As part of this application process, you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

Before applying, please read through the attached candidate guidance notes.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. this role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship – the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

Benefits

Pension, Life Assurance, 26 days Annual Leave (pro-rata)