Research Ecologist British Trust for Ornithology
ABOUT THE BRITISH TRUST FOR ORNITHOLOGY BRITISH TRUST FOR ORNITHOLOGY a world inspired by birds and informed by science BTO harnesses the skills and passion of birdwatchers to advance our understanding of ornithology and produce impartial science, communicated so that it can be of benefit to everyone. our goals BTO increases knowledge of birds and other wildlife, and their relationships with the environment and people, by: Enabling more people to learn about birds and science and grow through participation in environmental discovery. Delivering impartial, impactful and relevant science. Inspiring and empowering people with an understanding of birds and the importance of knowledge. our priorities We will reach our goals by: Providing more and better opportunities for people to contribute to our work. Monitoring the status of species, researching their ecology and understanding how they respond to change. Communicating great stories that bring to life the longterm data, information and knowledge that we hold. Our impact Our surveys, monitoring schemes and research programmes are designed by expert scientists to answer some of the most pressing questions affecting birds and their habitats. Because of our independence we are able to share our data, expertise and knowledge to inform decisionmakers, educate the public and support conservation action. Our long-term datasets provide a measure of change and enable us to look for impacts and test solutions. Our vibrant volunteer network makes us highly effective and ensures that our work reflects the interests of those for whom birds and wildlife are important. our foundations and values The success of BTO is based on firm foundations that include: motivated and skilled staff and volunteers; a strong reputation; a robust business model and effective governance systems and processes. We are: Inclusive and supportive Impartial Passionate Collaborative and open to new ideas BTO is a Registered Charity Number 216652 (England & Wales), SC039193 (Scotland).
about the role Research ecologist The UK hosts internationally important populations of waterbirds and seabirds. The BTO s Wetland and Marine Research Team based in Thetford, the Trusts headquarters, carry out vital research on the ecology of these species, particularly in relation to the impacts of climate change and renewable energy. In recent years this has included a number of high profile projects, both desk-based and in the field, including a programme of work tracking gulls. The BTO also has smaller country offices in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Staff members in the BTO Scottish office have the remit to develop research projects with particular relevance to the needs of Scottish bird populations and Scottish land /marine management issues. The current team at Stirling consist of 10-12 permanent and contract staff. The candidate will have the choice of being based at either Stirling or Thetford and will be line managed by Liz Humphreys (Senior Research Ecologist, Wetland and Marine Research Team) based at the former. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the work of the BTO with a particular focus on leading tracking studies in the field. You will have the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects on seabirds and waterbirds and to help to apply novel analyses to these data in order to maximise the impact of our work. Join our team and support us to better understand the pressures facing seabirds and waterbirds. what you will deliver Plan and implement field-based research projects including survey, ringing and tracking studies, especially with regard to waterbirds and seabirds. To plan and undertake research and other projects involving the statistical analysis of datasets to address applied problems. This will be done following programmes of work agreed with project managers, ensuring that high scientific standards are maintained. To work to tight deadlines, producing well written reports on the work undertaken, and to maintain a scientific publication record in refereed scientific journals. To contribute strategic and individual ideas for the development of BTO work. To contribute to the preparation of grant proposals in collaboration with other staff. To undertake and lead fieldwork on specific projects. To keep updated with the scientific literature relevant to the postholder s main research areas, and to conduct literature reviews and other non-analytical projects as required. To give oral and poster presentations of work at scientific conferences and seminars. To communicate the results of projects through popular and semi-popular articles and other media, as required. what you will bring to the wetland & marine team A postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience in ecology or a related field. A current BTO ringing permit with a proven ability in
ABOUT THE role handling birds (especially seabirds and waterbirds) and the use of special methods, including a wide range of bird catching methods and the safe fitting of tags and devices. An ability to curate and manage the data collected. The ability to plan, design and execute analytical research projects and to see them through to the completion of reports and refereed publications. Experience of designing field-based projects and leading field teams is required. Expertise in computer programs for the manipulation and statistical analysis of ecological data. Experience of using R and SAS is desirable. The ability to learn the use of new programming languages and computer packages and methods of statistical analysis as required. Experience with, or capacity to learn, Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Good knowledge of avian and population biology and its application to conservation science. Good knowledge of the British avifauna and their ecology and of bird survey techniques. Ability to publish in refereed scientific journals and to write scientific reports. Ability to write clearly for a range of popular and semipopular publications. Ability to lecture to a wide range of audience types, including research presentations at scientific conferences and meetings and talks to the general public. For staff based in the BTO Scottish office, to promote the research activities of the BTO within Scotland through such events. Good personal organisation and time management skills. Willingness to travel and to work out of hours. find out more about the role For an informal chat about the position please contact Liz Humphreys (01786 458027 or liz.humphreys@bto.org) salary and benefits A one-year fixed term contract with a salary of 23,490. A 37-hour working week. We welcome applications from candidates interested in working from either The Nunnery, Thetford, IP24 2PU or The Beta Centre, Stirling University Innovation Park, FK9 4NF - there will be a requirement to travel between these offices. We also have offices at the David Attenborough Building at Cambridge University and encourage staff to work here, both to build their networks and where the location is more accessible to them. We are very happy to discuss flexible working arrangements at the interview. Annual leave entitlement on starting is 25 days plus bank holidays. The post holder will qualify for life assurance (four times salary) and be automatically enrolled in the BTO group personal pension scheme, benefitting from an 11% employer contribution.
making an application If you have what it takes then we look forward to hearing from you send your completed application form with a CV to Sian Knott via jobs@bto.org stating the job title in the subject line. Closing date for receipt of applications is 1pm on Wednesday 28 November 2018. It is anticipated that interviews will be on Wednesday 12 December 2018 in Thetford, at the BTO, IP24 2PU. 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. Images by John Harding, Sarah Kelman, Austin Thomas, David Tipling and Mike Toms