Conservation Scientist - RSPB

Countryside Classroom; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Countryside Classroom in England is seeking a scientist to lead a 30-month fixed-term research programme on upland Whinchat, a high conservation priority. The role blends desk-based analyses with fieldwork to inform a trial management approach.

The successful candidate will design studies, run field surveys, analyse nest data and population trends, and communicate findings to diverse audiences. The placement runs Oct 2026 to March 2029, with travel to Exmoor or Peak District and occasional

Qualifications

• Experience designing and delivering ecological or conservation research projects.
• Knowledge of UK conservation issues and practice, and applying this knowledge when planning or delivering ecological research projects.
• Able to communicate scientific information clearly to a range of audiences.
• Able to use Microsoft Office, GIS software and statistical software to manage, analyse and present ecological data.
• Experience applying mixed modelling, spatial statistics and other appropriate analytical methods to ecological datasets.
• Experience carrying out ecological field surveys, including habitat surveys, nest finding and monitoring breeding success or survival.

Responsibilities

• Lead a programme of ecological/conservation research on upland Whinchat.
• Combine desk-based analyses with fieldwork to address key evidence gaps for a trial management programme.
• Quantify relationships between land management, Whinchat occurrence, diet, nestling condition and survival.
• Coordinate or supervise field staff to deliver research activities.
• Disseminate findings through scientific writing and publications.

Skills

Fieldwork

Scientific writing

Communication

Ecological research

Team coordination

Education

PhD or equivalent

Tools

GIS software

Statistical software

Microsoft Office

Remote sensing data analysis

Job description

Reference: AUG20260156
Location: Flexible in England
Terms: 30-month Fixed Term, October 2026 to March 2029, Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £40,381.00 - £43,113.00 Per Annum

A fantastic opportunity for a scientist with strong field, analytical and communication skills to lead a programme of research on upland breeding Whinchat, whose populations have declined sharply in recent decades, making the species a high conservation priority and a key focus for the RSPB

Through a combination of desk-based analyses and fieldwork, the successful candidate will help address key evidence gaps needed to design a trial management programme for upland Whinchat. The desk-based work will combine nest monitoring and population census data with observed and remotely sensed datasets.

Fieldwork in 2027 and 2028 will provide finer-scale insight by quantifying relationships between land management, Whinchat occurrence, food availability (diet), nestling condition, survival, and overall breeding productivity.

Essentials:

• Experience designing and delivering ecological or conservation research projects, gained through a PhD or equivalent professional research experience.
• Knowledge of UK conservation issues and practice, and experience applying this knowledge when planning or delivering ecological research projects.
• Able to communicate scientific information clearly to a range of audiences
• Able to use Microsoft Office, GIS software and statistical software to manage, analyse and present ecological data (with the ability to learn new software).
• Experience applying mixed modelling, spatial statistics and other appropriate analytical methods to ecological datasets.
• Experience using remote sensing data to support ecological research
• Experience carrying out ecological field surveys, including habitat surveys, nest finding and monitoring breeding success or survival.
• Experience collecting, managing and analysing complex ecological datasets suitable for scientific publication.
• Experience coordinating or supervising field staff to deliver research activities
• Demonstratable experience in scientific writing and publication
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable

• Experience of Whinchat ecology, upland habitats, invertebrate sampling or DNA metabarcoding.
• Current British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) bird ringing licence, with endorsements to ring open nesting passerines.

Additional Information

The post holder will be based in an as yet confirmed location in England (likely to be Exmoor or the Peak District) for April to August in 2027 (and potentially again in 2028) to undertake fieldwork.

Periodic travel to meet team members or collaborators and to run workshops will be required, including occasional overnight stays.

This position is subject to confirmation of external funding.

Closing: 23rd September