Research Ecologist

British Trust for Ornithology; Tetford; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

11% employer pension contribution

Annual leave 25 days + holidays

Life assurance

Health cash plan

Flexible working

Training courses

Cycle to work

Free parking

Job summary

The British Trust for Ornithology is seeking a Research Ecologist to work on modelling and analysis projects using bird, habitat and management data sets. Based at BTO HQ in Thetford, with negotiable remote working, this role is initially for one year, with the aim of extension if funding allows.

Salary £34,632 per annum plus 11% employer pension contribution; closing date 25th October 2026. You will be required to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK.

Qualifications

• Experience modelling and analysing ecological data.

Responsibilities

• Model and analyse bird, habitat and management data sets.
• Collaborate on modelling and analysis projects at BTO HQ in Thetford.

Job description

• Location: Thetford, Norfolk, United Kingdom
• Earnings: £34632.00 to £34632.00

Research Ecologist

Thetford

Full time, Temporary

£34,632 per annum + 11% employer pension contribution

The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) is seeking a Research Ecologist to work on modelling and analysis projects using bird, habitat and management data sets. Based at BTO HQ in Thetford, with negotiable remote working, this role is initially for one year, with the aim of extension if funding allows. Contact Dr Joe Cooper [e-mail] or Dr Gavin Siriwardena [e-mail] for more information.

Please note that, if you are the successful candidate, you will be required to provide documentary evidence of your right to live and work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

WHAT DOES BTO DO?

The heart of BTO encompasses three key areas: birds, science, people. We work to secure a better 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 other organisations, members and volunteers. 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

• £34,632 per annum
• Annual Leave: 25 days per year (plus bank holidays), increasing with service to 26 days after 5 years, 28 days after 10 years, and 30 days after 15 years (pro rata for part-time staff).
• Paid 'journey days' (up to 2 days) to staff who travel on holiday by land or sea instead of flying.
• Annual team away days
• 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.
• 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.
• Health cash plan which enables staff to claim back some healthcare expenses, such as prescriptions, dental treatment and specialist diagnostic tests. It also offers: Discounts on gym memberships and various retailers, a virtual GP and prescription service, on-demand wellness content (fitness, yoga,meditation, sleep, mindfulness) and access to Health Lens, Eargym, and digital physiotherapy via Phio.
• Retail discounts through MyLifestyle.
• Cycling friendly employer- gold accredited
• Cycle to work scheme- spread the cost of purchasing a new bike and save money
• Electric Vehicle (EV) salary sacrifice scheme
• Discounts on: BTO books, Bird care from Vine House Farm (10% discount on orders placed on the website) and Opticron (15% 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, Neurodiversity group, LGBTQ+ group 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, Sunday 25th October 2026 and interviews will be held in either Thetford or remotely between 9th and 13th November 2026.

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.

In cases where we receive a very high volume of applications, we may need to limit the number of Guaranteed Interview Scheme candidates progressing to interview.

Charity No. 216652 (E&W); SC039193 (Scotland)