Researcher, Wetland BioScience

The Methodist Church in Britain; Bradley Stoke; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual leave

Free entry to wetland centres

Cycle to work scheme

Contributory pension

Life assurance

Job summary

The Wetland & Wildlife Trust is seeking an early career ecologist for a fixed-term post running to 30 March 2028. Based in the Wetland BioScience team, the role focuses on field surveys across wetlands in the South West and nationally, developing skills in pollinating insects, saltmarsh vegetation, bats and birds, and aquatic invertebrates.

Driving licence and willingness to travel within the UK are essential.

Qualifications

• Background in ecology.
• Interest in wetland species and habitats.
• Desire to develop cross-taxa field skills and desk-based data management.
• Experience with field data collection desirable (surveying)

Responsibilities

• Carry out field-based ecological survey across a range of sites, mainly in the South West and nationally.
• Develop field skills across pollinating insects, saltmarsh vegetation, aerial insectivores (bats and birds) and aquatic invertebrates.
• Collate and manage survey data at a desk.
• Take part in data analysis and reporting.
• Support the expanding ecological monitoring programme.
• Work on multiple projects and tasks at once.
• Work some weekends, bank holidays and outside normal hours during the fieldwork season.

Skills

Field survey

Data management

Health & safety

Time management

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Background in ecology

Job description

This fixed-term research post, running to 30 March 2028, sits in the Wetland BioScience team within the Wetland Evidence department of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust. It suits an early career ecologist to build field skills across pollinating insects, saltmarsh vegetation, bats and birds, and aquatic invertebrates, while supporting monitoring, data management and reporting. Most of the work is field survey across sites mainly in the South West and nationally, with weekend, bank holiday and out-of-hours work in the season. Driving licence and willingness to travel are essential.

What the job involves

• Carry out field-based ecological survey across a range of sites, mainly in the South West and nationally
• Develop field skills across pollinating insects, saltmarsh vegetation, aerial insectivores (bats and birds) and aquatic invertebrates
• Collate and manage survey data at a desk
• Take part in data analysis and reporting
• Support the expanding ecological monitoring programme
• Work on multiple projects and tasks at once
• Work some weekends, bank holidays and outside normal hours during the fieldwork season

What’s required

Qualifications

• Background in ecology

Experience

• Interest in wetland species and habitats
• Desire to develop cross-taxa field skills and desk-based data management

Skills & knowledge

• Creative, practical problem solving
• Conducting fieldwork independently, managing own time and following health and safety regulations
• Communicating with a wide range of audiences, including members of the public
• Maintaining effective relationships with colleagues and partners
• Being proactive and engaged across multiple projects

Checks & eligibility

• Driving licence
• Willingness to travel within the UK

What’s offered

• 33 days annual leave, rising to 38 after 5 years, including bank holidays and flexible in timing
• Free entry to all wetland centres, including family
• Free car parking and secure bike storage
• Colleague discount on shopping and memberships
• Cycle to work scheme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance of three times salary
• Employee Assistance Programme for personal, workplace and financial advice