Spatial ecologist

UK CENTER FOR ECOLOGY & HYDROLOGY; Wallingford; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental research institute in Wallingford is seeking a Project Manager to support large-scale research projects. This full-time role involves spatial data analysis, project coordination, and team management. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in ecology and relevant postgraduate qualifications. Join us to contribute to impactful environmental science and benefit from flexible working arrangements, generous leave, and a supportive team environment.

Benefits

27 days annual leave

10% employer pension contribution

24/7 access to support services

Flexible working opportunities

Qualifications

• Background in ecology or environmental research.
• Advanced GIS and geospatial data analysis skills.
• Proven project management experience in a research setting.
• Familiarity with various spatial datasets and formats.
• Strong understanding of sustainable land use and nature conservation.

Responsibilities

• Support and manage delivery across multiple research projects.
• Lead spatial data analysis and natural capital assessments.
• Oversee field survey planning and integration of spatial data.
• Ensure project milestones and deadlines are met.
• Manage communications with funders and partners.

Skills

Ecology or environmental research

GIS and geospatial data analysis

Project management

Communication skills

Collaborative approach

Education

Postgraduate qualification in relevant field

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

Python

R

Job description

Salary - £38,939 to £41,321
Hybrid Working
Based at Wallingford, Oxfordshire
Full-time, 12-month Maternity cover

The closing date for this advert will be 29/08/2025.

Looking for your next challenge in environmental science? This fixed-term post offers the opportunity to play a key role in managing large-scale research projects, engaging with external partners, and contributing to UKCEH’s mission of delivering science with real-world impact. This role involves supporting the coordination and delivery of high-profile, multi-partner projects focused on spatial data analysis, natural capital assessment, and field survey design.

You will help steer the direction of several key projects, ensuring that teams are motivated, deliverables are met on time, and relationships with funders and external collaborators are effectively managed. You’ll be working as part of a friendly, supportive, and enthusiastic team at the forefront of environmental science.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and manage delivery across multiple research projects
• Lead spatial data analysis and natural capital assessments
• Oversee field survey planning and integration of spatial data with field observations
• Ensure project milestones and reporting deadlines are met
• Manage communications with funders, partners, and collaborators
• Provide team management, guidance, and day-to-day project oversight

We’re looking for someone with:

• A background in ecology or environmental research
• Advanced GIS and geospatial data analysis skills
• Proven project management experience, ideally within a research setting
• Familiarity with a wide range of spatial datasets, formats, and resolutions
• Strong understanding of UK issues in sustainable land use, agriculture, and nature conservation
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• A collaborative and organised approach, with a commitment to UKCEH values of Excellence, Integrity, and Teamwork

Qualifications & Experience

• A postgraduate qualification in a relevant field (e.g. environmental science, geospatial analysis, ecology)
• Wide experience in using specialist GIS software (e.g. ArcGIS, QGIS) or GIS packages in programming languages (e.g. Python, R)
• Significant (i.e. > 1 year’s) postgraduate experience of project management in a research environment
• Experience of team leadership and managing external collaborators

This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to impactful, applied environmental science at a leading not-for-profit research institute. Join us and help shape research that informs sustainable land use, biodiversity conservation, and policy development across the UK.

Working at UKCEH is rewarding. Our science makes a real difference and enables people and the environment to prosper. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.

As a valued member of our team, you’ll get:

• 27 days annual leave
• 10% employer pension contribution
• 24 hour, 365-day access to support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues plus access to our trained Welfare Officers
• Flexible working opportunities

And much more...

Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role and this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self-sponsorship, please indicate this in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.

If we’ve just described you, we’d love to meet. Apply now.