The RSPB Centre for Conservation Science is responsible for the science that informs delivery of the RSPB’s conservation programmes for species, habitats and landscapes. Whether it’s working out how to recover a species on the verge of extinction, or restoring a degraded rainforest. Building the evidence-base, helps make our work more effective and ensures conservation resources are deployed appropriately.
We are delighted that we’re able to increase our team of scientists, through recruiting five senior science posts in several fields critical to RSPB’s long-term conservation strategy.
If you would like to be part of a large dynamic and enthusiastic team of Conservation Scientists and are keen to use your science to inform policy and practice across the UK and globally, then one of these might be the position for you.
The closing dates for all the roles below is the 12th June
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
RSPB are committed to improving equality, diversity and inclusion. Through the recruitment of these jobs, you will see that we are offering flexibility in relation to hours, travel and working locations and many of our staff now work flexibly from a combination of their homes and RSPB offices. We will also ensure that the interview process is as flexible and fair as possible by having gender balance among the interview panel and making reasonable adjustments to accommodate your needs as a potential future employee
Senior Conservation Scientist – Social science
We are seeking a Senior Conservation Scientist to be responsible for developing and delivering the social science needs of a programme of work relating to food, farming and land management. You will have a broad knowledge base and expertise and have an adaptable and flexible approach to what you work on.
Understanding of rural livelihoods, food chains and socio-political context of the UK agricultural sector are desirable. This position will work alongside RSPB colleagues to fundraise for, and manage the science around, conservation research projects where testing and evaluation of interventions are fundamental.
Contract: Full time, fixed term over two years. However, we also welcome applications from qualified candidates who may be seeking a part-time position.
Location: Flexible, with travel to field locations across the UK expected.
Salary: £38000 - £39425
Senior Conservation Scientist – Scotland & Northern Ireland
We are seeking a Senior Conservation Scientist to be responsible for developing and designing the science needs of multiple projects relating to species conservation and large-scale habitat restoration in Scotland and Northern Ireland. You will have a broad knowledge base and expertise, and an adaptable and flexible approach to what you work on.
An understanding of the ecology and conservation of breeding waders and/or Scotland's Rainforest (aka Atlantic or Celtic Forest), is desirable. This position will work alongside RSPB Country colleagues to fundraise for, and manage the science around, landscape-scale conservation projects that are based on evidence and where testing and evaluation of interventions are a fundamental part of these projects.
Contract: This is a permanent, full time post but we welcome applications from qualified candidates seeking a part-time position.
Location: Location within Scotland is flexible and for applicants who might need to relocate, we can be flexible about the timing of relocation. You will be expected to travel occasionally to Northern Ireland, other RSPB offices and other locations across Scotland.
Principal Conservation Scientist – Offshore Wind
We seek an experienced marine ornithologist with expertise in seabird tracking, the ecological impacts of offshore wind development, and/or the planning and assessment process. You will lead strategic research and scientific advice on offshore wind in collaboration with existing senior scientists, planning, legal and policy staff.
You will provide scientific input to a team exploring how to deliver strategic and ecologically meaningful measures for nature to counter any negative impacts of development. You will lead funding applications and project management for work addressing gaps in the evidence base relating to offshore wind farms and seabirds
Contract: Full time, fixed term over three years. However, we welcome applications from qualified candidates seeking a part-time position. We hope the successful candidate would work with us to bring in funding to enable extension beyond the initial 3-year contract.
Salary: £42768 - £44372
Principal Conservation Scientist – International Species
We have a vacancy for a Principal Conservation Scientist for our international species science to provide the science and evidence that underpins our international species conservation. This post provides an exciting opportunity for an experienced conservation scientist to provide scientific direction for our international species work.
RSPB’s evidence-based conservation actions extend beyond the UK. As part of BirdLife International we work together for biodiversity across the world with a particular focus on UK Overseas Territories. Joining the International Conservation Science team, the successful candidate will work closely with International Species recover and UK Overseas Territories colleagues. They will also make a full contribution to the work of the International Conservation Science team, the wider Conservation Science department, and RSPB’s international programmes and work with country partners and through BirdLife.
Location: Flexible but Cambridge or Edinburgh preferable. Overseas travel required.
Principal Conservation Scientist – Monitoring
We are seeking a Principal Conservation Scientist to be responsible for developing and designing the science relating to biodiversity monitoring and reporting, citizen science and species recovery. Understanding of species ecology and conservation is highly desirable, alongside knowledge of quantitative ecology, biological survey design and sampling techniques, and oversight of the emerging techniques in environmental monitoring.
The role would likely focus on avian monitoring programmes, developing biodiversity goals and indicators, and evaluation for species recovery. In addition, the postholder would seek to develop novel biological monitoring techniques, including via citizen science, and be involved in biodiversity reporting, for example, through the State of Nature partnership. The role would seek to understand better the drivers of biodiversity change and emerging threats to inform conservation strategies.
Location: Flexible, with occasional travel to locations across the UK expected.
Thank you for the good news! I have already found a job with an NGO in London. But when I was a self-employed contractor, I found an IR35 Calculator a handy tool to get the most updated information about contracting and taxation. So, as soon as I read about your success, this thought to share it with you passed through my mind as well.