Conservation Scientist (Fixed-Term)

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. We are seeking a Conservation Scientist to join our Marine Section to lead the delivery of our Leach’s Storm Petrel Conservation Status project. If you are looking for an exciting challenge that not only combines remote island fieldwork, complex data analysis and scientific paper writing, but also informs the conservation of a charismatic seabird, then this could be the opportunity for you!

The role will be home-based (flexible within the UK) but will require around three weeks of fieldwork on remote islands in the north-west of Scotland.

What's the role about?

Leach’s Storm Petrel, a small nocturnal burrow-nesting seabird, was Red-listed on the Birds of Conservation Concern in 2021 due to its population decline over the previous two decades. However, two Special Protection Areas (SPA) require re-surveying to verify current population status. In addition, recent RSPB re-survey data from St Kilda SPA, their largest UK breeding colony, is also available for analysis. This project will produce updated population estimates for Leach’s Storm Petrel at these three SPAs and use these to assess their current conservation status to inform conservation action.

This role will be responsible for planning, organising, and leading population surveys of Leach’s Storm Petrels on North Rona and Sula Sgeir SPA and Flannan Isles SPA in July 2025, applying the Hierarchical Distance Sampling acoustic playback method used by Deakin et al. (2021)*. These breeding colonies are on remote offshore uninhabited islands with no facilities, so a key aspect will be ensuring the health, safety and well-being of the survey team (first aid training will be provided). A full understanding of, and strict adherence to, the requirements of the survey methods will also be critical, including an ability to make informed, reactive, decisions on how best to adjust sampling effort to suit limitations imposed by weather conditions. In addition to data collection, a major aspect of the role will be responsibility for analysing the data (including for St Kilda SPA which was surveyed in 2023) using Hierarchical Distance Sampling Modelling following Deakin et al. (2021)*, with a peer-reviewed scientific paper expected as the main output.

This is a fantastic opportunity to experience working on two spectacular breeding seabird SPAs which few people have the opportunity of visiting. Leach’s Storm Petrels are a challenging species to count, and this project provides the opportunity to apply a recently developed survey and analytical approach, which includes the ability to compare with more traditional acoustic playback methods.

• Deakin et al. 2021. Seabird 33: 74-106. https://doi.org/10.61350/sbj.33.74
  
  

Essential Skills, Knowledge And Experience

• PhD in a relevant subject, or equivalent experience in leading a relevant scientific project.
• An understanding of the ecology and conservation of seabirds, with practical field skills and experience appropriate to the post.
• Knowledge of key legal and practical requirements for ensuring health and safety of staff and volunteers in challenging field conditions.
• Experience in curating, analysing, and interpreting large and complex data sets to peer-reviewed standards of scrutiny and audit.
• Self-motivated and able to work efficiently under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Ability to effectively manage projects, staff and volunteers and work in collaboration with external organisations, individuals, and contractors.
  
  

Desirable Skills, Knowledge And Experience

• Specific expertise in one or more relevant technical field skill (e.g. petrel surveys, hierarchical distance sampling, rope access skills)
• Knowledge of licensing and regulations surrounding fieldwork on protected species and sites.
• The survey team will comprise up to 12 staff and volunteers, so line management experience is desirable, including the ability to train and coach others in data collection techniques in sometimes difficult conditions.
  
  

This is a fixed-term role for 11 months which we anticipate starting early February 2025.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position between 4-6th December 2024. For further information please contact [email protected]

As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.