Senior Research Assistant Seabirds Acclimatise - RSPB

Reference: DEC

Location:

Flexible in Northern Ireland - Hybrid/Home working
Salary: £30,075.00 - £32,108.00 Per Annum

Terms:

Full Time, 37.5 hours per week, Fixed Term until 30/11/2028

We are seeking a Senior Research Assistant with seabird experience to join the RSPB’s Conservation Science team. The role will involve field and desk-based work on seabird research and policy in Northern Ireland and will be managed by the recently appointed RSPB Senior Scientist for the ACCLIMATISE project. RSPB is a partner within this cross border project which is led by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) and funded by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.

You will support the delivery of this project for RSPB working alongside scientists specialising in seabirds, dietary analyses, cetaceans and fish. This role will require field work on Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland and time away from home, particularly during the April to July period, as well as home or home/office-based desk work.

The post will require fieldwork to monitor, tag and track seabirds from Rathlin Island; delivery of quality data preparation and management. You will work collaboratively with external colleagues particularly with the British Trust for Ornithology. You will contribute to report and paper writing on mapping the risk of seabird by-catch in the seas around Northern Ireland and border counties and cross border seabird action plans and a seabird strategy.

• An undergraduate qualification or equivalent experience in a related field.
• Demonstrable relevant fieldwork experience and knowledge of seabird ecology, gained through involvement in scientific projects
• Knowledge of key licensing and practical requirements and safety training for ensuring health and safety when working around cliff-nesting seabird colonies.
• Experience in the application of statistical techniques, and in the manipulation of ecological data.
• Ability to speak effectively to a wide range of audiences.
• Self-motivated ability to write reports to deadline and write for a range of publications.
• A valid UK driving licence.

• A current BTO ringing permit with proven ability in trapping and handling seabirds, tagging and safe fitting of tags and devices.
• Knowledge of data downloading from tagged seabirds, collating and managing seabird tracking data.
• Experience of working on an island building collaborative and cooperative working relationships with landowners, external stakeholders, government agencies, and collaborators.

Sunday 4th January
Interviews from Monday 12th January.

To complete your application online please