Overview

The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology is an independent, not-for-profit research institute carrying out excellent environmental science across water, land and air.  At UKCEH there are various career paths open to first-class scientists and support staff.  We have around 500 scientists and students supported by experts in the fields of IT, commercialisation, finance, communications and HR based across four sites (Wallingford, Bangor, Edinburgh and Lancaster).  Our world class research is delivered via state-of-the-art laboratories, controlled environment facilities and unique monitoring sites across many different habitat types.  Our students and employees gain from working in a stimulating environment incorporating multidisciplinary research that is enriched through our international collaborations with many universities and institutes.

For further information, please visit the UKCEH Website.

Summary

Invertebrate and Botanical Field Surveyors – 10 positions available
Band 7 – £25,150 per annum
Full time (average of 37 hours per week, flexible to meet fieldwork demands)
Based at field sites around England, training at UKCEH Wallingford, Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford OX10 8BB (or remote training).
Fixed term 03 May – 03 September 2021.
Closing date for applications is 29 January 2021.
Interviews to be held during 15 – 16 February 2021.

Surveyors will work on a  high-profile monitoring project,  funded by Natural England and conducted by UKCEH. The purpose of these posts is to undertake monitoring of mobile species, plants and habitats at various locations across England, with associated deployment of field equipment and responsibility for landowner liaison.

Main Responsibilities

  • Follow scientific protocols for the accurate monitoring and recording of target species, specifically bees, butterflies, moths and higher plant species, and associated habitat data.
  • Deployment of field equipment (for example, pan traps and moth light traps), including equipment maintenance and effective storage of invertebrate samples.
  • Plan and take responsibility for carrying out field surveys within small teams (usually pairs), including equipment maintenance and effective storage of invertebrate samples, as well as accurate data recording.
  • Adhere to risk assessment processes, to ensure safe working for yourself and colleagues.
  • Accurate and reliable inputting of data input using into Access databases and the use of ArcGIS mapping tools.
  • Liaison and communication with landowners.
  • The posts will require flexibility to work anywhere in England, and to stay away from home for extended periods living in temporary accommodation, as needed for the field survey.

Skills and knowledge required

Knowledge & Qualifications

  • Demonstrable knowledge of identifying higher plants, and/or butterflies and foraging bumblebees, to species level in the field.
  • Keeps up to date with current thinking in professional area.

Experience/Proven abilities related to the position

  • Previous experience of working as a field surveyor.
  • The posts will involve significant outdoor work in all weathers and remote locations, and at unsociable hours for collecting moth traps.
  • Previous demonstrable experience of accurate data entry
  • Experience of adhering to scientific protocols and risk assessment processes, to ensure safe working for yourself and colleagues

Skills 

  • Highly practical with strong team working skills.
  • Excellent oral communication skills
  • Excellent written communication skills
  • Able to demonstrate the ability to work independently
  • Exceptional attention to detail

Core Behaviours & Values

  • You will demonstrate a commitment to promote and adhere to CEH values of Excellence, Integrity and Teamwork.

Other Requirements

  • Competent driving skills are essential, including a clean driving license.
  • Ability to work anywhere in England, and to stay away from home for extended periods living in temporary accommodation, as needed for the field survey.
  • Must be physically fit and able to carry field equipment in rugged terrain

Desirable skills 

  • Experience of national butterfly, bumblebee and plant recording schemes.
  • Experience of botanical survey techniques and habitat mapping.
  • Experience of using Access databases and ArcGIS mapping software.
  • Off-road driving experience and/or training.
  • Experience of using ruggedized tablets for field data recording.

What we offer

To find out the benefits of working with UKCEH, please follow the link for a summary.  https://www.ceh.ac.uk/sites/default/files/UKCEH-Terms-and-Conditions-Summary.pdf For more information on our values, please click here.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, click the link below. As well as a CV, please provide a covering letter detailing why you may be suitable for the role.

To find out more about the Landscape-scale species monitoring of agri-environment schemes project, please click here.