Principal Conservation Scientist - RSPB Cymru

We are seeking an established ecologist or environmental scientist to lead our scientific work in Wales. Based in RSPB’s Centre for Conservation Science, the Principal Conservation Scientist will provide the evidence needed by RSPB Cymru to recover species, restore natural habitats and influence environmental policy in Wales. If you are passionate about applying your scientific knowledge to nature recovery then come and help us save the unique wildlife and landscapes of Wales.

The primary function of the role is to ensure that RSPB’s conservation and engagement work in Wales is underpinned by scientific evidence.  

RSPB Cymru strives to improve the status of priority species including curlew, black grouse, seabirds and woodland birds, and the condition of habitats like peatland, moorland, Atlantic oak woodlands and our seas for the benefit of wildlife and people. We believe that productive land should be managed sustainably balancing the need for food and timber production with the needs of people for a clean and nature-rich landscape providing essential ecosystem services.  

The role involves identifying the key evidence needs of RSPB Cymru and meeting those needs either through synthesis of existing knowledge or by initiating new research. This will require working closely with staff in the RSPB Cymru operations team (including staff managing nature reserves) and with other scientists. Although RSPB has some resource to fund new scientific work, larger projects will require external funding, often in partnership with others. You will be expected to build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues across RSPB and with external research partners and funders.

Many of the RSPB’s evidence needs will be ecological in nature understanding for example how best to recover species or restore habitats. There will also be a need to develop multi-disciplinary projects measuring for example the ecosystem services provided by habitat restoration or the social barriers limiting adoption of sympathetic management practices. A key part of the role will be to develop collaborative external funding proposals focused on priority RSPB issues.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• PhD in relevant subject, or equivalent experience.
• Broad knowledge of conservation issues and practice, and conservation science, gained through experience of conducting and managing scientific research.
• Demonstrable ability to design scientific studies to answer applied conservation questions.
• Demonstrable experience of leading to completion multiple scientific research projects including managing staff and budgets.
• A strong record of publication in the peer-reviewed scientific literature.
• Demonstrable ability to develop productive collaborations both internally and externally.
• Demonstrable record of raising external funding for scientific research particularly in applied conservation. 
• Ability to communicate scientific principals and research findings to both scientific and general audiences through writing and oral presentations

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Experience of conducting applied scientific research on the wildlife and habitats of Wales, or in comparable landscapes elsewhere.
• Ability to translate conservation science into conservation practice both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to use scientific evidence to inform and develop conservation policy and to influence policy makers

Additional Information:

This is a permanent, full-time position working 37.5 hours per week, although flexible working arrangements will be considered.

The successful applicant would be expected to work from home anywhere within Wales although RSPB has some office space for staff in Cardiff and on Anglesey.

Some travel will be needed across Wales and the UK with occasional nights away from home. The role currently involves the line management of one established staff member although this is likely to rise with temporary staff.  

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 14th November 2025. For further information please contact [email protected].

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and 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.

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship.