PeacePlus Nature Peatland Conservation Scientist

Are you passionate about protecting and restoring peatlands? The restoration of Northern Ireland’s peatlands will deliver major conservation benefits and is a key part of PeacePlus Nature. We are looking for a peatland scientist to help realise these benefits by joining our science team and providing scientific evidence to the PeacePlus Nature Program.

This role offers an opportunity for the right candidate to advance peatland restoration science in Northern Ireland and Ireland. This role is a Peatland Conservation Scientist within the PeacePlus Nature Programme. PeacePlus Nature is an ambitious €20.8 million programme that brings together nine partners to tackle the decline in priority species and habitats in Northern Ireland, and the border counties of Ireland.

PEACEPLUS is a cross-border funding Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and supported by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland administration.

You will work with RSPB colleagues in the conservation science, ecology and reserves departments, and our PeacePlus partners in Northern Ireland and in Ireland. You will work closely with the existing Peatland Programme team, to develop and conduct research to inform peatland restoration methods, monitor efficacy and explore novel restoration techniques. You will line manage a team of two field staff, collating and analysing evidence to investigate peatland restoration science. You will also support, and lead, the write up, publication and presentation of results of your work to internal and external audiences. This role will require field work in Northern Ireland throughout the year, as well as home or home/office-based desk work.

We welcome applications from candidates who can demonstrate the essential criteria and are committed to developing their expertise in peatland restoration science.

What we need from you

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• PhD in relevant subject, or Masters + 3-5 years demonstrable peatland research experience.
• Knowledge of peatland/ habitat restoration science issues and practice, gained through experience of leading a scientific project.
• Knowledge of peatland hydrological and GHG flux measurement principles, data collection design and data analysis gained through experience of a scientific project.
• Experience of developing and implementing field trials and surveys for peatland restoration/ biodiversity conservation using appropriate data collection methods.
• Data analysis using appropriate statistical methods and presentation of the results of these analyses in reports and peer-reviewed scientific papers.
• Experience of fieldwork in remote locations, and knowledge of the health and safety and ethical considerations associated with this.
• Ability to effectively manage projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in extreme conditions, sometimes for prolonged periods in the field.
• Competent IT user (e.g. MS packages, Outlook etc) including in the use of GIS.
• Able to communicate effectively and work in collaboration with external organisations and individuals
• Full UK/Ireland driving license.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Specialism in peatland ecology research
• Experience of collecting, curating and analysing large and complex data sets that can pass international peer-reviewed standards of scrutiny and audit
• Ability to manage field staff
• Ability to train and coach others in data collection techniques in sometimes difficult conditions.

This role will be based in Northern Ireland and will require some cross border working in sites in the Republic of Ireland. Time spent in the Republic of Ireland will be managed to ensure alignment with cross border working requirements.

This is a Fixed-Term role for 37.5 hours per week until 31st July 2029.

The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 4th March 2025. 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.