Senior Conservation Scientist

We have an exciting opportunity for a social scientist to join RSPB Northern Ireland and the RSPB Centre for Conservation Science as a Senior Conservation Scientist to deliver a specific project and provide strategic social science leadership across the PeacePlus Nature programme.

The successful candidate will help deliver research that informs peatland restoration and species recovery, while exploring issues such as environmental justice, community perspectives and just transition approaches to conservation.

About PeacePlus Nature

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. The project is supported by PEACEPLUS, which 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. PeacePlus Nature will work to restore blanket bog, lowland wet grassland and limestone grassland and priority species from breeding waders to Marsh Fritillary Butterfly.

What's the role about?

This role will lead and deliver the social science components of the PeacePlus Nature programme, ensuring robust social research informs peatland restoration and species recovery work.

The scientist will conduct research to understand the social, cultural and economic dimensions of turbary rights, including the lived experiences, values and perspectives of rights holders and local communities. They will need to engage sensitively and constructively with stakeholders, including landowners, turbary rights holders, community groups and statutory agencies. This will be key for providing evidence to support balanced, just and inclusive approaches to peatland conservation, recognising both ecological priorities and community needs.

The scientist will work collaboratively with ecologists, project managers, community engagement officers and partner organisations to integrate social evidence and contribute to reporting, learning and knowledge exchange across the PeacePlus Nature partnership. The person will be embedded within the RSPB Northern Ireland team, managed by RSPB’s Principal Scientist, Dr Joelene Hughes, and be part of the RSPB Centre for Conservation Science, participating in wider RSPB science events where appropriate.

Applicants will be assessed on how they meet the below criteria.

Essentials:

• Knowledge and experience of designing and delivering applied social science research projects, gained through a PhD and postdoctoral research, or equivalent professional experience.
• Knowledge of natural resource governance, land-use issues, and community dimensions of conservation, including common property rights where relevant.
• Experience designing and delivering qualitative or mixed-methods research projects, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Experience engaging with stakeholders and using participatory approaches to gather evidence or inform decision-making, particularly within rural, environmental or community settings.
• Experience coordinating research projects and line managing staff, students or research assistants.
• Experience analysing qualitative and/or quantitative data and using appropriate analytical software (such as R, NVivo or similar) to produce evidence that informs policy, practice, or decision-making.
• Able to communicate complex information clearly in writing and verbally, including producing scientific papers plus reports and presentations for a range of audiences.
• Experience of successfully collaborating with colleagues from different disciplines or organisations to deliver shared outcomes.
• Able to manage competing priorities, organise work effectively and meet agreed deadlines.
• Able to travel to remote locations across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland as required for the role without the use of public transport.

Additional Information

This is a fixed-term role until 31 July 2029, working 18.75 hours per week (50% FTE).

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 13th and 14th August. For further information please contact [email protected] and [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.