Conservation Scientist (Social Sciences) - (Fixed Term)

Job Description

Introduction

The RSPB Centre for Conservation Science is responsible for the science that informs delivery of the RSPB's conservation programmes for inspirational species, habitats and landscapes. We are looking for a talented social scientist to join our People section to work on two landscape restoration projects which aim to restore and transform an upland Cumbrian landscape to a sustainable, ecologically functioning landscape, home to vibrant, engaged communities benefitting socially, culturally and economically from the restored landscape.


What's the role about?
In this new and exciting 4.5 year, full-time fixed post you will join an interdisciplinary research team based at RSPB Haweswater, Cumbria, helping to co-design two sustainable landscape restoration projects with local partners and communities. You will be responsible for facilitating the co-design of the landscape transformation with partners and local communities as well as conducting social science research to monitor and evaluate the impact of the project in terms of values, attitudes and ecosystem benefits such as 'sense of place'. The post-holder will be expected to balance their workload on two upland restoration projects, leading on the facilitation of active community engagement and project participation in the Connecting Cumbria project, whilst alongside developing and conducting robust social scientific research.


Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

Proven scientific background (e.g. a PhD or equivalent experience managing a project) in a relevant subject or topic (e.g. sociology, psychology)

Experience in conducting participatory and social science research using either quantitative, qualitative or mixed method approaches

Experience in working in interdisciplinary teams and partnership working to achieve project objectives

Experience in designing and leading community engagement and participatory activities to explore local issues and co-design solutions

Ability to communicate results appropriately to diverse audiences and stakeholders though various fora and media.


Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

A knowledge of upland ecosystems, communities and ecosystem services

Publishing peer-reviewed scientific papers

Experience of developing monitoring and evaluation plans and indicators for landscape projects

Working with disadvantaged and/or marginalised individuals and community groups

Capable of being a public face for RSPB science to the media and social media.


This is a 4.5 year Fixed Term Contract,Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week.

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 on 25th January 2023. For further information please contact antonia.eastwood@rspb.org.uk

_________________________

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.

_______________________

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.