BTO is looking for a Research Ecologist to join our scientists for 6 months to work on several projects. This short-term post will mostly involve the analysis of data from BTO monitoring schemes through three specific research projects:

• Exploring changes in metrics of avian community structure. The Breeding Bird Survey shows many changes in bird populations both over time and in different areas which we report on for individual species on our website (www.bto.org/birdtrends). But how are these changes reflected in the ‘community’ of birds that are recorded in each square? We would like to develop reporting of metrics of community structure (such as species richness/diversity and indices of specialization) over time and spatially with the aim of incorporating these into our routine reporting programs.
• Developing measures of average avian breeding success. Volunteers participating in the Nest Record Survey collect data annually on the on the reproductive success of a wide range of bird species. Variation in reproductive success between years and in different habitats is likely to be sensitive to environmental conditions, so looking at average breeding success across a range of species sharing the same traits or habitats should provide insight into environmental and climatic drivers of change. This will build on recent work improving our measures of species-specific breeding success to compile cross-species metrics and explore their relationship with underlying environmental and climatic covariates.
• Developing a framework for predictive population models based on BTO monitoring data and other sources. This project will aim to collate estimates of species-specific demographic rates to understand whether they can explain past/current population changes and hence whether we can develop more forward-looking ways of reporting monitoring data.

This position is based at our HQ in Thetford, Norfolk, although you will be able to work from home part of the time on a hybrid working regim.
You can read the full role description by clicking on the role description under 'supporting documents' in the job details on our careers page. Please contact us if you are not sure if you meet all the criteria for the role and would like to discuss the role in more detail.

WHAT DOES BTO DO?
BTO harnesses the skills and passion of birdwatchers to advance our understanding of ornithology and produce impartial science, communicated so that it can be of benefit to everyone.

OUR GOALS
BTO increases knowledge of birds and other wildlife, and their relationships with the environment and people, by:

• Enabling more people to learn about birds and science and grow through participation in environmental discovery.
• Delivering impartial, impactful and relevant science.
• Inspiring and empowering people with an understanding of birds and the importance of knowledge.

OUR FOUNDATIONS AND VALUES
The success of BTO is based on firm foundations that include: motivated and skilled staff and volunteers; a strong reputation; a robust business model and effective governance systems and processes.
We are inclusive and supportive, impartial, passionate, collaborative and open to new ideas.

SALARY AND BENEFITS
£25,828 per annum
Annual leave entitlement on starting is 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata if part time).
Life assurance (four times salary)
11% employer pension contribution
Employee Assistance Programme
Retail discounts and Cycle to work scheme
Discounts on BTO books
Flexible working

Closing date for receipt of applications is 1pm on Tuesday 18th October and Interviews will be held remotely, most likely on Wednesday 26th October.
If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@bto.org

If you have a disability or long-term illness that otherwise prevents you from meeting any of the essential criteria, please contact us to discuss whether a reasonable adjustment could be made. As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.

We recognise that candidates from minority ethnic groups are under-represented in our organisation, and that there are often additional barriers present for people from these groups when applying for roles in the charity sector and beyond. We are committed to taking positive action to expand the diversity of our staff team, and if you meet the essential criteria for a role and are from a minority ethnic background, you'll be guaranteed a first stage interview.

Charity No. 216652 (E&W); SC039193 (Scotland)