Trainee Field Ecologist

2 Positions Available

Salary £23,914 (prorated for part year working)

Mainly field-based (office located in Bangor, North Wales)

6-week fixed term appointment or equivalent hours (full or part time hours flexibility), between Mon, 15th April and end September 2024.

UKCEH is looking for two post-graduate Trainee Field Ecologists to join our 600-strong team, contributing to scientific discovery and generating the data, insights and solutions that researchers, businesses and governments need to solve complex environmental challenges.

Working at UKCEH is rewarding. Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.

As a valued member of our team, you’ll get:
- 27 days annual leave (prorated for part year working)- 24 hour, 365-day access to support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues, plus access to our trained Welfare Officers- PAYE Pension provided by NEST (via Hays)- Access to a discount portal- Travel and accommodation will be paid by UKCEH for working days

You will be joining our successful Catchment to Coast research group based in Bangor, North Wales. You will contribute to national field surveys which deliver into the

Environment and Rural Affairs Monitoring and Modelling Programme

(ERAMMP) and

Countryside Survey

of Great Britain. These long-term studies of the countryside enable us to monitor and understand the drivers of change to our environment.

This enriching and exciting 6-week training programme will provide you with an understanding of all aspects of running long-term national field surveys; from design and planning, field data recording and sample collection, health & safety, biosecurity and much more, to start your career in ecology.

Training will take place alongside our professional surveyors in April, before shadowing them in the field as they carry out botanical surveys, habitat mapping, soil sampling and more, at a wide range of sites across Great Britain. You will also have the opportunity to get involved with other projects across the UKCEH, to network and further develop your specific interests and career aspirations.

You’ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute that’s committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH.

To meet the selection criteria for the trainee posts, applicants must be able to demonstrate they:
- Are based in Wales- Have completed post graduate education, and not yet obtained regular employment in the area of ecology- Are available for the two weeks of full-time training (based in Bangor and Lancaster), between Mon, 22nd April - Fri, 3rd May 2024

For the role of Trainee Field Ecologist, we’re looking for someone who has:- A willingness to work outside of standard working hours and a flexible approach to travel- The capacity to carry out fieldwork, in remote/challenging outdoor environments in all weathers- An understanding of UK Health & Safety- A full, valid driving licence (manual)- Good team working skills- The ability to coordinate, plan and deliver activities- Enthusiasm, drive and passion for ecology

Desirable Skills:
- Previous fieldwork experience- Experience of GIS software- Botanical ID skills- Recognition of broad habitats- IT literate- Good navigational skills

You will carry out work for the UKCEH under a contract of services agreement via Hays PLC (Company Number 02150950). You will be paid weekly by Hays PLC by submitting a timesheet to your UKCEH Line Manager.

If you are keen to expand your surveying skills and experience with us, and want to know more please contact: Alice Deacon