Field Ecologist (ID3965)

Job summary

APHA is a brilliant place to work where our people feel valued, have a voice and can be their authentic selves. We value difference and diversity, not only because we believe it is the right thing to do, but because it will help us be more innovative and make better decisions.

We are dedicated to being an inclusive employer, offering equitable opportunities for all individuals. Our goal is to build a diverse workforce, and we hope to attract applications from all backgrounds and underrepresented groups.

We are looking for compassionate, dedicated individuals who strive for excellence and integrity and who put animal health and welfare at the heart of everything they do.

We currently have an exciting opportunity in the Wildlife Team for a Field Ecologist based in Gloucestershire. This post will be part of a team of field staff at APHA’s National Wildlife Management Centre (NWMC) in Woodchester Park. This is a great opportunity to gain new skills in applied ecology and valuable experience of wildlife-related fieldwork.

The Woodchester Park team delivers a range of research projects as well as scientific, technical, and field-based services, particularly for supporting the implementation of the Government’s strategy to tackle bovine tuberculosis (TB). The unit at Woodchester Park has at its heart a well-established, long-term field study that enables fundamental research into bovine TB and badger ecology but also maintains a high standard of key skills critical for wildlife disease management, as well as contributing to increasing scientific knowledge of other species and diseases.

The purpose of the job is to support ongoing research activity and deliver fieldwork for the Woodchester research projects. The post will sit within the Woodchester Park team, working closely with project managers. The role will see some seasonal variation depending upon project demands throughout the year.

**This role is not suitable for individuals with a peanut allergy, as peanuts are used extensively during fieldwork activities.**

Job description

You will support ongoing research across a range of wildlife health projects. Working as part of an inquisitive research team at the helm of the ‘living laboratory’ that is Woodchester Park, the position will involve monitoring species health, habitat and ecosystem dynamics within a One Health framework.

You will play a key role in the delivery of an established long-term study of badger ecology and TB at Woodchester Park. This includes collecting data (for example via a capture-mark-recapture study, radio-tracking and camera trapping), planning fieldwork logistics, collating and managing data. Currently much of our work focuses on TB in badgers, however we are a dynamic, science-driven team that aims to contribute to increasing scientific knowledge of other species and diseases. As such, the job will also involve work on other species and diseases as projects arise, and will include collaboration with other APHA teams and external institutions such as universities.

You will be required to embrace advances in science and technology, continually developing new skills related to fieldwork, animal handling and examination, data collation and management. There may be opportunities to gain further qualifications. As you will work within an integrated and dynamic team environment, where several work programmes often involve sharing resources or team skill sets, you will need to be adaptable and flexible in your approach. You will be adept at working in an organised manner and be able to meet deadlines to ensure the smooth delivery of the team’s work programme.

The role involves a substantial amount of fieldwork and so will require a strong appetite and aptitude for outdoor work. You will need a suitable degree of physical fitness and the ability to carry necessary equipment, for example cage-traps (each weighing around 10 kg) while working in challenging terrain such as steep and densely wooded areas, and in all weather conditions. You will be expected to be flexible in the nature and type of fieldwork undertaken as new projects or methods are initiated.

Key responsibilities

• Support scientific research and project managers at Woodchester Park. You will be involved in a diverse array of projects, with a focus on TB in badgers, including an on-going trap and release programme, examination and clinical sampling of wild badgers.
• Undertake fieldwork including surveying for wildlife field signs, bait-marking and deploying camera traps.
• Deliver a range of field research projects, including an established study of badger movements and social behaviour using radio/GPS collars and a study testing novel methods for wildlife surveillance. This includes co-ordinating with staff, landowner liaison, organising equipment and arranging logistics. This may also involve work on occasion away from base/home.
• Liaise with a network of contacts external to APHA, to collect wildlife samples for disease surveillance. This will include liaising with contacts and sourcing samples for projects monitoring a range of wildlife species. It will involve driving to locations away from Woodchester Park to collect or deliver samples.
• Manage data collation and data quality control. This includes, for example, downloading, collating, cleaning and extracting data for analysis and drafting reports. Data includes photographic/video data from wildlife cameras, GPS or activity files from tracking devices.
• Maintain and deploy field equipment with precision. This involves developing technical expertise in new methods, for example in programming wildlife cameras, tracking devices, cage-trap timers etc.
• Manage storage and animal handling areas, ensuring they remain clean and fit for purpose.
• Support collaborative projects by liaising with teams based in other APHA locations and external researchers, for example arranging diagnostic sample collections and testing, assisting with collection of field data, supporting student fieldwork and, where required, supporting the delivery of badger vaccination.
• Be an adaptable team member, able to undertake a variety of other functions and tasks as required. These may be desk-, site- or field-based, for example maintaining effective running of the team’s project equipment, vehicles and research facilities.

Person specification

You will need to demonstrate the following skills/experience:

• Practical experience in field-based wildlife research and/or management, including handling animals safely and appropriately.
• Experience supporting scientific projects, including planning, logistics, data collection, and delivery against project objectives, milestones, and budgets.
• Competence in collecting, managing, and quality assuring robust field data, with the ability to follow and improve field protocols where appropriate.
• Understanding of vertebrate ecology and the principles of wildlife management for disease control, with enthusiasm for contributing to a range of scientific projects.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, building positive relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and customers.
• Flexible and practical approach, with willingness to undertake field, laboratory, and desk-based work, including supporting report writing and adapting to changing priorities.

Periodic travel within the UK and EU may be required and this could include farm visits as part of ongoing research. The successful candidate may have to ensure that no contact is made with farmed animals for a period of 1-2 days or more before visiting livestock farms.

Out of hours work may be required (eg. for fieldwork) and travel wi