Ecological Statistician

The British Trust for Ornithology is seeking an Ecological Statistician or Quantitative Ecologist to contribute directly to the design and analysis of a broad range of applied projects and to provide statistical advice and training across the organisation. They will join a small team headed by the Senior Ecological Statistician working on topics such as biodiversity surveys, analyses of large-scale and long-term datasets, analyses of survival and productivity data and the design and analysis of experiments. The post holder will lead on data analyses and provide statistical input to a wide range of projects, initially including, but not limited to, analytical work aimed at understanding the impacts of coastal and offshore renewable energy developments.

The successful applicant will have a quantitative background with a doctoral degree in a discipline such as Data Science, Statistics, Ecology, or Epidemiology or equivalent professional experience and an interest in ecology or nature conservation. The role requires strong analytical and project management skills, being prepared to be adaptable and getting involved in a wide range of scientific projects, and gaining new skills and knowledge on the job where necessary. Applicants should be enthusiastic about, and be effective at translating between statistical models and their ecological applications, as well as communicating with a wide range of colleagues and stakeholders to understand their evidence needs and provide specific expertise.

This is a permanent, full-time role based at our HQ in Thetford, Norfolk, although you will be able to work from the David Attenborough Building in Cambridge part of the time and/or from home on a 60%/40% hybrid working regime. The anticipated start date for this role is 01 July 2024.

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 helps to secure the future for birds and nature, using our science, monitoring and data to inform good environmental decisions, inspiring others with the wonder of birds and empowering them to work with us. Our priority is to make a positive impact for birds, using our strong and objective science in partnership with others. We strive to work sustainably and to welcome everyone.

Our values
We are evidence-led, inclusive, collaborative and empowering.

Birds Science People; it is a powerful combination – will you be part of it?

WHAT WE OFFER

• £34,986 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 offering help and advice to staff and their families on matters related to bereavement, wellbeing, finances, relationships, family and more. This includes a number of free counselling sessions if they are needed.
• Enhanced sick pay
• Enhanced Family leave- Maternity, Adoption, and Shared Parental Leave, 12 weeks at full pay. Paternity and Partner leave, 4 weeks at full pay.
• Retail discounts
• Cycle to work scheme- spread the cost of purchasing a new bike and save money
• Discounts on: BTO books, Bird care from Vine House Farm (10% discount on orders placed on the website) and Opticron (30% off)
• Free access to BTO training courses
  
• Flexible working- A combination of home and office working and flexible start and finish times (where this meets business needs)
• Free eye tests and a contribution of £49 towards prescription glasses for VDU use only.
• Free car parking
•  Effective job evaluation policy that recognises where staff increase their level of responsibility over time
• Coaching and mentoring scheme
• Staff groups and forums- First Aiders and mental health first aiders, Coaching and mentoring, Diversity working, Sustainability and Natural Working, Becoming Inclusive, and our staff group creating a positive and welcoming culture to work in.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive environment
• Commitment to sustainability

Closing date for receipt of applications is 23:59 on Sunday April 21 and Interviews will be held in Thetford or virtually on Tuesday May 7 and Wednesday May 8.

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 essential 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)