Taylor Wildlife

Ecologist

Taylor Wildlife have a number of vacancies for seasonal short-term Field Assistants and a longer term Ecologist position.

All positions involve carrying out bird, lepidoptera, mammal, peatland work and habitat surveys on sites in the Scottish uplands. Knowledge of different survey methods is useful but not essential, as full training will be given in navigation, health and safety, survey methods, data entry and QGIS. It is far more important that candidates have strong bird identification skills and a good level of physical fitness.

Successful candidates will live on site in one of our field locations in Moray, Perthshire or Angus in teams of 2 - 6. Due to COVID-19, it is likely that some team members will be unable to mix indoors with other households for the duration of the survey season and this is something candidates should take into consideration prior to applying. Some positions will have minimal contact with other staff and will include office-based tasks which can be carried out at home.

Most start dates will fall between March and June, with contracts ending between mid-July and the end of August. The right candidate(s) will be offered an earlier start date and the opportunity for a contract extension through the winter season into 2022. As such, early applications are encouraged. We will begin reviewing applications on the 16th January, and continue accepting applications until all positions are filled.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct upland bird surveys (Brown & Shepherd, Vantage Point).
• Carry out peat depth and peatland restoration surveys.
• Conduct lepidoptera, mammal, protected species and botanical surveys.
• Assist with tender, report and GIS map production to the highest standards of content and presentation.
• Assist with social media and website updates.
• Assisting with deer impact studies and forest deer population assessments.
• Undertake desk-based research as required.
• Lab work as required.

Essential criteria

• Strong bird ID skills are vital. Candidates must be able to identify most Scottish breeding birds in uplands, grassland, broadleaved woodland and coniferous woodland (including raptors) at a minimum. Knowledge of coastal species is desirable.
• A full driving licence.
• A good level of physical fitness. Candidates must be able to cover 15 – 30 km over rough, boggy and/or steep terrain daily.
• A sound background in or enthusiasm for natural history, and familiarity with UK flora and fauna.
• Excellent attention to detail.

Please visit www.taylorwildlife.co.uk for more information on how to apply, salary details and COVID-19 procedures.