Salary - £29,733 to £31,553 Depending on experience (pro-rated for part year working)
6 vacancies available for Fixed Term Appointments - Full Time (37 hours per week)
Survey Season - Wed, 3rd April 2024 – Fri, 27th September 2024
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland (manager based at our Lancaster site, working closely with AFBI, Belfast)
Closing date for applications, Tuesday, 9th January 2024
Interview Date: will be at the beginning of February 2024

UKCEH is looking for experienced Field Botanists / 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

We are looking to recruit up to 6 skilled Botanists or Field Ecologists (working in teams of two) to contribute to the DAERA funded Northern Ireland Countryside Survey between April and September 2024.

The work will be based in Northern Ireland and requires a flexible approach to travel and location. Surveyors will be expected to work full-time in Northern Ireland for minimum periods of 1 month and preferably for the whole field season.

Surveyors will require one or more of the following:

• Botanical surveying skills across a range of habitats (preferably FISC level 4)

• Ability to recognise broad habitats and map using GIS

• Experience of taking soil samples

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.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Contributing to the delivery of national countryside monitoring across Northern Ireland

• Collection and delivery of digital field data in accordance with established field protocols

• Liaising with landowners, other field surveyors, and the field survey management team

For the role of Field Botanist / Field Ecologist, as well as good botanical skills we’re looking for somebody who has:

• Excellent communication, organisational, time management skills and the ability to show initiative

• The ability to work independently and with one other surveyor

• The ability to carry field equipment in remote locations and on rugged terrain

• Excellent navigational and map reading skills

• Excellent IT skills

• A good understanding of UK Health & Safety

• A willingness to work outside of standard working hours and a flexible approach to travel during the working week

• A full, valid (manual) UK driving licence - please confirm in your CV (Vehicles can be provided if necessary)

We would be delighted if you also had the following skills/experience:

• Experience of GIS software and willingness to learn

• Off-road (4x4) driving experience

• Outdoor First Aid experience

You will carry out work for 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 survey with us, and want to know more please contact: Lisa Norton Email: lrn@ceh.ac.uk . If this sounds like the right job for you, please Apply now.