Research Assistant - Garden Bird Disease

Job Description

Research Assistant - Garden Bird DiseaseReference: JUN20234162Location: Flexible in England. This position could be home-based, hybrid or office basedSalary: £23,489.00 - £25,216.00 Per AnnumBenefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days Annual LeaveDuration: 7 months Fixed Term ContractHours: Full TimeThe RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.Trichomonosis is a serious, often fatal bird disease that affects many bird species and has led to recent population declines in Greenfinches and Chaffinches across the UK. RSPB is leading a new research study investigating how the Trichomonas parasite spreadsbetween birds in garden situations with the aim of improving mitigation advice. The work will involve behavioural studies of birds and the collection of swabs to detect the presence of the parasite in the environment. We are looking for someone with good birdidentification skills and fieldwork experience to assist in sample collection and analysis of video footage.Whats the role aboutTrichomonosis is a disease originally associated with pigeons (both wild and captive). Around 2005 it was first observed in wild Greenfinches in England and since then has spread rapidly through the UK population leading to a severe and widespread decline.Trichomonosis is now also having population level impacts on Chaffinch and has also been recorded in birds of conservation concern like Turtle Dove and Hawfinch.RSPB has teamed up with the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and Institute of Zoology (IoZ) to investigate how Trichomonosis is spread between birds in gardens with the aim of improving mitigation measures. By studying bird behaviour and collecting swabsamples from sites where birds congregate we aim to identify potential transmission routes in order to inform mitigation measures. Fieldwork for this project will involve rapid visits to gardens where likely Trichomonosis has been reported by householders.Fieldworkers will collect swab samples from surfaces that may be contaminated and these will be transferred to IoZ for culture and analysis. Information will be gathered on garden management and cameras will be used to record bird behaviour. A substantialamount of the Research Assistants time will be spent extracting bird behavioural data from video footage.As the Research Assistant you will be involved in all aspects of the work including liaison with residents and research colleagues, sample collection and transport, camera operation and subsequent video analysis. You will need to establish and maintain goodworking relations with householders, liaise with colleagues and partners in a timely manner and act as a positive ambassador for the RSPB.This position may require lone-working outdoors sometimes in poor weather. It will involve considerable travel, some early morning starts and occasional weekend working. You will need to be self-reliant and organised. Some overnight stays away from homeare likely. We anticipate that most of the fieldwork will be conducted in central, eastern and south-east England and the location for the Research Assistant is flexible within this area.Essential skills, knowledge, and experience:

• Experience of relevant ecological fieldwork.
• Broad knowledge of UK conservation issues and practice gained through work or education.
• Knowledge of species ecology and ecological principles, particularly relating to gardens and garden birds.
• Demonstrable practical field skills including excellent garden bird identification.
• Self-reliant, self-motivated and an ability to use own initiative to solve day to day problems.
• Ability to accurately record data in the field and collate and maintain electronic databases as required, proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to develop and maintain good relations with residents, colleagues and members of the public.
• A full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK

Desirable skills, knowledge, and experience:

• Bird ringing/handling experience.
• Experience of operating camera traps.
• Previous involvement in animal behavioural studies and/or habitat and vegetation recording.

Closing date: 23:59, Wed, 2nd Aug 2023We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 7th August 2023.As part of this application process, you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete an application form, including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.InterestedIf you would like to apply and find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website. As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’sside. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application.Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.No agencies please.

Keyskills :
Communication SkillsConservation IssuesFull UK Driving LicenceEcological FieldworkPractical Field Skills