The position of Seabird Monitoring Programme Organiser is part of the BTO’s Surveys Team. The post-holder will be responsible for the successful running of the BTO/JNCC/RSPB Seabird Monitoring Programme (SMP), reporting to the Head of Surveys (Dawn Balmer), and working closely with the Head of Wetland & Marine Research Team (Dr Niall Burton) and Head of Marine Research (Dr Liz Humphreys). They will deliver key outputs of this survey, including summaries of results, the annual report, an annual newsletter and updating web pages. The work involves overseeing the SMP counter network, supervising development of the SMP online data entry portal, using the BTO’s supporter database ‘Civi’ and supporting forward development of the scheme.
This position is based at our HQ in Thetford, Norfolk, although you will be able to work from home part of the time on a hybrid working regime and flexible start and finish times can also be accommodated to ensure a good work-life balance. Working from our offices in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will also be considered.
What you will deliver
- To successfully co-ordinate the annual activities of the Seabird Monitoring Programme in partnership with JNCC, RSPB, and supporting organizations.
- To oversee and grow the activities of 300-400 volunteer and professional fieldworkers directly (e.g. via email), to ensure the required data are submitted in a timely way. Verification of records will be undertaken to maintain data integrity by running computer checking programs, and organizing the input and storage of data. In addition, this requires cooperation with BTO staff, partner organizations and the general public.
- To be responsible, jointly with the Information Systems team, for the maintenance and development of the SMP Online application and the SMP components of the online Oracle database, ensuring the integrity of user and survey data.
- To be responsible for annual SMP reporting which includes data preparation, timing of annual data analysis, writing, production and dissemination to volunteers, survey partners, stakeholders and online reporting. The report’s content includes official statistics and requires close liaison with staff at JNCC and RSPB, as well as BTO colleagues to ensure precise delivery and publication timing.
- To maintain and develop the SMP web pages to provide information, instructions, results and interpretation of research outputs for a broader audience.
- To take responsibility for communicating SMP progress and results to the media and wider public through press releases, semi-popular articles in journals/newsletters and social media, and interviews on television, radio or newspaper.
- To contribute to the development of the SMP work plans to increase operational efficiency and develop scheme coverage and effectiveness, in collaboration with the Head of Surveys and the SMP’s funding partners (JNCC and RSPB).
- To contribute to the work programme to develop the scheme, agreed annually by the SMP partnership.
- To provide a main point of contact for the SMP, for volunteers, colleagues and other conservation organizations.
- To liaise with research staff and external conservation agencies on matters concerning SMP methodology, the use of SMP data and their interpretation.
- Respond to and prepare data and reports in response to Data Requests.
- To promote the SMP through talks at scientific conferences and bird club meetings or events, and by organizing and conducting training workshops. Required to use own initiative in this work, occasionally undertaken in the evening or at weekends.
- To contribute to the development of other research at the BTO and in response to external queries by providing advice on census techniques, survey design and the use of volunteers.
- To support additional analyses and queries of SMP data as required and feed into SMP research papers.
- To undertake such other duties as may be required commensurate with the level and purpose of the role.
What you will bring to the post
Essential criteria
- A degree in biology, ecology or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- Experience and ability in organizing and undertaking bird surveys, or able to demonstrate aptitude for such.
- Experience managing volunteers.
- Good understanding of the ecology of British and Irish seabirds and conservation issues relating to them.
- A methodical and accurate approach to working with data outputs and data entry, and to maintaining consistency within structured monitoring methods.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills.
- The time management skills needed to prioritize multiple work streams and to meet strict deadlines.
- Ability to work closely with volunteers and enthuse them with appropriate survey methods.
- An adaptable and conscientious attitude, and the ability to work as part of a team or independently.
- Good understanding of broader issues related to data recording (e.g. data confidentiality, ownership).
Desirable criteria
- Knowledge of (or aptitude to learn) basic-level use of R, GIS and SQL for data management and manipulation. Understanding of relational databases. Expertise in a range of computer packages including word-processing, spreadsheet, graphic and presentational software. Ability to learn the use of new computer packages as required.
- Good communication skills; the ability to lecture to a wide range of audience types, from scientists to the general public, and to be interviewed effectively on TV or radio, including presenting a balanced approach on sensitive topics.
- A current UK driving license.
