Researcher (Adders Up Project)
Job Summary
Working Pattern:
Full time
Advert Start Date:
19/04/2024
Advert End Date:
06/05/2024 23:59
Salary:
Grade 8 £30,296 to £33,945 per annum
Employment Location:
North Pennines National Landscapes Office, Stanhope
Further Information
We have a new opportunity as a Researcher for a period of 8 months to join the team at the North Pennines National Landscape.
The "Adders Up” project is a three-year programme from the North Pennines National Landscape team (hosted by Durham County Council) of public engagement to locate and raise awareness of adders, and land management activity to conserve and restore populations of adders in the North Pennines.
In the first year we are partnering with Newcastle University to learn more about adder distribution, genetics, and movement across our landscape. We are recruiting two posts – A Researcher and a Field Research Assistant. The research design and implementation will be under the direction of Newcastle University staff.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
As the Researcher you will lead on the field surveys of adders with support from the Field Research Assistant. The field work will follow protocols provided by Newcastle University using established survey and sampling techniques. The data collection will involve safe handling, measurements, and sampling of genetic material from individual snakes, in addition to standardised population surveys.
You will lead on data recording and management in the field, and ensuring data, field photographs and camera trap images are stored in a secure and systematic manner.
You will lead on planning all survey work including securing access, health and safety, and preparation and maintenance of equipment, with support from the Field Research Assistant. You will also perform DNA extractions and assist with analyses of genetic data and generate landscape models (e.g. landscape resistance models).
You should have your own means of transport as this post requires frequent travel around the North Pennines National Landscape.
We encourage you to contact Adam Millington, Biodiversity Lead via email at adam@northpennines.org.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role.
WHAT WILL I NEED?
You will be a graduate or postgraduate in a relevant subject with some experience of work in reptile conservation or ecology. You will have fieldwork and data handling skills and a good understanding of land management and nature conservation issues. You will be equally happy working independently or in a small team, working outdoors all day, or in a laboratory.
Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria.
HOW TO APPLY
In line with the County Council's Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Applications must be submitted on-line via the Northeast Jobs portal.
Please use the ‘Person Specification’ section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews are scheduled to be held on either Thursday 16 or Friday 17 May 2024.
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
If you have any support needs or require assistance when applying for this role, please contact the Payroll and Employee Services Team via email PESREG@durham.gov.uk or telephone 03000 264469 / 264798 / 264764
BENEFITS AND REWARDS
We can offer you a range of employee benefits including competitive salaries, a generous leave entitlement of up to 32 days, a government pension scheme and various flexible and hybrid working options (benefits are subject to individual Terms and Conditions).
If you would like to know more, please follow this link: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26895/Rewards-and-benefits
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and recognise the value of difference, having a diverse talented workforce brings new ideas and new perspectives, which will facilitate growth and improvements to services.
As a Disability Confident Leader, we encourage applications from disabled people and can provide support throughout the recruitment process, for more information please refer to the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion page on our website.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION REGARDING YOUR APPLICATION FOR THIS POST WILL BE SENT TO THE EMAIL ADDRESS THAT YOU HAVE REGISTERED WITH NORTH EAST JOBS, INCLUDING YOUR INVITE TO INTERVIEW IF YOU ARE SHORTLISTED. PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL AFTER THE CLOSING DATE FOR NOTIFICATION FROM DONOTREPLY@NORTHEASTJOBS.ORG.UK AS YOU WILL NOT BE NOTIFIED BY ANY OTHER MEANS. PLEASE ENSURE YOU CHECK YOUR JUNK MAIL.