Field Ecologist (ID3965)

Job summary

APHA is a brilliant place to work where our people feel valued, have a voice and can be their authentic selves. We value difference and diversity, not only because we believe it is the right thing to do, but because it will help us be more innovative and make better decisions.

We are dedicated to being an inclusive employer, offering equitable opportunities for all individuals. Our goal is to build a diverse workforce, and we hope to attract applications from all backgrounds and underrepresented groups.

We are looking for compassionate, dedicated individuals who strive for excellence and integrity and who put animal health and welfare at the heart of everything they do.

We currently have an exciting opportunity in the Wildlife Team for a Field Ecologist based in Gloucestershire. This post will be part of a team of field staff at APHA’s National Wildlife Management Centre (NWMC) in Woodchester Park. This is a great opportunity to gain new skills in applied ecology and valuable experience of wildlife-related fieldwork.

The Woodchester Park team delivers a range of research projects as well as scientific, technical, and field-based services, particularly for supporting the implementation of the Government’s strategy to tackle bovine tuberculosis (TB). The unit at Woodchester Park has at its heart a well-established, long-term field study that enables fundamental research into bovine TB and badger ecology but also maintains a high standard of key skills critical for wildlife disease management, as well as contributing to increasing scientific knowledge of other species and diseases.

The purpose of the job is to support ongoing research activity and deliver fieldwork for the Woodchester research projects. The post will sit within the Woodchester Park team, working closely with project managers. The role will see some seasonal variation depending upon project demands throughout the year.

**This role is not suitable for individuals with a peanut allergy, as peanuts are used extensively during fieldwork activities.**

Job description

You will support ongoing research across a range of wildlife health projects. Working as part of an inquisitive research team at the helm of the ‘living laboratory’ that is Woodchester Park, the position will involve monitoring species health, habitat and ecosystem dynamics within a One Health framework.

You will play a key role in the delivery of an established long-term study of badger ecology and TB at Woodchester Park. This includes collecting data (for example via a capture-mark-recapture study, radio-tracking and camera trapping), planning fieldwork logistics, collating and managing data. Currently much of our work focuses on TB in badgers, however we are a dynamic, science-driven team that aims to contribute to increasing scientific knowledge of other species and diseases. As such, the job will also involve work on other species and diseases as projects arise, and will include collaboration with other APHA teams and external institutions such as universities.

You will be required to embrace advances in science and technology, continually developing new skills related to fieldwork, animal handling and examination, data collation and management. There may be opportunities to gain further qualifications. As you will work within an integrated and dynamic team environment, where several work programmes often involve sharing resources or team skill sets, you will need to be adaptable and flexible in your approach. You will be adept at working in an organised manner and be able to meet deadlines to ensure the smooth delivery of the team’s work programme.

The role involves a substantial amount of fieldwork and so will require a strong appetite and aptitude for outdoor work. You will need a suitable degree of physical fitness and the ability to carry necessary equipment, for example cage-traps (each weighing around 10 kg) while working in challenging terrain such as steep and densely wooded areas, and in all weather conditions. You will be expected to be flexible in the nature and type of fieldwork undertaken as new projects or methods are initiated.

Key responsibilities

• Support scientific research and project managers at Woodchester Park. You will be involved in a diverse array of projects, with a focus on TB in badgers, including an on-going trap and release programme, examination and clinical sampling of wild badgers.
• Undertake fieldwork including surveying for wildlife field signs, bait-marking and deploying camera traps.
• Deliver a range of field research projects, including an established study of badger movements and social behaviour using radio/GPS collars and a study testing novel methods for wildlife surveillance. This includes co-ordinating with staff, landowner liaison, organising equipment and arranging logistics. This may also involve work on occasion away from base/home.
• Liaise with a network of contacts external to APHA, to collect wildlife samples for disease surveillance. This will include liaising with contacts and sourcing samples for projects monitoring a range of wildlife species. It will involve driving to locations away from Woodchester Park to collect or deliver samples.
• Manage data collation and data quality control. This includes, for example, downloading, collating, cleaning and extracting data for analysis and drafting reports. Data includes photographic/video data from wildlife cameras, GPS or activity files from tracking devices.
• Maintain and deploy field equipment with precision. This involves developing technical expertise in new methods, for example in programming wildlife cameras, tracking devices, cage-trap timers etc.
• Manage storage and animal handling areas, ensuring they remain clean and fit for purpose.
• Support collaborative projects by liaising with teams based in other APHA locations and external researchers, for example arranging diagnostic sample collections and testing, assisting with collection of field data, supporting student fieldwork and, where required, supporting the delivery of badger vaccination.
• Be an adaptable team member, able to undertake a variety of other functions and tasks as required. These may be desk-, site- or field-based, for example maintaining effective running of the team’s project equipment, vehicles and research facilities.

Person specification

You will need to demonstrate the following skills/experience:

• Practical experience in field-based wildlife research and/or management, including handling animals safely and appropriately.
• Experience supporting scientific projects, including planning, logistics, data collection, and delivery against project objectives, milestones, and budgets.
• Competence in collecting, managing, and quality assuring robust field data, with the ability to follow and improve field protocols where appropriate.
• Understanding of vertebrate ecology and the principles of wildlife management for disease control, with enthusiasm for contributing to a range of scientific projects.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, building positive relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and customers.
• Flexible and practical approach, with willingness to undertake field, laboratory, and desk-based work, including supporting report writing and adapting to changing priorities.

Periodic travel within the UK and EU may be required and this could include farm visits as part of ongoing research. The successful candidate may have to ensure that no contact is made with farmed animals for a period of 1-2 days or more before visiting livestock farms.

Out of hours work may be required (eg. for fieldwork) and travel will be required to attend training courses and undertake field visits. Staff may be required to work rostered on-call duties, weekends, Bank Holidays and occasional evenings. APHA Management reserves the right to change overtime patterns to meet requirements. You may be eligible for overtime payments and where overtime is approved you will receive appropriate payment.

Depending on the areas of work involved you will be expected to have any necessary vaccinations or health surveillance. This will be arranged by the Health Team, Weybridge. It may also be necessary to undergo a pre-employment medical assessment. The successful candidate will need to comply with several health protocols and wear protective clothing and Respiratory Personal Protective Equipment (RPPE) as required.

This role is based at APHA Woodchester Park. The successful applicant would be expected to work from this official office or workplace at least 60% of each week.

Licences

A valid full driving licence is required as the post involves fieldwork using 4x4 off-road vehicles and other pool vehicles for project critical objectives.

Qualifications

A Biology/ecology-related degree, or equivalent wildlife management/research experience.

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Practical fieldwork skills, for example surveying, observation, capture and handling/sampling of wildlife.
• Experience of implementing field studies of wildlife.
• Fieldwork navigation skills, for example use of field maps, satellite tracking apps and GPS systems.
• An understanding of the principles of wildlife management.
• Computer-literate and proficient in a range of Microsoft Office applications (including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £29,715, Animal and Plant Health Agency contributes £8,608 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

Further benefits offered also include:

• A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 30.

• An extensive range of learning & professional development opportunities tailored to your role.

• Access to a range of retail, travel and lifestyle employee discounts.

• Staff bonuses and recognition, salary sacrifice benefit options, and an employee discount scheme.

• Three days special leave with pay, per year, for volunteering (pro-rata for part time employees).

• Making it work for you - With so many flexible options, most people can find a work schedule to suit their circumstances.

These are just a few of our benefits we offer. To find out the full range of what we offer refer to the Information Pack attached for more detail.

Learning and Development

Everyone in APHA is supported to develop their skills and capabilities. When you join the Directorate, you will be welcomed into your new team through an induction programme that will provide you with helpful information on the civil service, our work and our policies. Your line manager will also work with you to establish your priorities for the year, developing a performance, learning and development plan tailored to you and your role. This can include a variety of courses, Apprenticeships, paid Masters and PhD and on-the-job training specific to your role.

In return for your dedication, we will support your ongoing personal development through appropriate training. Inclusion, support and the development of our people matter to us. We aim to support the career and personal wellbeing of everyone in APHA.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Experience and Technical skills.

Application Process
As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete:

• A CV submitted through an on-line tool accessed through the Civil Service Jobsite; there is no requirement to upload your personal CV.
• A 500-word Personal Statement of how you match the details in the Personal Specification – the written evidence you provide must relate to your own experiences. We encourage you to use the full word allowance of the Personal Statement but not to exceed it.

CV Guidance
Your CV should consist of your career history, including any key achievements and your main responsibilities in each role and be no longer than 2 pages. Your CV will be used to provide further context on your Personal Statement and scored against the essential criteria.

Personal Statement Guidance
When completing your Personal Statement, please read and understand the Person Specification thoroughly, as this is what your written evidence will be assessed against. Please ensure you evidence the key personal qualities and experiences that align with the criteria. Consider the Job Description and look to demonstrate how your previous experience may align with the expectations and be applicable to the role. The written evidence you provide must relate to your own experiences. Your layout is entirely your preference; you may choose narrative, bullets, etc. Your Personal Statement will be assessed and scored, the scoring of your Personal Statement will be out of 7 aligned to Success Profile experience scoring rating.

You may choose to address each criteria separately, however, one narrative example may cover and evidence several essential criteria.

Scoring for all criteria of the application is from 1 to 7 – A score of 4 and above in each area will progress to interview unless there is a large number of applications. In this instance, an initial sift will be conducted using the personal statement.Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to interview.

The panel may agree a benchmark score higher than 4 with a rationale for the decision. Any candidates applying under the Disability Confident Scheme who scores 4 or above on all of the criteria will be offered an interview.

For further guidance and information on how to construct your application (CV style application, Personal Statement and Behaviours), you are encouraged to visit the Civil Service Careers website. How to write your CV , Civil Service Careers

Eligibility
Please take extra care to tick the correct boxes in the eligibility sections of your application form. We understand mistakes sometimes happen but if you contact us later than two working days (Monday-Friday) before the vacancy closes, we will not be able to reopen your application for you. If you do make a mistake, please contact us via Science.DirectorateHR@apha.gov.uk with the vacancy reference number, your applicant reference number, and the closing date.

Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on:

• Experience as detailed in the Person Specification section - Success Profiles: Experience - GOV.UK framework.
• Technical skills, as outlined in the advert and job description, following theSuccess Profiles: Technical - GOV.UKframework. These will be assessed through a structured set of questions.

Your interview will be conducted face to face. You will be notified of the location and full details at the time of invite.

Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.

Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.

Candidates who are judged to be a near miss at interview may be considered for other positions in Defra which may be at a lower grade but have a potential skills match.

After the interview
Once all the interviews have been conducted, candidates will be notified of the outcome by email. If you are successful at the interview stage, we will be in touch to offer you a role. Offers will be made in merit order.

Location
Please be aware that this role(s) will be contractually based in a Defra group workplace/office. The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location (excluding Northern Ireland) and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.

The agreed amount of time spent at a workplace for this post will reflect the requirement for Civil Servants to spend at least 60% of their working time in an organisation workplace with the option to work the remaining time flexibly from home. Working time spent at a workplace may include time spent at other organisational locations including field-based operational locations, together with supplier, customer or partner locations. This is a non-contractual agreement which is consistent with common Civil Service expectations. For most candidates your hours of work will be a blend of working from an APHA workplace (specific to the team location) with working at home.

Travel costs to non-contractual workplaces will be subject to departmental travel and subsistence policies. Travel costs to contractual workplaces are the responsibility of the employee.

Salary
New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.

Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.

Criminal Record Check
If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check may be carried out.

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

• Contact Government Recruitment Service via defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
• Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

Internal Fraud Database Check
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

Working Pattern
This role is available on a full-time basis. We may consider two part-time staff on a job share basis, where continuity can be arranged.
We welcome applications from individuals seeking alternative working patterns; however, preferred arrangements may not always be possible. Applicants are encouraged to discuss their preferences with the vacancy holder at interview or offer stage.

This role is full-time; however, we may consider two part-time staff on a job share basis if continuity can be arranged.

Childcare Vouchers
Any move to Defra from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

Further Information
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Click here to visit Civil Service Commission

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Wildlife Jobs - Alissa Tonkinson
• Email : wildlifejobs@apha.gov.uk
• Telephone : 07552 213633

Recruitment team

• Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Further information

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: here

Attachments

JD Field Ecologist Woodchester Opens in new window (docx, 81kB)APHA Information Pack Jul2026 Wildlife Opens in new window (pdf, 1947kB)