Researcher, Urban Green Infrastructure
Apply for this roleDo you have a strong scientific background in ecology, a passion for citizen science and the ability to successfully engage the public?
Earthwatch is recruiting for a Research Manager – Urban Green Infrastructure, to work on our Tiny Forest programme. Tiny Forest is an exciting urban tree planting and community engagement initiative that has already delivered over 250 tennis-court sized urban Miyawaki forests across the UK. The network includes a citizen-science monitoring programme to measure the environmental and social benefits. This information is also used to understand the factors affecting ecosystem service provision by this new nature-based solution. The Tiny Forest network provides a fantastic living laboratory to study how greening cities can benefit people and nature.
The successful candidate will focus on understanding the physical ecosystem services provided by Tiny Forest, which include flood mitigation, thermal comfort, tree growth and carbon storage. You will be responsible for delivering and further improving protocols, approaches and infrastructure to grow and sustain citizen science participation and ensure robust data collection. You will conduct data analysis and create scientific, grey and popular publications to share our results. You will work closely with the rest of the Tiny Forest Science, Policy and Innovation team (SPI), as well as wider SPI colleagues (working on water pollution, sustainable agriculture, and the science of citizen science) and Tiny Forest Community Engagement, Programmes, and Education Teams.
You will have a solid background in applied environmental science, evidenced through scientific publications, and a good understanding of carbon storage, soil research, and/or thermal comfort. You will have an enthusiam for citizen science, and be a creative-thinker, problem solver, and team player. You enjoy working with people and are flexible and confident in working with a variety of audiences – specialist and non-specialist alike.
We offer a friendly, flexible working environment, and the opportunity to be part of an impactful movement where you can make a tangible difference for people and nature.
WHO ARE WE?
Earthwatch is an environmental charity with science at its heart. We drive the change needed to live within our means and in balance with nature. We do this by connecting people with the natural world, monitoring the health of our natural resources, and informing the actions that will have the greatest positive impact [www.earthwatch.org.uk]. Earthwatch is an expert in citizen science and co-creation and performs its research where possible in direct collaboration with stakeholders and communities.
OUR VALUES
We are driven by people
We always show humanity in our bid to save humanity. As colleagues, we treat each other with genuine warmth and respect. In a polarised world, we’re proud to build a friendly movement of local groups, schools, scientists and businesses. Everyone’s voice is welcome and valued.
We are powered by science
Powered by science, it’s science that makes us powerful. We champion findings collected by people at the grassroots to spark change in our neighbourhoods and at the highest levels of government. We’re committed to debate, openness, honesty, listening and always learning.
We connect with nature
Disconnection from nature is at the heart of ecological crisis. Connection is a driving force for change. So let’s get our boots – and our hearts – muddy. With smiles on our faces, we inspire people to get out into nature, have fun, discover what we all stand to lose, and take action.
We fight for our planet
The environmental crisis is relentless. We, too, never give up. Each day we fight for our fragile earth, not through protest, but practical science. From planting tiny forests to protecting the world’s freshwater habitats, our evidence-based solutions are the seeds of our planet’s survival.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Role Purpose:
To manage research into the physical benefits of urban nature-based solutions – through citizen science and collaborations with researchers, improvement of the Tiny Forest programme infrastructure, and dissemination of results.
Key Deliverables:
- Be part of the core delivery team visiting Tiny Forest locations, and support design and planting, citizen science monitoring, and other data collection throughout the year. Collaborate closely with programme, engagement and education teams to achieve these goals and ensure that forests are implemented according to best practice and to support research ambitions.
- Co-lead improvement and streamlining of the Tiny Forest programme design, processes and research infrastructure, to ensure alignment with Earthwatch protocols and citizen science best practice.
- Lead on developing collaborations with external academics and partners to progress research into carbon storage, thermal comfort, soil health, and flood mitigation benefits of Tiny Forest.
- Carry out data analysis using R.
- Mange public-facing relationships with engaged citizen scientists.
- Report and disseminate results through peer-reviewed publications, citizen science reports and grey literature, and with the communications team to identify and utilise opportunities to communicate inspiring ideas, research outputs and wider research impact externally
- Contribute to fundraising to continue and expand the programme, including through applications to Research and Innovation grant funding (e.g. from NERC).
- Line-manage or (co) supervise research staff and PhD student(s).
- Represent Earthwatch at scientific conferences, events, and policy forums.
- Support other organisational priorities as required.
The above list of job deliverables is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.
REQUIREMENTS
Essential
- Strong background in environmental science, forestry or ecology (PhD or equivalent experience) with a broad understanding of urban environmental topics, arboriculture, nature-based solutions, green infrastructure, carbon dynamics, thermal comfort, and soil health.
- Demonstrable personal enthusiasm for citizen science and an excellent understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities, as well as current developments, in this field.
- Experience in research management, including project development, method development, field skills, sampling techniques, data management, statistical analysis using R, and dissemination.
- Team player with strong relationship management skills and experience working cross-functionally and collaboratively with different teams, with a proven ability to manage competing requirements, prioritise effectively and deliver on time.
- Strong communication skills able to convey information clearly and concisely to different audiences including children, adults, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
- Ability and enthusiasm to undertake regular travel across the UK and occasional travel abroad. Approximately 2 nights away per month, costs covered, and up to 4 staff meetings per year near Oxford, costs not covered.
- Fluency in English, spoken and written.
- Commitment to the mission and values of Earthwatch.
- Due to the nature of this work a DBS check will be required.
Desirable
- QGIS, ArcGIS, python, RMarkdown.
- Thorough expertise in afforestation and soil processes (nutrient cycling) is especially desirable to complement the team.
- An established research network within the fields of plant science, green infrastructure, and citizen science.
- A track record in peer reviewed scientific publication.
- Grant writing and development.
- Line management, student supervision, and mentorship experience.
- Driving licence and access to a car would be useful for travelling to forest sites.
OTHER INFORMATION
Earthwatch is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that everyone has a contribution to make, regardless of visible and invisible differences. We welcome and encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply, and we will consider all applications fairly and consistently.
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment – a place where individuality is embraced and everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We value the benefits that different backgrounds, working approaches and ways of thinking can bring.
If you require reasonable adjustments in making an application for the role of Researcher, please contact the HR team at hr@earthwatch.org.uk ahead of the application deadline.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; Earthwatch is unable to support visa applications. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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