Science Coordinator
Apply for this roleDo you have a passion for applying science-based conservation and using qualitative methods to explore the social and environmental benefits of nature-based solutions? Are you skilled at coordinating complex research projects and successfully engaging varied partners and audiences?
Earthwatch is recruiting a Science Coordinator within our Science, Policy, and Innovation Team, to support the Nature in Cities research team, focusing on the benefits of citizen science and nature-based solutions. You will focus on our Tiny Forest and other Research and Innovation Grant funded projects, which aim to enhance urban ecosystems and water resilience through innovative, community-driven interventions.
The role will involve using qualitative and quantitative research to understand particularly the social, but also the environmental impacts of these interventions. You will provide scientific input, support technical development of the projects. You will have a key role in delivery of Tiny Forest events helping to run planting and monitoring days, and will work closely with the Earthwatch Programmes and Engagement teams, and project partners, to deliver robust citizen science and monitoring activities.
The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience of qualitative methods (particularly interviews), an interest in citizen science and field-based community engagement activities, experience of data management, and ability to multi-task, prioritise, and problem solve within a fast-moving, busy programme. We offer a friendly working environment and the chance to make a tangible difference.
WHO ARE WE?
Earthwatch is an environmental charity with science at its heart. Our mission is 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
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 provide scientific input and technical and administrative support within Tiny Forest’s Science, Policy and Innovation team. To develop and deliver robust research, particularly into the social, but also the environmental benefits of citizen science and nature-based solutions through qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Key Deliverables:
- Prepare for, help organise and deliver community days across the Nature in Cities programme. These include but are not limited to: Tiny Forest planting days, citizen science monitoring days with community volunteers, schools and Earthwatch corporate partners, and other community days as required. These will be online and on site across the UK and potentially Europe and will include training citizen scientists to take measurements in a robust and safe manner.
- Support quality control and data analysis for research investigating the benefits of citizen science and urban green infrastructure, including production of R markdowns and monitoring reports.
- Work with the research team to support the development of citizen science monitoring methodologies, data analysis, literature analysis, and report writing. Particularly relating to social benefits of citizen science and nature-based solutions (e.g. nature connectedness, education, well-being).
- Work effectively with the Programmes and Engagement teams for a successful delivery of events.
- Support delivery of Tiny Forest implementation, including monitoring kit management and distribution to volunteers.
- Support logistics before and after activities to ensure smooth delivery and data acquisition.
- Travel to study sites across the UK and occasionally Europe, up to 6 events per month in busy periods (costs covered), and travel to Oxford Offices up to four times per year (costs not covered).
- Opportunities to represent Earthwatch at conferences and other events.
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
- A degree in social sciences, citizen science, environmental science or similar.
- Experience using qualitative research techniques.
- A good understanding of the benefits of citizen science and green infrastructure (that could include nature connectedness, education, well-being, green prescribing).
- A pro-active self-starter who works well under their own initiative and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Ability to acquire new knowledge with ease and respond to challenges quickly.
- Strong organisational and planning skills with proven ability to prioritise and complete tasks to a high level, within deadlines, in a busy work environment.
- Excellent communicator with ability to adapt style to a variety of audiences e.g. school children, adults, academics, policy makers, corporate volunteers.
- Experience of literature reviews, research ethics, experimental design, data management (entry, coding, storage), data analysis, report writing and presentations.
- Enthusiasm and ability to regularly travel to study sites across the UK and potentially Europe.
- Commitment to the mission and values of Earthwatch.
- Due to the nature of this work a DBS check will be required.
Desirable
- A postgraduate qualification in social sciences, citizen science, environmental science or similar.
- Experience of using R, qGIS, ArcGIS, Taguette, Nvivo.
- Experience of cross-disciplinary research.
- Track record of publications, including blogs, reports, or peer reviewed journal articles.
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 Science Coordinator, 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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