Download Field Assistant (Moth Trapping)

Field Assistant (Moth Trapping)
University of Stirling
Stirling
£18,412 pa
Paid • Full Time • Fixed Term Contract
[email protected] Dr Elisa Fuentes-Montemayor
Sectors: ecology, conservation & wildlife
Closing date: Monday, 01 May 2017
WrEN (Woodland Creation & Ecological Networks) is a partnership project led by the University
of Stirling, Forest Research and Natural England in collaboration with academics, conservation
practitioners and policy makers. We aim to inform the design of ecological networks by studying
the effects of 160 years of woodland creation on biodiversity (more about WrEN at www.wrenproject.com).
During the summer of 2017 we will be surveying woodland patches of different character (e.g.
age, size and degree of connectivity) to study how the abundance and diversity of a range of
woodland-dependent species are influenced by local- and landscape-level woodland
attributes. We are currently looking for a field assistant to carry out moth surveys in farm
woodlands.
Activities will involve driving to/from field sites, setting up heath light traps, identifying moth
specimens in the field (to Species level) and entering data into spreadsheets. The work will
require lone-working, walking over difficult terrain and carrying heavy equipment so it is essential
that applicants are fit, enthusiastic, reliable and able to work independently. The Field Assistant
will also be required to liaise with landowners (e.g. to inform of site visits in advance) and
coordinate a small network of volunteers who will carry out additional moth surveys.
Selection criteria:
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Holding a valid driving licence – essential.
Ability to work independently (e.g. lone working) – essential.
Basic navigational skills (e.g. reading maps, use of GPS) – essential.
Good entomological knowledge – essential.
Excellent moth species identification skills – essential.
Experience setting up heath light traps – desirable.
Good IT and data management skills (e.g. proficient use of Microsoft Excel) – desirable.
Pay scale: G4:11 (£18,412 per annum).
Closing date: 1st May 2017.
Study area: central Scotland.
Duration: Fixed-term contract for 16 weeks (approximate dates 29th May – 15th Sep 2017).
Other information: Transport expenses (i.e. petrol costs) associated with fieldwork will be
covered. A hire vehicle will be available for the successful applicant to use if (s)he meets the
University’s insurance eligibility criteria (other applicants would need access to their own vehicle).
To apply: Email your Curriculum Vitae, contact details of two referees and a covering letter
stating why you’re interested in the post and how you meet the specified criteria to Dr Elisa
Fuentes-Montemayor ([email protected]) by 5pm Monday 1st May 2017.