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Current Vacancies

National Fen Survey Fieldworkers 2023

Based in Ireland, BEC Consultants Ltd is looking to hire two experienced botanical fieldworkers for the 2023 field season. The successful candidates will work on the National Fen Survey on behalf of the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS). The main focus of this project is the identification and mapping of the Habitats Directive Annex I habitats 7140, 7210 and 7230. The work will be carried out across Ireland and so a flexible approach to travel and accommodation is required. Candidates must have excellent vascular plant identification skills appropriate to the target habitat, as well as competence in bryophyte identification. They must also have a proven track record in carrying out habitat mapping surveys.

This opportunity is available to self-employed botanists to work as a subcontractor, or to those who wish to be taken on as an employee of BEC Consultants Ltd for the field season (approx. May to September).

Main responsibilities

  • Field surveys (undertaken with another member of the field team, to be arranged) for the collection of ecological field data on the three Annex I fen habitats, including habitat mapping, using Fossitt, IVC and Annex I categories, following the project methodology
  • Recording of monitoring stops in Annex I fen habitats
  • Recording of additional relevés in other fen communities
  • Contacting landowners, NPWS Conservation Rangers and arranging access to sites, as required
  • Taking, filing and renaming of photos according to specifications

Essential criteria

  • Honours degree in an appropriate discipline (e.g. botany)
  • Excellent vascular plant identification skills (field based)
  • Good bryophyte identification skills (field based)
  • Competence in habitat mapping
  • Ability to produce full species lists and cover scores for plots in the target habitats
  • Knowledge of EU Habitats Direct Annex I habitats relevant to the projects
  • Computer skills using programs such as Word and Excel
  • Proven experience in carrying out field surveys, including in remote areas
  • Be good at organisation and have excellent data management skills
  • Ability to work as part of a team, in occasionally demanding conditions
  • Full, valid driving licence and access to own vehicle

Desirable criteria

  • Masters/PhD in an appropriate discipline (e.g. botany)
  • Computer skills using programs such as QField, QGIS and Turboveg, both on laptop/desktop and tablet
  • Outdoor First Aid qualification

Applicants can apply with CV to info@botanicalenvironmental.com with the subject line ‘NFS fieldworker position’. The deadline for applications is 23rd January 2023.

For further information, please e-mail ‘FAO Philip’ to info@botanicalenvironmental.com.