Surveys Support Officer

Are you passionate about birds and data management, with a keen eye for administrative detail?
The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) is seeking a dedicated Surveys Support Officer to join
our vibrant Surveys Team. This central role involves supporting projects within the team,
contributing to some of the largest and most influential bird surveys in the UK. You’ll work on
prominent surveys such as the Wetland Bird Survey, Goose and Swan Monitoring Programme,
Breeding Bird Survey, and more. This is an exciting opportunity to collaborate with external
partners and funders while supporting the BTO’s mission to deliver high-quality bird monitoring
programs.

In this role, you will initially focus on supporting the Goose and Swan Monitoring Programme
and the Wetland Bird Survey. You will assist with developing the survey programmes, support
materials and databases, documenting the production and promotion of Official Statistics, and
help with survey communications. Your efforts will support timely and accurate data collection,
verification, and dissemination of data collected by our large volunteer base. Additionally,
you will support the Breeding Bird Survey team, leading specific initiatives to enhance survey
coverage. This position offers a unique blend of administrative, data processing and
communication responsibilities, focusing on behind-the-scenes tasks, but with some interaction
with survey volunteers.

As the Surveys Support Officer, you will report to the Waterbird Surveys Officer and
collaborate closely with the Head of Surveys, the Wetland Bird Survey Manager and other members
of the BTO Surveys Team. You will also liaise with other teams within BTO and external
stakeholders. 

We are looking for someone with a methodical approach, excellent organisational skills, and
strong numerical abilities. Experience with citizen science data collection, ecological
information dissemination, and bird surveys will be advantageous. You will have the opportunity
to develop a deep understanding of BTO’s bird surveys, methods, and volunteer coordination
processes. If you are committed to biodiversity and eager to make a meaningful impact through
your work, we invite you to apply for this exciting role at BTO.

This position is based at our HQ in Thetford, Norfolk, although you will be able to work from
home part of the time on a hybrid working regime and flexible start and finish times can also
be accommodated to ensure a flexible work-life balance.

You can read the full role description by clicking on the role description under
‘supporting documents’ in the job details on our careers page. Please contact us if
you are not sure if you meet all the criteria for the role and would like to discuss the role
in more detail.

WHAT DOES BTO DO?

BTO helps to secure the future for birds and nature, using our science, monitoring and data to
inform good environmental decisions, inspiring others with the wonder of birds and empowering
them to work with us. Our priority is to make a positive impact for birds, using our strong and
objective science in partnership with others. We strive to work sustainably and to welcome
everyone.

OUR VALUES

We are evidence-led, inclusive, collaborative and empowering.

Birds Science People; it is a powerful combination – will you be part of it?

WHAT WE OFFER

• £28,320 per annum
• Annual leave entitlement on starting is 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata if part time).
• Paid ‘journey days’ (up to 2 days) to staff who travel on holiday by land or sea instead of
  flying.
• Life assurance (four times salary)
• 11% employer pension contribution
• Employee Assistance Programme offering help and advice to staff and their families on
  matters related to bereavement, wellbeing, finances, relationships, family and more. This
  includes a number of free counselling sessions if they are needed.
• Enhanced sick pay
• Enhanced Family leave- Maternity, Adoption, and Shared Parental Leave, 12 weeks at full
  pay. Paternity and Partner leave, 4 weeks at full pay.
• Retail discounts
• Cycle to work scheme- spread the cost of purchasing a new bike and save money
• Discounts on: BTO books, Bird care from Vine House Farm (10% discount on orders placed on
  the website) and Opticron (30% off)
• Free access to BTO training courses
• Flexible working- A combination of home and office working and flexible start and finish
  times (where this meets business needs)
• Free eye tests and a contribution of £49 towards prescription glasses for VDU use only.
• Free car parking
• Effective job evaluation policy that recognises where staff increase their level of
  responsibility over time
• Coaching and mentoring scheme
• Staff groups and forums- First Aiders and mental health first aiders, Coaching and
  mentoring, Diversity working, Sustainability and Natural Working, Becoming Inclusive, and our
  staff group creating a positive and welcoming culture to work in.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive environment
• Commitment to sustainability

Closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 2nd September, 23h59 and
Interviews will be held in Thetford on 11th & 12th September.

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]

If you have a disability or long-term illness that otherwise prevents you from meeting
any of the essential criteria, please contact us to discuss whether a reasonable adjustment
could be made.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants
who meet the essential criteria for the vacancy.

We recognise that candidates from minority ethnic groups are under-represented in our
organisation, and that there are often additional barriers present for people from these groups
when applying for roles in the charity sector and beyond. We are committed to taking positive
action to expand the diversity of our staff team, and if you meet the essential criteria for a
role and are from a minority ethnic background, you’ll be guaranteed a first stage
interview.

Charity No. 216652 (E&W); SC039193 (Scotland)