Principal Salmon Conservation Scientist

Shape the future of wild salmon recovery – Lead science from evidence to action

Who we are

Wild Atlantic salmon are in crisis. Populations in Great Britain have fallen by around 70% in the last 25 years and the species is now listed as endangered in Great Britain. The Atlantic Salmon Trust is the UK’s leading evidence-led wild salmon conservation charity, driven by a mission to restore wild salmon and the environments they depend on across the UK and Ireland. We combine science, practical conservation and advocacy to tackle the challenges facing wild salmon across rivers, coasts and the open ocean.

As an organisation we are determined to act on what is known about salmon and sea trout, to provide them with the best opportunity to thrive. We also work to obtain a deeper understanding of the environmental conditions they require and how to prevent harm to their populations.

The Trust has a philosophy of always working in partnership, whether as a founding member of the Missing Salmon Alliance, or internationally with organisations across the Atlantic and Pacific. By working together we have the best opportunity to give salmon and sea trout a thriving future.

Overview of the Role

The successful candidate will lead the Trust’s salmonid conservation science work, which sits at the heart of our mission to restore salmonid populations and the ecosystems in which they live in the UK and Ireland. You will play a key role in influencing the Trust’s strategic research priorities, directing effort at the evidence gaps that genuinely limit recovery, and supporting the restoration team to translate what we already know into large scale restoration action on the ground.

You will provide scientific leadership for all our programmes, ensuring that an evidence-based approach to salmon conservation and recovery sits at the centre of the Trust’s restoration, policy and advocacy work. You will represent the Trust as a leading scientific authority with partners, funders and policymakers including academia, catchment managers, public sector bodies and government, Missing Salmon Alliance members, and international organisations working on salmon conservation and recovery. You will also have the opportunity to develop new targeted science projects to fill identified knowledge gaps and build partnerships to deliver those. You will work closely with the Trust’s Principal Data Analyst with the two of you together leading the delivery of science and evidence across Trust projects.

This post is fast-paced, recognising the urgency of delivering large scale action for wild salmon in the face of uncertainty, whilst also providing the opportunity to identify and fill knowledge gaps. You will be comfortable exercising judgement under uncertainty, and motivated to ensure evidence is used to direct action.

Visit our website for all the information on this exciting opportunity.