- Type of appointment: Full-time/fixed-term three years initially
- Reporting to: Senior Advisor, Scotland
- Location: North-East Scotland / Home based (or option to work from our office in Aberdeenshire), with extensive fieldwork
- Hours of work: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week over 5 days, but flexible working required. Annual leave allowance 27 days plus public holidays.
- Salary: £24,500 - £27,000
- Generous pension and medical insurance on completion of probation
- Closing date for applications: Friday 13 February 2026
Job purpose
GWCT Scotland is seeking a Field Assistant to join our team in a hybrid role supporting both research and advisory programmes. This position is ideally suited to a graduate in Ecology or a related discipline, or an individual with equivalent practical experience, who is looking to develop hands-on skills in applied ecological research and consultancy-style advisory work.
The Field Assistant will principally support upland research programmes through field data and sample collection, and initial processing, while also assisting with the delivery of advisory services to clients. The role offers exposure to a wide range of projects and working environments across Scotland, contributing directly to the Trust’s scientific, advisory and policy objectives.
We seek an individual who can demonstrate a high level of professionalism and reliability, can work independently once trained, with proven experience of field research in arduous conditions, and work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team.
Our vision
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) is a UK-based wildlife research and conservation charity. Its headquarters is based in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, and there are several administrative and research outstations across England, Wales and Scotland. Its aim is for a thriving countryside rich in game and other wildlife, with the goal of enhancing the British countryside for public benefit.
The GWCT has been researching and developing game and wildlife management techniques for over 80 years. The results of its applied research are used to provide science-led training and advice to farmers, gamekeepers, land managers, policy makers, politicians, and other stakeholders on how best to ensure sustainable land management alongside a countryside rich in wildlife.
Key accountabilities and responsibilities
- Support upland research projects, principally grouse research, through field data collection, sample processing, and data handling following agreed protocols and Health & safety procedures.
- Undertake a wide range of field-based survey work, including peatland, habitat, biodiversity and species surveys, and data entry and management following agreed protocols and health and safety procedures.
- Organise, maintain and manage datasets and databases, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
- Contribute to data management, preparation and extraction to support the preparation of internal summaries, and advisory reports for clients under supervision.
- With research and advisory colleagues plan and manage day-to-day tasks effectively, balancing fieldwork, data management and reporting requirements.
Person specification
Essential
- Degree or equivalent academic qualification and experience in Ecology, Environmental Science, Conservation Biology or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
- Willingness and ability to undertake extensive fieldwork in varied conditions, work flexible and unsocial hours (including weekends) and spend time away from home.
- Strong organisational skills, with attention to detail in data collection and management.
- Ability to work collaboratively across teams and disciplines.
- Basic skills in data handling, reporting and use of databases or spreadsheets.
- Full UK driving licence.
- Experience of ecological field surveys.
Desirable
- Experience using GIS or data management software.
- Familiarity with upland land management with knowledge of contemporary management issues.
- Experience of handling wildlife for research purposes.
- Off-road driving experience/qualifications an advantage.
- UK upland plant identification skills.
- UK upland invertebrate identification skills.
- UK bird survey and identification skills.
How to apply
Please send cover letter and CV to Janine Stikeleather, at jstikeleather@gwct.org.uk, by Friday 13 February 2026.