Job Description

Main Purpose of Job

The purpose is to conduct and support field surveys to verify peat depths, carbon content and condition, and to support the ongoing hydrological monitoring on peatland location across Scotland. The postholder will be responsible for conducting site visits, sample collection and processing, data entry and basic data processing, and may be required to assist with some equipment maintenance.


This post is fixed term for 8 months, ideally beginning January 2026.

Main Duties of Postholder

To work as a member of a small team to plan, support and conduct field surveys as part of a peat mapping project To support ongoing hydrological monitoring (water table depths, soil moisture, discharge) and sampling for dissolved and particulate organic carbon, from a range of field locations across Scotland Processing of field samples for e.g. chemical analysis Data entry using digital and paper-based methods Maintenance of fieldwork equipment and monitoring equipment Engagement with other team member in developing efficient techniques for sampling and monitoring Potential participation in stakeholder engagement events or field-based demonstration events

Education/Experience/Skills

Essential

Appreciation of the need for accuracy and precision in all aspects of sampling, data recording and handling; Practical experience in fieldwork and following protocols (surveys, plant/soil sampling); Microsoft office skills (e.g. word processing, spreadsheet and data handling); Practical experience of lab work, including sample analysis following standard protocols; Appropriate navigation skills and personal safety skills required for working in remote or mountainous terrain; Flexibility in working hours and a willingness to work away from home at fieldworks sites for multi-day trips and under all-year round weather conditions; Good organisational and time management skills; Strong team working skills but can also work independently if required; Ability to maintain fieldwork equipment ensuring that it is cleaned, maintained, and stored correctly; Good communication skills to ensure active engagement with other relevant staff in the development of techniques/methods; Self motivation and a desire to carry out work to high standards. A full UK driving license is essential for this position. The post holder would be assumed to hold a BSc is a relevant discipline (e.g. environmental science) or equivalent levels of work experience.

Desirable

Practical experience with hydrological monitoring and equipment; Knowledge of statistical analyses of field data; Use of GIS for recording and analysing spatial data; Participation in demonstration and stakeholder engagement activities and events; Off-road driving experience would be considered beneficial.

We will not consider the use of 3rd party recruitment agencies for the sourcing of candidates for this position.


The James Hutton Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.


The James Hutton Institute is a: Stonewall Diversity Champion; Athena SWAN Bronze Status Holder; Disability Confident Committed Employer and a Living Wage Employer.


The James Hutton Institute is Happy to Talk Flexible Working.