We are seeking to appoint a full time field assistant to work on the Wytham Tit Project for 4–8 weeks in spring 2025. Duties will include
(i) collecting standardised data from nest-box breeding populations of tits,
(ii) setting up equipment to monitor foraging behaviour of great tits (e.g. cameras, proximity loggers),
(iii) fitting proximity tags and accelerometers to adult great tits
(iv) inputting data collected in the field.
The start date and duration of this position is flexible, depending on availability of the successful candidate. The post could last up to 8 weeks, starting in mid-April, or c. 4 weeks, starting in early May.
All fieldwork will take place in Wytham Woods, near Oxford. The work is variable in intensity and will at times require long days in the field, and working some weekend days, but this will be balanced out by a quieter period at the start and end of the season.
Successful candidates must have (or be qualified to obtain) a BTO permit to ring adult great tits, be able to demonstrate skill and enthusiasm for biological research as well as experience of fieldwork under arduous conditions, and both lone work and working as part of a team. Due to the short-term nature of these posts, successful applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.
Salary & Accommodation
Field assistants will be paid at grade 5.2 (£17.02/hour) and responsible for finding their own accommodation. It will be possible to hire accommodation at the Wytham Chalet, a research station within Wytham Woods. Alternatively, field assistants can find private accommodation locally and use their own transport to commute to the woods (approx. 30 min by car or bike, depending on location).
Please submit an application, consisting of
(1) a covering letter explaining relevant experience and motivation,
(2) a CV (max 2 pages), and
the names of two people who can be contacted as referees,
by Tuesday 11th March 2025 to eleanor.cole@biology.ox.ac.uk.
Informal inquiries can be emailed to Dr Ella Cole (eleanor.cole@biology.ox.ac.uk).
For more details about the project see www.wythamtits.com
