Salmon Conservation Biologist, Atlantic Salmon Trust
Help turn science into action for wild Atlantic salmon. The Atlantic Salmon Trust is looking for a passionate and motivated Salmon Conservation Biologist to join our science and evidence team. This is an exciting opportunity to combine hands-on fieldwork with data analysis and applied research, helping build the evidence needed to restore wild salmon and the habitats they depend on across the UK and Ireland. If you’re an early-career biologist who wants your science to make a real difference for one of our most iconic species read on!
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 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, whilst working to obtain a deep understanding on how we may more effectively provide the conditions they need and also 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 oceans. By working together we have the best opportunity to give salmon and sea trout a thriving future.
Overview of the Role
This role sits within AST's science and evidence team, reporting to the Principal Salmon Conservation Scientist, which is central to generating the evidence base that 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 contribute to delivery of the Trust’s strategic research priorities, helping to fill 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.
The postholder will also work closely with the data analysis and modelling team and the project managers for restoration work, as well as a wide variety of partners including fisheries and rivers trusts, landowners, academia, public sector bodies and agencies. You will spend time in the field, delivering the long-term monitoring that underpins our Core Rivers Programme, as well as supporting other projects with delivery of their science and monitoring plans. There is also a significant role to play in contributing to turning that data into evidence - interpreting results, writing technical reports, and supporting funding bids and research proposals that secure the resources for restoration to happen.
We are looking for someone with a genuine passion for salmonid conservation and wider habitat and species restoration, who sees this role as a chance to contribute directly to the recovery of the species — not simply to deliver a fieldwork or reporting schedule. You will be someone who asks why a piece of monitoring matters and what it should tell us, not just how to collect it. This is an early-career role, ideal for a biologist with around three years' experience looking to build a career in applied conservation science, working as part of a small, close-knit team where your fieldwork, analysis and writing will feed directly into the Trust’s restoration, policy and advocacy work. The Trust is committed to developing its staff and will work with the successful candidate to identify skills gaps and provide opportunities and training to fill those as appropriate.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver fieldwork and data collection for the Core Rivers Programme and other AST projects — including juvenile electrofishing, PIT tagging, eDNA sampling, redd and habitat surveys — working in water and remote locations, and maintaining field equipment to a high standard.
- Support the Head of Salmon Conservation Science in designing and implementing long-term science and monitoring strategies, working with the data analysis team to ensure datasets are structured, quality-assured and accessible so they answer the questions AST needs them to.
- Work jointly with AST's data analyst to analyse monitoring and research data, contributing to the interpretation of results and the identification of evidence gaps, and then supporting development of strategic science to fill those evidence gaps.
- Research and write technical and evidence synthesis reports and contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations and other outputs that communicate AST's evidence to funders, partners and policymakers.
- Support the preparation of funding bids and research proposals, providing technical content and evidence to secure resources for AST's restoration work.
- Contribute more broadly to building AST's evidence base, keeping up to date with current salmonid science and bringing that thinking into the Trust's work and support other Trust tasks as required.
Skills Needed
- Sound, current understanding of aquatic ecology , ideally with a background in salmonid or other anadromous fish ecology, and the ability to apply that understanding practically in fieldwork and analysis.
- Competence in survey and monitoring techniques and in quantitative data analysis, with the judgement to turn raw data into evidence that supports restoration priorities and action, policy and advocacy.
- Ability to communicate technical findings clearly and concisely in written reports and funding proposals, for audiences ranging from technical partners to funders.
- Judgement to prioritise fieldwork and analysis effort toward the evidence gaps that genuinely matter to salmon recovery, rather than collecting data for its own sake.
- Ability to work independently and safely in the field, while contributing effectively within a small, collaborative science team.
- Motivation to see evidence translated into action, and an interest in AST's wider mission beyond the immediate scope of this post.
Essential Requirements
- Degree in a relevant field (e.g. aquatic ecology, environmental science) or equivalent professional experience
- Around three years' relevant experience in fisheries or aquatic ecology, applied research consultancy or conservation
- Experience of survey and monitoring techniques for aquatic species and their supporting habitats
- Working knowledge of statistical analysis (e.g. R or equivalent) with experience of GIS desirable.
- Comfortable working outdoors and in remote or water-based field locations, water safety training desirable.
- Full, clean UK driving licence and ability to travel regularly across the UK (hire vehicle can be provided if required)
Conditions of Employment
This is a permanent position with the Atlantic Salmon Trust.
The successful candidate will receive a contract of employment together with the Trust's Staff Handbook and this Job Description, which set out the terms and conditions of employment.
The appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of a three-month probationary period, during which performance, conduct and suitability for the role will be reviewed.
The Trust operates a 37.5-hour working week with flexible working arrangements. Occasional evening and weekend working will be required to support meetings, events and project delivery.
The position will attract a starting salary of approximately £30,000 per annum, with an additional contribution of 9% towards a pension.
The primary place of work is the Trust's office at Bridge of Earn, Perthshire, PH2 9HN. We support flexible and hybrid working, with the recognition of attending the Trust’s office typically two days per week. Alternative working arrangements may be agreed depending on the requirements of the role and the successful candidate.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
The role involves regular travel throughout the UK and, occasionally, internationally to work with partners, attend meetings, undertake fieldwork, and support project delivery. The successful candidate should therefore be willing to travel, including overnight stays where required. Travel and accommodation expenses incurred on Trust business will be reimbursed in accordance with the Trust's Expenses Policy. As many of our projects are based in remote locations with no public transport, ability to drive is an essential requirement.
Learning and Development
The Atlantic Salmon Trust is committed to supporting the professional development of its staff. We encourage continuous learning and will support the successful candidate through relevant training and development opportunities.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The Atlantic Salmon Trust is committed to being an inclusive employer. We believe that a diverse workforce brings broader perspectives, better ideas and stronger outcomes for the communities, partners and environments we work with.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive.
Recruitment decisions are made solely on merit, skills, experience and potential. We are committed to providing equality of opportunity throughout recruitment and employment and encourage applications from groups currently under-represented within the environmental and conservation sector.
How to Apply
Please email [email protected] with a CV and a covering letter (maximum two A4 pages) explaining your motivations for applying for the role and how you would see yourself developing in it, as well as how your skills and experience make you a good fit for the post.
We would voluntarily ask you to please complete and submit the separate monitoring form on equality, diversity and inclusion available on our website.
Applications should be emailed to [email protected] no later than 5.00 pm on September 7th 2026.
Interviews are expected to take place on 30th September at the Trust’s main office in Bridge of Earn.
For an informal discussion about the role please contact Dr Caro Cowan at [email protected].
Recruitment Process
Applications will be assessed against the essential and desirable criteria set out in the Job Description and Person Specification. Candidates who best demonstrate how they meet the requirements of the role will be shortlisted for interview.
If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. We thank all applicants for their interest in joining the Atlantic Salmon Trust.
Data Protection
The Atlantic Salmon Trust is committed to protecting your personal information. Any data you provide as part of your application will be processed in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, and used solely for recruitment purposes.
As part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, we ask applicants to complete an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form. Completion of this form is voluntary.
The EDI Monitoring Form is held separately from your application and is used only for anonymous monitoring to help us evaluate the fairness and inclusivity of our recruitment practices. It is not shared with the recruiting manager or interview panel and plays no part in recruitment or selection decisions.
Application records will be retained for a limited period in accordance with our Data Retention Policy before being securely destroyed. For further information about how we process personal data, please refer to our Privacy Policy or contact [email protected].
Pay: From £30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee mentoring programme
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Work from home
Education:
- Diploma of Higher Education (preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bridge of Earn PH2 6DP
