Journal of Applied Ecology and Ecological Solutions and Evidence are seeking two new Blog Editors to help run its highly successful blog site, The Applied Ecologist!
Volunteer role: Blog Editor (The Applied Ecologist)
Term: 3 years (initial term of 1 year)
Location: Remote, anywhere in the world
Closing date: 18th of September 2026, 11:59PM BST
Overview
The Applied Ecologist is a highly successful blog, receiving approximately 70,000 page views per year. Sharing a broad range of topical research from across the field of applied ecology, the blog sits alongside the journals, Journal of Applied Ecology and Ecological Solutions and Evidence, as a key platform for members of our applied ecology community and journal authors to communicate aspects of their work with a wider audience. The blog also serves as an accessible space to discuss trends in the field or topics of interest to ecologists working in both research and practical environmental management.
We are looking for an active ecologist with a passion for stimulating dialogue and communication across the community. Part of the journal’s Editorial Board, the Blog Editor will work with the journals’ Editorial Offices to identify, commission and deliver scientifically robust, high-quality content for the blog.
About us
Having started in 2014 as the official blog of Journal of Applied Ecology, the blog expanded in 2020 to include the journal Ecological Solutions and Evidence and Applied Ecology Resources, a new initiative to better connect applied ecology research and practice, which is associated with it.
The British Ecological Society’s vision is for nature and people to thrive in a world inspired by ecology. We are the oldest ecological society in the world, with over 8000 members worldwide. We publish seven successful journals, a range of better science guides and a quarterly membership magazine, The Niche. We actively value the diversity and wide range of perspectives that people from different backgrounds bring to their work, to ecology and to our Society.
About the role
The Blog Editors will gain experience in commissioning, editing and publishing new content for the blog, receive dedicated training on bespoke software such as Canva and WordPress, contribute to the journal’s social media accounts, and have access to articles making advances
in the field. The role also offers excellent opportunities to work and network with individuals outside of their immediate subject area.
This is a voluntary position, with the Blog Editor working remotely from wherever they are based. The role is anticipated to require in the region of 8 -10 hours per month, with the Blog Editor deciding how to best fit this in around their other commitments.
We welcome applicants who have completed, or are in the process of completing their PhD, to apply.
Applicants can be based anywhere in the world.
Responsibilities
The Blog Editor will be expected to commission or write 2-3 blog posts per month, including:
- Posts by authors on their recently published articles o Blog series, for example, ‘Field Diaries’ and ‘Restoring Landscapes’
- Broader pieces on trends or debates in fields covered by the journal or community-focused pieces.
- For commissioned posts, the Blog Editor will proofread and edit draft posts before they are published to ensure that they meet the quality requirements and fit with the style and tone of the blog. Guidance and support will be provided by the journal’s Assistant Editor.
- The Blog Editor will assist with copy-editing and publishing of research summaries on an ad-hoc basis.
- There will be a monthly online meeting to discuss upcoming plans and develop new ideas for the blog.
- The Blog Editor will provide copy for promoting blog posts on social media accounts and actively help promote social media posts
- When attending relevant conferences, meetings, workshops, etc. the Blog Editor may also be asked to promote the journal and blog. Materials will be provided for this.
Requirements
Qualifications
- PhD in ecology or equivalent
Skills
- Excellent written English
- Effective and clear communication
- Keen eye for detail
- Good organisational and project management skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to network and a willingness to use this when working on topical blog posts
- Ability to identify gaps in current content and devise new initiatives
- Tenacity and self-motivation
- Experience of contributing to a scientific blog or similar desired, but not essential
- Experience with social media desired, but not essential
- Experience with podcasting and video editing desired, but not essential
Benefits
- Free membership to the British Ecological Society for one year (with membership discounted to 50% after that). Membership benefits can be found here.
- Free registration to the British Ecological Society annual meeting
- An excellent opportunity to network with a wide range of ecologists.
How to Apply:
To apply, please send a CV and a cover letter of no more than 500 words via the online submission form, detailing why you are interested and any relevant experience you may have. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview with the journal’s Assistant Editors.
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