Leugh ann an Gàidhlig / Read in Gaelic
Job Title: Project Officer – Species on the Edge – Argyll and Inner Hebrides (Fixed-Term)
Employer: RSPB
Location: Loch Gruinart, Islay
Salary: £26,379 – £28,319 Per Annum
Contract: Full time, fixed-term contract until 31st December 2026.
Vacancy expiry date: 23:59, Thursday 27th Feb 2025
Overview
Do you want to work in conservation in one of the most spectacular parts of the UK, helping safeguard some of Scotland’s rarest species? Species on the Edge is an ambitious conservation project designed to improve the conservation prospects of over 30 species found on Scotland’s coasts and islands. This post is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and is a full-time, fixed-term contract until 31st December 2026.
What’s the role about?
Species on the Edge brings together eight environmental organisations, including NatureScot, to deliver an ambitious, consolidated programme of work across Scotland. Working together, we represent leading species conservation organisations with extensive knowledge and experience, who are joining forces to catalyse the action that species need. We aim to empower island and coastal communities to connect with one another, their local wild places and the special wildlife within.
As a Project Officer based in Argyll and the Inner Hebrides, you will be the delivery arm of the project working with landowners, volunteers, partners and members of the community to conserve a suite of species. This will involve the implementation of the Area Delivery Plan, in collaboration with partners. The role includes promoting the project, leading on people engagement and coordination of all project activities, delivery of a range of management activities to benefit a variety of priority species and includes empowering / enabling communities to take positive actions to secure the future of these species.
Activities will range from species monitoring, habitat management and advisory work to volunteer recruitment and training and the development of interpretation materials and engagement events. The post holder will lead on delivering work for iconic species such as chough, corncrake and great yellow bumblebee. This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic, positive and self-motivated project officer to work within our area team, you will ideally have experience of delivering conservation and partnership working.
Essential skills, knowledge and experience:
- Project management skills – including working with project teams and stakeholders; delivering at cost and on time.
- Demonstrate the ability to work well as part of a cross-functional project team.
- Proven experience in delivering surveys, habitat management and provision of advice to landowners. An ability to persuade and influence a range of people.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to find creative solutions.
- Able to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances.
- Organising training events, workshops or facilitated discussions and meetings
- Experience of managing staff and volunteers
- Demonstrable experience of developing and working in partnerships to achieve shared outcomes
- Competent IT user (e.g. MS packages, Outlook etc) and experience with GIS
- Full driving licence which is valid for used in the UK or other means of transport suitable for travel to areas not served by public transport.
Desirable skills and experience:
- Good knowledge of Inner Hebridean natural environment & SotE target species – able to lead project & engagement activities in a credible way.
- Experience of working with contractors, communities and volunteers.
- Understanding legislation behind protected species and protected sites.
- Knowledge or experience of land management schemes, esp. AEC Scheme.
- Experience of producing management plans for nature conservation.
- Experience of producing written materials, newsletters and project communications.
- Gaelic language skills
As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.
Please click the button below to find out more and to apply.
The Species on the Edge Programme
Species on the Edge is a ground-breaking partnership programme of NatureScot and seven nature conservation charities, all dedicated to improving the fortunes of 37 priority species found along Scotland’s coast and islands. Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we are delivering a four-and-a-half-year programme of work to tackle the impacts of environmental change on wildlife, to benefit both nature and people. The partnership consists of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Bat Conservation Trust, Buglife, Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Butterfly Conservation, NatureScot, Plantlife, and RSPB Scotland.
