Project Officer, Species On The Edge - Shetland

Species on the Edge (SotE) brings together eight environmental organisations, including NatureScot, Scottish Government’s statutory adviser on nature conservation, 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.

In Shetland, we have a plan to deliver a range of exciting activities to safeguard curlew, lapwing, red-necked phalarope, twite, moss-carder bee, oysterplant, endemic hawkweed species and plantain leaf beetle.

What's the role about?

We are looking for a passionate individual to lead on the implementation of the Shetland Delivery Plan. The role will be varied, and asks for a strong background in species and habitat conservation as well as an interest in community engagement. Working closely with the People Engagement Officer (Shetland) and other project staff in Scotland, the successful candidate will be committed to developing the SotE partnership in Shetland and will effectively communicate the shared vision of the partners. The role will be part of the RSPB Scotland team in Shetland.

Key tasks and responsibilities:

Species monitoring: Deliver a programme of species and habitat monitoring, train and coordinate volunteer surveyors and collate, analyse and report data.

Habitat management: Engage and build relationships with land managers to generate interest in nature conservation, seek advice from relevant experts and implement conservation actions for target Species on farmland and Local Nature Conservation Sites, set up and manage a wildflower seed harvesting scheme and build support for bee-friendly roadside management. Organise demonstration events and training opportunities for farmers/crofters to build knowledge and promote practices that benefit target species.

Species safeguard: Work with a partner organisation to establish and manage a programme to cultivate hawkweed and oysterplant seedlings and reintroduce to agreed locations.

Volunteer programme: Support SotE People Engagement Officer (Shetland) to develop a team of volunteers to achieve project targets.

Project management: Provide written progress reports, maintain accurate records, and complete evaluation as required, and ensure commitments to funders are fulfilled.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Experience in data management (data recording, analysis and presentation of findings).
• Demonstrable experience of developing and working in partnerships to achieve shared outcomes.
• An ability to persuade and influence a wide range of people, both internally and externally.
• Organising training events, workshops or facilitated discussions and meetings.
• Excellent written, spoken communication and presentation skills for a wide variety of audiences.
• Ability to work well as part of a cross-functional project team.
• Competent IT user – Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams etc.) and experience with GIS.
• Proven time management and organisational skills.
• Educated to degree or HND level in a biological or environmental science, or equivalent experience.
• A full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Good ecological knowledge of SotE target species and their requirements.
• Experience of managing volunteers.
• Experience of working with contractors.
• Experience of producing written materials, newsletters and similar project related communications.
• Geographical knowledge of Shetland.

This is a Fixed-Term role to December 2026 for 37.5 hours per week. The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 6th May 2024. For further information please contact nathalie.pion@rspb.org.uk

As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.