Site Manager

The Forsinard Flows National Nature Reserve consists of a huge expanse of designated blanket peatland, which is part of the largest terrestrial Special Area for Conservation in the UK, and part of the tentative World Heritage Site bid. The 21,000+ha reserve has a diverse range of habitats, including peatland, montane and woodland, holding good numbers of nationally rare breeding birds as well as a plethora of rare plants. Our peatland restoration work is both highly novel, and very sensitive, and informs forestry policy on deep peat at a UK level. We therefore need to ensure that we seek the evidence that allows us to find the best approaches, and then be able to show that these approaches work, both for carbon and biodiversity, this is ground-breaking work! Monitoring is the key stone of our work and we have invested significant efforts in building a collaborative research programme with multiple external partners, and this is now the most extensive of any on an RSPB reserve in the UK and includes some of the longest running peatland restoration monitoring schemes in the UK.

We are looking for a Site Manager to help lead our team at Forsinard both in terms of the planning and implementation of our ambitious conservation management objectives and on how we engage with our visitors and the local community. This post will help with the running of the Field Centre, education facilities and a laboratory, in order to help facilitate the continuation and growth of research work in the Flow Country, under the auspices of the Flows Research Hub. You will be based at the Field Centre and will need to oversee some aspects of running the building. You must have a proven track record of strong people management skills, budget management, partnership working, community engagement, and land management. This post leads in the delivery of habitat restoration, as well as the day to day running of the reserve. Deer management is a key part of how we manage this site and some knowledge/experience of this would be an advantage. Being able to get on with our neighbours is important to us at this site and experience of community liaison would certainly help. We are looking for someone with a proven track record of strong people management skills, both in direct line management, and external contract management, and with a pragmatic understanding of the complexities of managing a Highland estates. 

Essential skills, knowledge, and experience:

• You will have a pragmatic understanding of land management in the Scottish Highlands.
• You will understand the ecological & survey requirements of key species and habitats.
• You will have knowledge of project and budget management.
• You will be able to demonstrate putting HSE/cross-compliance/risk management knowledge into practice.
• You will have great interpersonal and communication skills.
• You will be able to demonstrate a track record of managing land.
• You will be able to demonstrate a track record of managing people (direct line management as well as external contractors).
• You will have a a full, manual driving licence that is valid in the UK .

Desirable skills, knowledge, and experience:

• Knowledge of agricultural grazing, forestry, and deer management in Scotland

Additional Information:

This is a permanent, full-time role for 37.5 hours per week.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 21 May 2024. For further information please contact peter.gilbert@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.