Assistant Biologist

Assistant Biologist

Contract: Full-time, permanent (subject to a six-month probationary period)
Location: Torlundy, Fort William, PH33 6SW
Reporting to: Senior Fisheries Biologist
Supervisory role: Volunteers
Hours: 37.5 hours per week. Some evening and weekend work will be required.

About the Trust

Lochaber Fisheries and Conservation Trust (LFCT) is a registered charity dedicated to conserving and enhancing wild fish populations and freshwater habitats across Lochaber, in the West Highlands of Scotland.

We work to ensure the long-term sustainability of our rivers, lochs, and catchments through applied science, habitat restoration, and community engagement.

The Role

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Assistant Biologist to support the delivery of our fisheries management and conservation programmes.

Based at our office in Torlundy, Fort William, you will work as part of a small, skilled team responsible for developing and delivering monitoring, research, and habitat enhancement projects across the Lochaber area.

The ideal candidate will have practical experience in freshwater fisheries monitoring or aquatic habitat management, an understanding of the factors affecting wild fish populations, and an eagerness to develop professionally in the field. Experience surveying salmon and trout populations and knowledge of salmonid biology would be advantageous.

A flexible and proactive approach is essential, as the role involves occasional long days, evening and weekend work. While primarily field- and office-based, there may be opportunities for hybrid working during the winter months. A full UK driving licence is essential.

Key Responsibilities

The postholder will assist in all aspects of the Trust’s operations, including fieldwork, data analysis, project delivery, and public engagement.

Core duties include:

• Assisting with the collection, analysis, and interpretation of fisheries and habitat data.
• Managing and analysing environmental data, including producing maps and visual outputs using GIS.
• Contributing to technical reports, publications, and funding applications.
• Supporting practical river restoration and habitat enhancement projects.
• Assisting with education and community outreach initiatives.
• Supporting the Trust’s social media and website content.
• Supervising and engaging volunteers in field and outreach activities.
• Undertaking any additional duties required to fulfil the Trust’s objectives.

Essential Criteria

• Ability to undertake extensive and physically demanding fieldwork in all weather conditions.
• Good IT skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office software.
• Self-motivated, enthusiastic, and able to learn quickly and use initiative.
• Reliable, with excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Strong communication and presentation abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small team.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable Criteria

• Knowledge and practical experience in freshwater ecology and fisheries management.
• Degree in a relevant biological or environmental science.
• IFM / SFCC electrofishing accreditation or practical experience of electrofishing.
• Experience conducting freshwater habitat or ecological surveys.
• Experience working with freshwater pearl mussels.
• First Aid, RYA powerboat or other relevant safety qualifications.
• GIS and data analysis skills.
• Experience supervising volunteers.
• Experience creating digital content for websites and social media.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary: £23,500 – £27,000 per annum (depending on experience).
• Pension: 5% employer contribution (matched).
• Leave: 20 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays.
• Training: All necessary training required to perform the role will be identified and provided.
• Probation: Six-month probationary period.

Closing date: Midnight, Wednesday 3 December 2025
Interviews: Week commencing 9 December 2025
Preferred start date: 1 March 2026

For further information or an informal discussion, please contact: Antony Smith – 07706 661124