Insh Marshes Traineeship

Introduction

The funding for this post is targeted towards a candidate with some voluntary experience wishing to develop their skills and experience in nature reserve management. We are looking for an energetic and motivated person who will embrace this unique training and development opportunity. During the five and a half month traineeship you will work with the site team and be trained and mentored to develop skills in survey and monitoring, estate work, habitat management, H&S, GIS, running work parties, as well as the multitude of other tasks involved in the day-to-day work on a nature reserve.

Insh Marshes reserve is one of the biggest and most naturally functioning floodplain wetlands in Britain. The reserve is home to a fantastic array of habitats, including sedge fen, wet grassland and woodland, and an incredible array of wildlife, including breeding waders, spotted crake and osprey, wintering hen harrier and whooper swan, and nationally important populations of invertebrates and plants.

What’s the role about?

You will be an excellent communicator, this role will involve working alongside a wide range of audiences including graziers, neighbours, land owners, local communities, and reserve visitors. The post holder will work closely with local and residential volunteers therefore enthusiasm to work with volunteers is essential. The trainee will be responsible for delivering our autumn and early winter practical habitat management and estate management work programme as part of a small team.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Ability to build positive working relationships – Demonstrates respect, collaboration, and clear communication when working with colleagues, volunteers, and partners.
• Experience contributing to practical land or habitat tasks – This may include habitat management, estate work, outdoor practical tasks, or maintaining site infrastructure, gained through paid work, volunteering, education, or community projects.
• Confidence in maintaining tools or equipment – Able to follow safety procedures, carry out basic checks, and keep accurate records to ensure equipment is safe and efficient.
• Commitment to health and safety compliance – Keeps clear, up-to-date records and follows agreed processes to support a safe working environment for everyone.
• Enthusiasm for nature and conservation – Shows motivation, curiosity, and a positive approach to learning and contributing to conservation work.
• Positive and constructive communication – Responds supportively to colleagues’ needs and feedback, helping to create an inclusive and respectful team culture.
• Proven ability to plan and organise own workload – Works independently when required, using initiative and good judgement to prioritise tasks.
• Bird identification skills or willingness to develop them – Able to carry out winter bird surveys, or demonstrates commitment to learning these skills with support and training.
• Understanding of safe working practices – Takes responsibility for completing tasks safely and in line with organisational policies to minimise risk.
• Full UK driving licence or ability to travel to remote sites – A driving licence is required for some locations; however, reasonable adjustments or alternative travel arrangements may be considered where possible.

Your own personal development will be an important part of your objectives in this role, training, support and mentoring will be provided. This opportunity offers the successful applicant the chance to work and develop their ecological knowledge of upland wet grassland, wetlands, and woodland habitats.

This role is funded by Cairngorms Connect, the largest habitat restoration partnership in Britain. Insh Marshes is part of the Cairngorms Connect partnership area, the trainee role will help support the Insh Marshes team to deliver our vision to transform Insh Marshes into a prime example of a naturally functioning floodplain and river system. There will also be the opportunity to work within the partnership and attend training events.

This is a 5.5 months Fixed-Term role for 37.5 hours per week.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 13th to 15th July 2026. For further information please contact [email protected]

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. The role is a starter opportunity, and the funding stipulates that this role is only available for those starting out on their conservation career, therefore if you have had previous paid employment you are not eligible for this role.

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.

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. 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.