Peatland Restoration Project Officer

Job Description:

We are looking for a highly organised and motivated individual to deliver peatland restoration projects at RSPB Forsinard Flows Nature Reserve. Our work programme consists of delivering both future open hill and forest-to-bog peatland restoration projects, as well as assuring that we meet our monitoring and maintenance commitments of previous Peatland Action and Peatland Code projects. Based at the RSPB Forsinard Flows Field Centre, you will plan and deliver peatland restoration projects, helping the Project Manager and Forsinard peatland restoration team, achieve the outputs and objectives of the wider RSPB Scotland Peatland Programme. The successful candidate will be someone who can adapt to a complex work programme, thrive with a mix of desk and field based activities, and who will relish the challenge of delivering truly landscape scale habitat restoration.

Please see the Recruitment Pack for further details.

Essentials skills, knowledge & experience:

• Qualification in a relevant subject or ability to show equivalent work experience.
• Knowledge of peatland habitat and function sufficient to enable identification of suitable restoration/management techniques.
• Proven time management and organisational skills, with the ability to work to deadlines and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Ability to work effectively as a team player both internally and externally.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to be able to justify and report on peatland restoration projects.
• High level of IT skills for project and data management, including mapping software e.g., ArcGIS.
• Experience of health and safety compliance.
• A full, manual driving licence that is valid in the UK is required due to the remote nature of the sites (4×4 training will be provided).
• A drive to work outdoors in a remote and challenging environment.

Desirable skills, knowledge & experience:

• Knowledge of delivering peatland restoration projects and restoration toolkits.
• Knowledge of funding mechanisms for peatland restoration.
• Specialist conservation knowledge and experience in upland conservation.
• Experience of contractor management, including quality checking of works, and assuring Health & Safety and regulatory compliance.
• Experience of managing volunteers/work parties and setting clear work priorities.

Additional Information

This is a fixed-term contract until 31st March 2028 at 37.5 hours per week. We are looking to conduct interviews for this position in person on Monday 27th October 2025 at the Forsinard Flows Field Centre. For further information please see the information pack, or contact [email protected].

In order to apply you will be required to upload a CV and complete an application form. In the cover letter section of the application form please explain how you meet the criteria set above.

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.

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

Please note that we are actively recruiting for this vacancy, and reserve the right to close once sufficient applications have been received.

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.