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 in particular for a genuine interest in
building strong relationships with land managers to achieve species and habitat conservation.
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, coordinate volunteer
surveyors and collate, analyse and report data.

Habitat management: Engage and develop 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:

• An ability to persuade and influence a wide range of people, both internally and
  externally, including land managers.
• Demonstrable experience of developing and working in partnerships to achieve shared
  outcomes.
• Ability to work well as part of a cross-functional project team.
• Organising training events, workshops or facilitated discussions and meetings.
• Proven time management and organisational skills.
• Excellent written, spoken communication and presentation skills for a wide variety of
  audiences.
• Experience in data management (data recording, analysis and presentation of findings).
• Competent IT user – Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams etc.) and
  experience with GIS.
• 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 24th June 2024.
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.

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.