Seasonal Ecologist – Ben Lawers

JOB PURPOSE

Ben Lawers NNR is the most important mountain area in the UK for rare arctic-alpine plants, some of which occur in few other locations. The long running programme of monitoring is fundamental to informing conservation management such as the pioneering restoration of montane willow scrub, which was in terminal decline. The reserve now hosts the finest examples in the UK.

We are looking for a Seasonal Ecologist to be an enthusiastic and effective member of the property team. You will carry out botanical and other biological monitoring, as part of an ongoing programme, to inform management of the NNR.

The role is a physical one, requiring regular walking to high altitude locations and working on steep ground. You may work alongside other staff and volunteers but there will be a frequent requirement for lone working.

Although the role is not primarily public facing, you may interact with visitors during the course of your work. You will be an ambassador for the National Trust for Scotland leaving those you meet with a desire to respect, protect, and enjoy the NNR and an understanding of how they can help to contribute their support to the property. The role may support other staff with events when required.

The post is subject to the standard terms and conditions.

Accommodation is provided – a shared house, with a separate bedroom, shared kitchen, bathroom and lounge. Rent £160pcm.

Type of Contract: Fixed Term until October 2026. Full-Time, 40 Hours Per Week.

Interview date of 31/03/26

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Biological monitoring

• Carry out repeat monitoring of specified rare species at known locations on Ben Lawers SSSI (training in identification and method will be given).
• Assist with other monitoring and recording of species and habitats as required.
• Produce written reports on the above.

Working together

• Support a strong health & safety culture by complying with the property’s Safe System of Work to safeguard yourself and colleagues.

DIMENSIONS AND SCOPE OF JOB

People management

• Liaise closely with property staff and other Trust staff as required (eg. Natural Heritage Officer).
• Work with, and occasionally supervise, volunteers.
• Engage with members of the public of all ages and abilities.

Financial Management

• Not a budget holder and will be expected to liaise with the Property Manager (budget holder) prior to incurring any expenses and be mindful of effective management of Trust funds and resources.

Other duties

• Assist with other areas of property work, such as watering the tree nursery, assisting with other maintenance as necessary.

Tools/Equipment

• May be required to use equipment and vehicles subject to appropriate training.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

The above outline the core skills and experience necessary to fulfil the role. In addition, the following is required:

Essential

• An interest in field botany and demonstrable identification skills.
• Competence in hillcraft to be self-reliant working safely on steep ground, at up to 1200m and in varying weather.
• Ability to walk to high altitude and remote parts of the property on a daily basis.
• A current valid driving licence.
• Experience in producing written reports.

Desirable

• Experience of lone working.
• Experience of using GIS.

The Purpose, Context, Key Responsibilities, and Person Specification reflect the requirements of the job at the time of issue. The Trust reserves the right to amend these with appropriate consultation and/or request the post-holder to undertake any activities that it believes to be reasonable within the broad scope of the job or his/her general abilities.