Seasonal Nature Reserve Officer – North Highland

Post holders will also be expected to occasionally work at other NatureScot National Nature
Reserves in the Highland area.

We are looking for friendly and enthusiastic people who can work in a team to get tasks done
and are committed to a future career in nature conservation. This post involves practical and
often physically demanding outdoor work and so requires a good level of physical fitness and
willingness to work outdoors in all conditions all year. 

This post will primarily cover two NNRs; Knockan Crag NNR and Loch Fleet NNR, which creates a
huge variety of species, habitats and interest. Knockan Crag showcases 3 billion years of
geological history and holds the key to an amazing story of colliding continents and scientific
intrigue. Set in the spectacular landscape of North-west Sutherland this is a popular tourist
and motorhome stopping point. Loch Fleet packs in a huge diversity of habitats creating a home
for a wide range of species, many of which are nationally rare. 

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Ensure NNRs are safe and accessible for visitors and report any issues to the NNR manager. 
• Speaking to visitors to ensure they have a responsible and quality experience on the NNR
  and encourage compliance with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code recommending a ‘leave no trace’
  ethic.
• Engage with campervan users and encourage responsible overnight parking. 
• Assist NNR staff with practical maintenance and management duties including clearing
  litter, path work, fencing, INNS removal, maintenance of visitor facilities and maintenance of
  reserve equipment and infrastructure. 
• Check and maintain the promoted footpaths on the NNRs.
• Check and maintain visitor facilities at Knockan Crag including the rock room and public
  toilets. 
• Scrub control on protected dune habitats & non-native tree removal (hand tools)
• To assist staff when required with the NNR events, education and walks programme.
• Habitat and species management – develop skills in practical habitat and species
  management. 
• Undertake species and habitat monitoring & recording.
• Assist with volunteers. 
• Keep local information up to date in discussion with NNR manager, through signage, notice
  boards or through social media.
• Occasional work assisting Beinn Eighe NNR, and other satellite sites in Caithness &
  Sutherland when required.
• Follow NatureScot’s Health and Safety procedures when carrying out the above tasks. This
  will include lone working, risk assessment, H&S reporting and other procedures as directed
  by the NNR Manager.

Skills (Please refer to these in your Supporting Statement)

• Full driving licence or other means of transport
• Willingness to work outdoors in all conditions, and to be safe when working alone in remote
  situations.
• Good understanding of access responsibilities in the Highlands, and the Scottish Outdoor
  Access Code.
• Demonstrated people skills and enthusiasm to work both as part of a small team and on your
  own.
• An interest in and a basic understanding of habitats & species in Scotland and their
  associated management.
• Be flexible, willing to tackle any task and be able to use your own initiative to complete
  practical outdoor tasks.

Prerequisites Required

• Proof of right to work in UK
• To undertake a Disclosure Scotland application.
• Although Gaelic language is not a prerequisite it is a desirable skill in support of our
  commitment to our Gaelic Language Plan

Working with NatureScot – What we offer you

Please visit
https://www.nature.scot/about-… for
information regarding some great benefits to reward and support you whilst you are working for
us.

NatureScot’s Net Zero commitment

Whether working at home or in an office, or travelling to meetings and site visits, as a
NatureScot you will contribute to our Net Zero plan, for example through positive carbon travel
choices. You will aim to minimise travel in accordance with NatureScot’s low carbon operating
procedures. However, you will, in some circumstances, be expected to work with colleagues and
stakeholders from across Scotland, which will involve some travel and may involve overnight
stays. 

Nature is vital to us all, so it’s important that NatureScot represents the people of Scotland.
The more diverse our workforce is, the more effectively we can connect everyone with nature. We
encourage applications from candidates of all ages and genders, people from ethnic minority
groups, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community. 

Job title: 1016-443 Seasonal Nature Reserve Officer – North Highland Grade: B
Vacancy type: fixed term for 6 months Hours: 35 Salary £27,940 Location: North Highland
(inc Loch Fleet NNR and Knockan Crag NNR)  Closing date: 30 March 2025 (midnight) Internal Interview date: 11 April 2025
External interview date: 22 April 2025

Job Purpose Summary

This is an exceptional opportunity to be part of a team which manages our National Nature
Reserves (NNRs) in the Scottish Highlands. 

NatureScot’s National Nature Reserves showcase the best of Scottish nature, landscapes and
geology. Our aim is to protect, restore and value nature and our NNRs provide the opportunity
for people to experience, enjoy and learn about nature. This position will play an important
role in ensuring our NNRs are safe, offer a quality visitor experience, and help to deliver our
management plan objectives for a nature rich future.