Project Manager - Uist Native Wildlife Project (Fixed-Term)

Job Description

RSPB Scotland and NatureScot are looking for a Project Manager to help us build a Partnership and funding bids for the Uist Native Wildlife Project. This project focusses on the live-capture and long-distance translocation of introduced hedgehogs from the Uists to the mainland of Scotland and potentially beyond.

With the potential to safeguard the internationally important breeding wader and tern populations across the Uists, this is an exciting and varied role that presents a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference for nature!

To make a success of this opportunity, you will be a capable project manager with the ability to work well with a broad range of people, within the RSPB, NatureScot and beyond.

What's the role about?

Hedgehogs were introduced to the Uists in 1974. They have become established across all the islands and by 1996, hedgehog predation of wader nests had become a significant conservation issue for the Special Protection Areas on the islands and wader numbers were predicted to decline dramatically as a result.

In 2017, following many years of low-level hedgehog removal work in North Uist, NatureScot and RSPB Scotland agreed to work together to develop a project that would explore the feasibility of the removal of hedgehogs across the whole of the Uists through live-capture and long-distance translocation. In 2022 two feasibility studies were published, following now established international best practice standard, one on live trapping and one on translocation.

The trapping study proposes that the most effective way forward is to focus efforts on the hedgehog population on Benbecula (81 km2), developing and evaluating methods with the twin aims of a) removing hedgehogs entirely from Benbecula and b) fully assessing the feasibility of eradicating hedgehogs from and/ or long-term control of hedgehogs on South Uist (315km2). The translocation study recommends Dumfries & Galloway and South Ayrshire as primary release sites and outlines further surveys and consultation that would be required prior to any releases.

The Benbecula phase would likely last four years and cost around £4-5 million.

The successful candidate for this role will:

• Assist in the building of a formal Partnership, Technical Advisory Group and Governance structure for delivery, including NatureScot, RSPB, hedgehog societies, animal welfare organisations, local community reps and relevant public engagement reps.
• Build relationships with local communities
• Run stakeholder workshops to gather opinion and create consensus
• Co-ordinate the writing of operational plans for both live trapping and translocation
• Establish data management requirements
• Work with hedgehog experts to establish clear protocols for releases
• Develop future funding applications

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Effective project management skills
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of Partners
• Experience of raising funds from external sources for projects
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written and presentational)

Desirable experience:

• Experience of project development

This is a fixed term contract for 12 months, at 37.5 hours per week. We are looking to conduct interviews for this position online on Tuesday 1st November 2022. For further information please contact Kenna Chisholm, Area Manager, kenna.chisholm@rspb.org.uk or 07845 248410.

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 RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to making our organisation diverse and inclusive, and as such are keen to encourage applications from people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, as well as those with disabilities.

This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.