Project Officer - Species on the Edge - Orkney (Fixed Term)

Job Description

Scotland’s coast and islands are among the most biodiverse areas in the UK and Orkney is no exception. The islands in Orkney are a very special place for wildlife and home to a great variety of species from Scottish primrose and great yellow bumblebee to Arctic tern and curlew. Whilst there is much abundant wildlife here still many of our species are threatened and in decline and we want to act now to safeguard them to ensure Orkney continues to support a wonderful range of wildlife into the future.

What's the role about?

Species on the Edge 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.

The post will lead on the local delivery of the Species on the Edge project in Orkney. This will involve the implementation of the Area Delivery Plan, in collaboration with partners, to ensure the project is delivered according to the timetable and budget.

The role includes promoting the project in addition to coordinating all the project activities. This includes a range of activities to benefit a variety of vulnerable species through empowering and enabling local communities to take positive actions to secure and improve the future of these species. Activities will range from species monitoring and habitat management advisory work to volunteer recruitment and training and the development of interpretation materials.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• The ability to communicate about the project in a passionate and credible manner
• An ability to produce clear written communications
• An ability to persuade and influence a wide range of people, both internally and externally
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to find creative solutions
• Able to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Proven time management and organisational skills
• Attention to detail
• Working with project teams and stakeholders
• Proven experience delivering surveys, habitat management and provision of advice to landowners
• Ability to work well as part of a cross-functional project team
• Organising training events, workshops or facilitated discussions and meetings
• Experience of managing staff and volunteers
• Demonstrable experience of developing and working in partnerships to achieve shared outcomes
• Competent IT user (e.g. MS packages, Outlook etc) and experience with GIS
• Driving licence or other means of transport suitable for travel to areas not served by public transport
• Eligibility to work in the UK.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Experience of working with contractors
• Experience of producing written materials, newsletters and similar project related communications
• Geographical knowledge of location

Qualifications

• Educated to degree or HND level in a biological or environmental science, or equivalent experience

This post is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and is a full-time, fixed-term contract for 4 years. 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 mid January 2023. For further information please contact josephine.wells@rspb.org.uk.

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

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.