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- Tasks: Lead exciting conservation efforts for rare insects in the stunning Cairngorms.
- Company: Join RSPB and partners dedicated to protecting unique wildlife.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Part-time role with great opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital project that helps protect some of the UK's rarest species.
- Qualifications: Experience in insect surveys and volunteer management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 22700 - 24800 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the ‘Rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms’ project as a Conservation Trainee. This position is hosted by the RSPB.
Hours: Part-time (30 hours/week)
Contract Type: Fixed term (until March 2028)
Salary: £27,123.00 – £28,956.00(pro rata)
Location: Cairngorms
Rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms (RIC) is a partnership project between RSPB Scotland, Cairngorms National Park Authority, Buglife, Butterfly Conservation, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and NatureScot, committed to improving the fortunes of some of the UK’s rarest insects with strongholds within the Cairngorms National Park.
The project currently works on five species:
- Pine Hoverfly (Blera fallax)
- Small Scabious Mining Bee (Andrena marginata)
- Dark Bordered Beauty (Epione vespertaria)
- Aspen Hoverfly (Hammerschmidtia ferruginea)
- Kentish Glory Moth (Endromis versicolora)
We are looking for someone who will work with the two existing part-time project officers and will be responsible for day to day delivery of the project. This role is home-based in the Cairngorms with options to work at RSPB and partner offices. The role is funded by the John Swire 1989 Charitable Trust.
About the Role
The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting and organising volunteer surveys of the 5 key insect species across the Cairngorms with a particular emphasis on Dark Bordered Beauty in Strathspey and Kentish Glory across the project area. This includes:
- Managing volunteers including organising training days and maintaining regular contact.
- Engaging with land managers to protect and enhance habitat.
- Delivering habitat management via contractors and volunteers.
- Working with partners to deliver and monitor Pine Hoverfly and Dark Bordered Beauty moth translocations.
- Working with communications staff from partner organisations to promote project work.
- Entering data and manage databases and data flows.
- Providing updates to project and species steering groups and funders.
- Liaising with RSPB and partner staff across the Cairngorms to deliver shared conservation outcomes.
Essential skills, knowledge and experience:
- Experience of conducting and organising insect surveys
- Recruiting, training and managing volunteers
- Providing advice to land managers
- Managing datasets and use of GIS
- Report writing
- Demonstrable experience of working in partnerships to achieve shared outcomes
Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:
- Moth survey experience
- Working with contractors
- Experience of managing social media accounts for a project/organisation
- Producing communications for a wide audience e.g. blogs, videos, sway newsletters, presentations
- Knowledge of habitats and land management within the Cairngorms
- Experience managing SharePoint sites or similar shared documents
This is a Part-Time role for 30 hours per week for 26 months, until March 2028. We have an anticipated start date for this role of early January 2026.
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 13 November 2025, either online or in person in Grantown-on-Spey. For further information please contact claire.smith@rspb.org.uk
As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.
How to Apply
For more information and to apply, visit the RSPB Recruitment Page.
Closing date: Wednesday 29 October 2025. Interviews are expected to be held from: 13 November 2025.
For further information on the project see Rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms.
Please note that this role is not hosted by Buglife but with a partner organisation on the Rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms project.
Main Image Credit: Dark Bordered Beauty (Epione vespertaria) male Roy Leverton
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Project Officer – Rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms employer: Buglife
Contact Detail:
Buglife Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Officer – Rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the project inside out! Familiarise yourself with the Rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms and its key species. This will not only help you during interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past employees of RSPB or partner organisations. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Think about how your skills match the job description, especially around managing volunteers and conducting surveys. Practice answering common interview questions related to conservation and teamwork.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to the conservation efforts in the Cairngorms.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Officer – Rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights the skills and experiences that match the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Project Officer, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Showcase Your Passion: In your application form, let us know why you’re excited about working on the Rare Invertebrates project. We love candidates who are passionate about conservation and can convey that enthusiasm in their writing.
Be Specific with Examples: When answering the application questions, use specific examples from your past experiences. Whether it’s managing volunteers or conducting surveys, we want to see concrete evidence of your skills in action!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through the RSPB Recruitment Page! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Buglife
✨Know Your Invertebrates
Make sure you brush up on the five key insect species mentioned in the job description. Understanding their habitats, behaviours, and conservation needs will show your genuine interest in the role and the project.
✨Volunteer Management Skills
Since you'll be managing volunteers, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully recruited, trained, or organised teams. Be ready to discuss how you would engage and motivate volunteers for the surveys.
✨Data Management Know-How
Familiarise yourself with data management practices, especially if you have experience with GIS or databases. Be prepared to explain how you’ve used these tools in previous roles to manage datasets effectively.
✨Communication is Key
This role involves liaising with various partners and promoting project work. Think about how you can demonstrate your communication skills, whether through social media, reports, or presentations. Have a few examples ready to share!