Wild Strathfillan – Project Manager

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Overview

Do you have the skills and knowledge to successfully manage a suite of nature restoration projects? Does working in partnership with stakeholders to deliver the first phase of a landscape-scale nature recovery network sound like a challenge you could use your talents and experience on? If so, this exciting new role of Project Manager for Wild Strathfillan, the Trust’s flagship nature restoration project in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, could be for you.

Candidates will have a background in nature conservation and a proven track record of project management, partnership working and budget management. A working knowledge of nature restoration and land management principles is required, as has a good knowledge of Scottish wildlife and habitats, including in upland settings.

The post-holder will be responsible for managing a range of nature restoration projects – delivering work to budget, within the required timeframe and achieving the necessary outcomes.

Background

Wild Strathfillan is a landscape-scale nature restoration project located in the north of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The project is led by Loch Lomond and The Trossachs Countryside Trust in partnership with over 30 land managers, community groups, NGOs and statutory bodies. The Strathfillan landscape features a diverse range of important habitats, including temperate rainforest, Caledonian pinewoods, and montane woodland. It also supports an outstanding assemblage of Arctic-alpine flora. The area’s rich biological diversity is recognised through designated sites, including SSSIs, SACs and the Breadalbane Important Plant Area. All of this is set within a patchwork of traditional land uses, including hill farming, sporting, and forestry.

At present, Strathfillan’s habitats are facing pressures such as fragmentation, overgrazing and invasive non-native species, which are threatening their long-term viability. Our initial restoration work will begin to address these pressures through a suite of restoration projects to kickstart nature recovery in the landscape. The Trust has been successful in securing funding from NatureScot’s Nature Restoration Fund, which is enabling this initial delivery phase. We are now seeking a Project Manager to lead on the delivery of key nature restoration projects included in this initial phase of work.

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs Countryside Trust is an environmental and community-based charity. We are a small and friendly team working across the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park to address the biodiversity and climate emergencies and enable more sustainable, healthy, and active communities.

The Trust works closely with the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority, supporting the achievement of its strategic objectives relating to nature, biodiversity and the health and wellbeing of communities. The Trust is now in the process of developing an ambitious portfolio of nature restoration projects, which will play an important part in contributing to the delivery of the National Park Authority’s Future Nature Strategy.

Job purpose

This role will involve managing the planning and delivery of a suite of nature restoration projects, including contractor management and budget management. The post-holder will work in close partnership with local land managers, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority, and a range of public, private, and voluntary sector organisations to deliver this exciting programme of work.

Key responsibilities and tasks

• Plan, coordinate and manage nature restoration projects on time and to budget, for example: native woodland planting, montane scrub restoration, wetland and riparian projects, and habitat management works.
• Appoint and manage contractors assisting with the delivery of the above work, including overseeing the safe and successful delivery of site-based works by contractors.
• Monitor project progress, undertake project evaluation, and provide update reports to key stakeholders and funders as required.
• Manage allocated budgets for multiple nature restoration projects in tandem.
• Support Wild Strathfillan partners to deliver nature restoration projects across a range of habitats.
• Work with local land managers and deer management groups to implement the use of new technologies to enhance collaborative and dynamic approaches to herbivore management across the area.
• Provide support to the specialist plant nurseries, including the development of a second plant nursery. Work with Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority Rangers and volunteers to map target species across the landscape and collect seeds and cuttings.
• Assist with the development of a Scientific Working Group to position Wild Strathfillan at the forefront of learning and research, enabling the development of Strathfillan as a demonstration landscape and a hub for applied ecological research.
• Assist with the delivery of trials and research into new nature restoration techniques.
• Produce communications including press releases and articles for the Trust’s website and e-newsletter, to promote the Wild Strathfillan project and demonstrate the role and importance of landscape-scale nature restoration for climate and biodiversity. Disseminate programme outputs and outcomes via events, workshops, social media, and other platforms.
• Support the wider project team and partnership as required, including the Steering Group and working groups.
• Support undergraduate students undertaking projects or placements with the Trust.

Reporting Arrangements

The post-holder will sit within the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs Countryside Trust’s Nature Restoration team, reporting to the Project Development Manager. The post-holder will also be required to report to members of the Wild Strathfillan Steering Group and key funders as necessary.

Person Specification

Skills – Essential

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; good report writing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, able to develop good working relationships with a wide range of partners.
• Good numeracy skills, able to understand, interpret and present project budget information.
• Excellent organisational skills, including time and workload management. Ability to successfully
• Excellent administrative skills.
• Ability to work on a range of projects in tandem.
• Computer literate, confident using social media, the Microsoft Office package and virtual technologies e.g. WhatsApp, Zoom, Teams.

Skills – Desirable

• Experience of using GIS mapping software.

Knowledge, Qualifications and Experience
– Essential

• Project management experience; proven ability to deliver large and complex nature restoration projects on time and to budget.
• Experience of managing contractors, including on-site supervision of habitat works.
• Experience of managing complex project budgets. Good understanding of grant claims and funder requirements.
• Experience of working with a wide range of stakeholders, including land managers. Sensitive and respectful of the wide-ranging views and interests of stakeholders.
• Experience of project monitoring and evaluation, and reporting on project progress against pre-agreed targets or outcomes.
• Working knowledge of nature conservation and land management principles and practices.
• A good knowledge of Scottish wildlife species and ecological principles.
• Experience of writing reports for funders and other key partners.
• Experience of utilising project management frameworks to deliver capital works.
• Full UK driving license and access to a vehicle.

Knowledge, Qualifications and Experience – Desirable

• A degree or equivalent in a relevant subject area (ecology, wildlife conservation, natural sciences etc.).
• Experience of delivering nature restoration projects in Scotland.
• Experience of working with land managers in Scotland. Knowledge of Highland estates.
• Administration of a large and complex project.
• Experienced in the use of project management systems.
• Experience of producing interpretation and engagement materials such as leaflets, social media content and digital resources.
• Experience of working in a remote rural setting.
• Working knowledge of Health, Safety & Environmental management.
• Procurement experience.

Personal Attributes

• Committed to the purpose and aims of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Countryside Trust and Wild Strathfillan Partnership.
• A strong interest in wildlife and nature restoration.
• Highly organised and efficient, with the ability to work independently and able to manage workload effectively.
• Tactful and sensitive to the needs of individuals and stakeholders.
• Highly motivated and professional with high standards of work.
• Flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of the role.
• Comfortable with lone working in remote, rural locations, which may occasionally be required.

How to Apply

• Application form
• Your completed application form is to be submitted to: [emailprotected] by the closing date. CVs alone will not be accepted without a completed application form.
• If you have any questions about the role or the application process, please contact Marie Harvey (Monday to Friday) email: [emailprotected].

Additional Information:

• Pension: Employer contribution of 7% of salary
• Annual leave: 28 days
• Start date: The successful candidate would ideally be able to start in March or early April 2024.

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