At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage communities to protect Scotland's red squirrels through volunteer management and outreach.
- Company: Scotland's leading nature conservation charity dedicated to wildlife protection.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, meaningful work, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for community engagement and conservation impact.
- Why this job: Join us in saving Scotland's wildlife and inspire others to take action.
- Qualifications: Degree in a relevant field and experience in volunteer management required.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 25000 € per year.
Status: Full time (35 hrs/week), Fixed term (until 31st March 2028)
Salary: £25,000 per annum pending review
Location: Blairgowrie Office, Perthshire (working across the Central lowlands and Southern Highlands)
Closing date: 15th June 2026
As Scotland's leading nature conservation charity, we welcome applications from individuals who are looking to join us in our journey of protecting Scotland's wildlife for the future. From major species and landscape restoration projects, to managing our network of wildlife reserves and campaigning for nature, we work for Scotland's wildlife year-round.
The Role:
The Community Outreach Officer will contribute to the protection of the Highland Line (HL), a coast-to-coast control zone which aims to prevent grey squirrels from moving north from Central Scotland into the red strongholds of the Highlands and Grampians. Progressed through a programme of targeted grey squirrel monitoring and control, you'll help support the protection and expansion of red squirrel populations in accordance with the Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels strategy. This role requires an approachable individual with experience recruiting, motivating, training, coordinating and managing community-based volunteers (groups and individuals) to undertake active conservation work.
Key Responsibilities and Duties:
- Working closely with the Monitoring and Control Officers (MCOs)
- Supporting and expanding volunteer networks through volunteer recruitment and onboarding
- Data entry and digital records
- Engaging and building relations with key stakeholders, landowners and local authorities
- Providing community network support and communications, including identifying opportunities to engage difficult-to-reach people and new audiences in the Central Lowlands.
- Recruiting, training and supporting volunteers to carry out fortnightly feeder box monitoring surveys, ensuring they have the equipment and consumables required, and providing practical support and temporary survey cover as needed.
- Manage and coordinate the processing of monitoring samples and resulting data, including the analysis of hair samples to identify and record red squirrel, grey squirrel or pine marten detections and sharing results with volunteers.
- Engaging with and recruiting new landowners/managers to undertake grey squirrel control and monitoring on their land.
- Developing methodologies to ensure sustained engagement and data sharing to support independent controllers across the Highland Line region.
- Engaging and building relations with new and existing stakeholders to support the project.
- Leading strategic events, talks, and other activities to promote active community understanding and participation of red squirrel conservation in Scotland.
The successful candidate will:
- Possess a relevant degree
- Have experience of recruiting, motivating, training, coordinating and managing volunteers
- A good understanding of conservation principles, invasive non-native species management, wildlife practices and legislation
- Experience of working with landowners, gamekeepers, foresters and the public is desirable
- Experience with keeping and maintaining accurate records using Microsoft packages is essential and knowledge of ArcGIS would be useful
- There may occasionally be a requirement to work out of normal working hours
- You must possess a full clean driving licence and have use of a vehicle
Closing date: midnight Monday 15th June
Interview date: Thursday 25th June
Community Outreach Officer - Saving Scotlands Red Squirrels in Blairgowrie employer: Scottish Wildlife Trust
As Scotland's leading nature conservation charity, we offer a fulfilling work environment where passionate individuals can contribute to the protection of our unique wildlife. Our Blairgowrie office fosters a collaborative and supportive culture, providing ample opportunities for professional growth through hands-on conservation projects and community engagement initiatives. Join us in making a meaningful impact on Scotland's natural heritage while enjoying the benefits of a dedicated team and a commitment to employee development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Outreach Officer - Saving Scotlands Red Squirrels in Blairgowrie
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels and their mission. This will help you tailor your conversations during networking or interviews, showing that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend conservation events or community gatherings related to wildlife. Engaging with people in the field can lead to valuable connections and even insider tips on job openings.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Community Outreach Officer role. Highlight your experience with volunteers and conservation principles in a way that resonates with the organisation's goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to the protection of Scotland's wildlife.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Outreach Officer - Saving Scotlands Red Squirrels in Blairgowrie
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Conservation:When writing your application, let your love for wildlife and conservation shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission to protect Scotland's wildlife, especially the red squirrels!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any experience you have in recruiting and managing volunteers or working with community outreach. We’re looking for someone who can motivate others, so share those stories that demonstrate your skills!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit for the Community Outreach Officer role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to make a difference.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Wildlife Trust
✨Know Your Conservation Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of conservation principles and invasive species management. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges facing red squirrels in Scotland, as well as the strategies in place to protect them. This will show your passion for the role and your commitment to the cause.
✨Show Off Your People Skills
As a Community Outreach Officer, you'll be working closely with volunteers and stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully recruited, trained, or motivated volunteers in the past. Highlight your ability to engage with diverse groups and build relationships, as this is key to the role.
✨Get Familiar with Data Management
Since you'll be handling data entry and monitoring samples, it’s crucial to demonstrate your proficiency with Microsoft packages. If you have experience with ArcGIS, mention it! Be ready to discuss how you’ve maintained accurate records in previous roles.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about the organisation's current projects or future plans for red squirrel conservation. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your values and career goals.
