Part-time Species and Habitats Assistant Officer

Are you interested in making a significant contribution to the conservation of nature in the north-east of Scotland? We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual to work as part of a team delivering for species and habitats in the Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray area.

This is an opportunity to assist the North East Scotland Conservation Team to deliver bespoke tasks and project work which will help achieve our species and habitat conservation objectives consistent with the wider RSPB strategy. The north-east of Scotland has a stunning variety of species and habitats including farmland, peatlands, coastal areas and associated species such as Corn bunting, farmland waders, seabirds and even Common Cranes.

We\’re looking for someone who has a curiosity about the natural world and conservation as well as detail-oriented, flexible, and solutions-focused.

Role Responsibilities:

• Monitoring and collating information on external developments and land use within key areas to inform planning casework responses and other consent/licensing applications, as well as relevant policy and strategy consultations, working closely with colleagues from Scottish Headquarters.
• Data management using RSPB\’s bespoke Geographic Information System (GIS) software and the organisation of files associated with projects and casework.
• Assisting in the development and delivery of a small number of individual projects, following an agreed programme, to deliver RSPB priority species and/or habitat conservation action.
• Management and development of volunteers, assisting in the recruitment of volunteers, to ensure the RSPB has the knowledge and skills required to deliver RSPB species and/or habitat conservation action.
• Contributing to the production of technical publications, to ensure the quality and profile of our conservation work.
• Looking for opportunities to promote and celebrate the work and projects in the Area through newsletter articles, social media etc.
• Responding to wildlife queries from the public, supporters and members.
• Supporting the work of the Community Engagement Officer to ensure the delivery of an ambitious work programme to engage communities with priority species and habitats.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• At least 5 GCSE\’s or National\’s or equivalent including Maths and English.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to be able to write technical reports and liaise on complex issues with senior colleagues.
• Competent IT user (e.g. MS packages, Outlook etc).
• Able to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences whether by phone, email or in person.
• Able to make the best use of time particularly when under pressure from competing priorities, prioritising and delegating tasks effectively, during periods of both low and high demand.
• Able to deal with confidential and sensitive information appropriately.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Knowledge and interest of natural history enabling identification of priority species and habitats and understanding of their ecological needs.
• Knowledge of practical conservation delivery in order to advise others on relevant species and habitat conservation actions.
• Experience in data entry and the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Experience of project delivery.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Management of volunteers.
• A full driving licence valid for use in the UK.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature\’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship – the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

The RSPB is a charity for the conservation of birds and nature. We bring people together who love birds and other wildlife, and who want to take action to restore the health and diversity of the natural world. We carry out conservation on a large scale, protect and restore habitats, and save species from extinction. We\’re living in a nature and climate emergency, and we won\’t stop whilst the threats persist.

This is a Permanent Part-Time role for 15 hours per week. The successful candidate is required to live within the North East Scotland area (Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray).