This role will help to ensure that Biodiversity Enhancement delivers bigger, better and more joined up nature restoration. The post holder will work closely with SSEN Transmission and RSPB Scotland teams to find, assess and establish a pipeline of projects for delivery on RSPB Nature Reserves.
Core responsibilities:
- Assessing on-reserve projects against SSEN Transmission’s Biodiversity Enhancement metric and RSPB Scotland’s existing ecological priorities
- Working closely with both organisations to develop suitable Biodiversity Enhancement projects that deliver priority nature conservation objectives, within the requirements of the Scottish planning system.
- Advising both organisations on ecological aspects of potential projects to maximise nature conservation benefit
- Developing Habitat Management Plans and evaluating the expected ecological performance of projects.
- Identifying habitat management revisions through observation and analysis of ongoing management.
Essential:
- Using net gain biodiversity metrics (ideally the SSEN metric) to design tangible habitat restoration projects, and knowledge of their application in a Scottish context.
- Use of UKHab (Phase 1, NVC also desirable) to carry out surveys on a broad range of habitat and species, to a consistent high standard.
- Developing habitat management plans to deliver ecological goals.
- Flexibility and solutions focused – a strong desire and ability to find a way forward when existing approaches aren’t working.
- Collaboration in multi-disciplinary project teams and the skills required to maintain and develop good relations across many stakeholders.
- Time management and prioritisation to meet project deadlines and external partner requirements.
- Record keeping and data management using databases/mapping software such as ArcGIS, QGIS and Merlin, plus standard ecological survey software.
- Written and verbal communication skills to compile metric toolkit assessments, habitat management and restoration plans, monitoring reports, conveying technical information verbally to stakeholders.
- Ability to confidently and safely access and work in remote areas across Scotland. A UK driving licence is essential, as many reserves are not served by public transport.
Desirable:
- Knowledge of Scottish designation, wildlife and environmental legislation and planning policy
- CIEEM membership
- FISC level of 3 and above
This is a 3-year post that can be based anywhere in Scotland and will involve travel across our Scottish reserves.
The RSPB works for a healthy environment for all, and we therefore expect you to take action in accordance with our Environmental Policy and objectives.
Closing: Monday, 23rd March
If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.