Wildlife Protection Officer x4

Scottishwildlifetrust; Inchmagrannachan; On-site; GBP 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conservation charity is seeking a Wildlife Protection Officer to work at Loch of the Lowes. This paid role focuses on providing protection to ospreys and other wildlife during the breeding season. Candidates will gain invaluable training and experience in species protection while living in a lochside eco-bothy. Applicants should be passionate about nature conservation and be able to engage with the public effectively. The role requires monitoring wildlife and collaborating with a team of volunteers and staff. Accommodation is provided for the duration of the role.

Benefits

Bothy accommodation

Invaluable training

Qualifications

• An interest and passion in nature conservation.
• Experience of living in shared accommodation.
• Ability to work unsociable hours.

Responsibilities

• Monitoring and recording breeding ospreys’ behaviour.
• Providing protection for resident ospreys during breeding season.
• Engaging with the public during patrols.

Skills

Interest in nature conservation

Good knowledge of natural history

Experience of bird monitoring

Ability to communicate effectively

Conflict resolution experience

Job description

Salary: £24,479 pro rata per annum + Bothy accommodation

Location: Dunkeld - Loch of the Lowes

17.5 hours per week

Closing Date: Friday 30th January – 12 noon

Interviews will take place – W/C 16th February

Scotland’s leading nature conservation charity is looking for enthusiastic individuals to undertake the role of Wildlife Protection Officer (WPO) based at Loch of the Lowes. This paid role includes free accommodation, invaluable training and the opportunity to develop experience in species protection, working with volunteers and public engagement.

Based at Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve, this 8-week role will focus on providing osprey and other wildlife, species protection during the sensitive period of the breeding season. The role will require working closely with the Perthshire Ranger, the Volunteer Nest Protection Team and Visitor Centre staff.

Successful candidates will be housed on-site, in a lochside, wooden eco-bothy for the duration of the role.

Duties include:

• Monitoring and recording breeding ospreys’ behaviour
• Providing protection for the resident ospreys, and other species, including their nest, eggs, and chicks during the critical part of the breeding season
• Engaging with members of the public, both in the hides and on regular patrols around the reserve
• Intervening and taking appropriate action in incidents of disturbance
• Monitoring additional webcams for beaver activity and other wildlife footage
• Working closely with Visitor Centre staff and volunteers
• Managing observational data and producing an end of season summary report

Training and Support:

The candidate will have the fantastic opportunity to gain experience in;

• Use of webcam and security camera software
• Working with volunteers

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• An interest and passion in nature conservation
• Good knowledge of natural history, species ID and surveying skills
• Experience of bird monitoring or species protection work
• Experience of living in shared accommodation with colleagues and willingness to contribute to a positive living environment
• The ability to work unsociable hours
• A reasonable standard of physical fitness and personal resilience to working in cold conditions
• A positive and flexible approach to work and other team members
• The ability to communicate with volunteers, staff and members of the public in an approachable and confident manner
• Experience of conflict resolution
• A high level of self-motivation, personal responsibility and organisational skills
• Understanding of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code
• Driver’s License (highly desirable)

Please note the Wildlife Protection Officer role is dependent on the return of breeding ospreys. Covid-19 precautions will be applied as appropriate, particularly with regards to the bothy accommodation.

To apply, please click the green “apply now” button which will take you to our application pages.

Scottish Wildlife Trust are an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and welcome applications from diverse groups. If you require more information, please contact us