Rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms (RIC) is a partnership project between RSPB Scotland, Cairngorms National Park Authority, Buglife, Butterfly Conservation, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and NatureScot, committed to improving the fortunes of some of the UK's rarest insects with strongholds within the Cairngorms National Park. 

The project currently works on five species:

<u>https://rare-inverts-rspb.hub.arcgis.com/</u>

This advert is for an additional role to work with the existing project officer to increase the geographical coverage of the project within the Cairngorms and be responsible for day to day delivery. This role is home-based in the Cairngorms with options to work at RSPB and partner offices. The role is funded by the John Swire 1989 Charitable Trust.

What's the role about? 

The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting and organising volunteer surveys of the 5 key insect species across the Cairngorms. This includes:

• Managing volunteers including organising training days and maintaining regular contact.
• Engaging with land managers to protect and enhance habitat.
• Delivering habitat management via contractors and volunteers.
• Working with partners to deliver and monitor Pine Hoverfly and Dark Bordered Beauty moth translocations.
• Working with communications staff from partner organisations to promote project work.
• Entering data and manage databases and data flows.
• Providing updates to project and species steering groups and funders.
• Liaising with RSPB and partner staff across the Cairngorms to deliver shared conservation outcomes. 

Essential skills, knowledge and experience: 

1. Experience of conducting and organising insect surveys
2. Recruiting, training and managing volunteers
3. Providing advice to land managers
4. Managing datasets and use of GIS
5. Report writing
6. Demonstrable experience of working in partnerships to achieve shared outcomes
7. Ability to travel to remote locations not accessible by public transport

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

1. Working with contractors
2. Experience of managing social media accounts for a project/organisation
3. Producing communications for a wide audience eg blogs, videos, sway newsletters, presentations
4. Knowledge of habitats and land management within the Cairngorms

This is a Fixed-Term role until 31st March 2028 for 37.5 hours per week. The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position on 8th and 9th May. For further information please contact claire.smith@rspb.org.uk 

As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

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.

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. 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.

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.