About the role

As part of our Central Scotland Area Team, we are seeking a determined and enthusiastic team player, with a passion for nature to fill the role of Conservation Officer and help us deliver a range of work for priority species and habitats.

In this varied role you will respond to planning and forestry casework, provide advice directly to land managers, coordinate and undertake surveys, and help deliver conservation projects. This role will allow you to develop your skills under guidance from colleagues but a background understanding of the UK planning system, GIS and nature conservation legislation is desirable, as is a knowledge of birds and other wildlife.

This is a fantastic opportunity to play your part in delivering RSPB's work to protect and enhance the area's wildlife and habitats.

What we need from you

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Degree level qualification in a relevant subject or ability to show equivalent work experience
• Good knowledge of the species and habitats of Central Scotland
• Experience of influencing and negotiating with the public or private sector, to deliver biodiversity benefits, through both regulatory and voluntary means, especially planning casework
• Sufficient knowledge of a range of other delivery mechanisms, including agri-environmental schemes, for conservation work in Scotland
• Ability to work effectively as a team player both internally and in external partnerships
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written and presentational) - including an ability to speak confidently and cogently in public to a variety of audiences
• Ability to rapidly analyse significant quantities of information, prioritise and balance a diverse workload often to tight deadlines
• Proficient at using Microsoft Office packages including Outlook, Excel & Word
• Experience of working to survey, protect and/or manage important sites, species, or habitats

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• An understanding of the Scottish planning system
• Competency in use of GIS
• Effective project management skills
• Experience of managing staff or volunteers and setting clear work priorities
• Understanding of the concept of landscape scale conservation and the pressures on land use in the operational area of this role.

The post will be based both at home and RSPB's Glasgow office. You will be required to be able to travel independently to different groups and venues, not always easily accessed with public transport. A driver’s license is strongly recommended, or a suitable alternative.

The Conservation Officers will be part of a friendly, enthusiastic team, with a strong emphasis on working collaboratively and mutual support. There will be lots of opportunities to develop new skills and build on existing areas of expertise.

This is a Permanent, Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week. We are looking to conduct interviews for this position on 9th July 2025. For further information please see the attached 'additional information' document, and for any queries please contact toby.wilson@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.