Job Purpose Summary

This is an exceptional opportunity to be part of a team which manages our National Nature Reserves (NNRs) in the Scottish Highlands. NatureScot’s National Nature Reserves showcase the best of Scottish nature, landscapes and geology.

This post will be based at Creag Meagaidh NNR covering around 4,000ha of upland hill ground with a range of habitats and terrains, which encourage visitors to experience the best of Scotland’s nature.

We are looking for an enthusiastic person who can work in a team to get tasks done and who is committed to a future career in wildlife management or nature conservation. This post involves practical and often physically demanding outdoor work and so requires a good level of physical fitness and willingness to work outdoors in all conditions all year. Depending on interest there may be opportunities to develop land management skills and training as part of the 6-month role. This will be a varied role supporting the NNR team in all aspects of work, focusing on practical estate work, so would suit an applicant with good practical skills and a willingness to learn.

Post holders will also be expected to occasionally work at other NatureScot National Nature Reserves in the Highland area.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Ensure NNRs are safe and accessible for visitors and report any issues to the NNR manager.
Check and maintain the promoted footpaths on the NNRs.
Assist NNR staff with practical maintenance and management duties including clearing litter, path work, fencing, maintenance of visitor facilities and maintenance of equipment and infrastructure.
Wildlife management – assist the NNR teams in practical deer management through ghillieing, deer extraction and lardering.
Undertake regular practical tasks required for NNR management
Check and maintain visitor facilities including public toilets.
Assist with day to day management of Highland cattle herd.
Speaking to visitors to ensure they have a responsible and quality experience on the NNR.
Engage with campervan users and encourage responsible overnight parking.
To assist staff when required with the NNR events, and education programme.
Habitat and species management – develop skills in practical habitat and species management.
Undertake species and habitat monitoring & recording.
Assist with volunteers including assisting with our residential volunteers.
Follow NatureScot’s Health and Safety procedures when carrying out the above tasks. This will include lone working, risk assessment, H&S reporting and other procedures as directed by the NNR Manager.

Skills (Please refer to these in your Supporting Statement)

Full driving licence or other means of transport
Willingness to work outdoors in all conditions, and to be safe when working alone in remote situations.
Demonstrated people skills and enthusiasm to work both as part of a small team and on your own.
An interest in and a basic understanding of wildlife management, land management or nature conservation.
Be flexible, willing to tackle any task and be able to use your own initiative to complete practical outdoor tasks.

Prerequisites Required

Proof of right to work in UK
To undertake a Disclosure Scotland application.
Although Gaelic language is not a prerequisite it is a desirable skill in support of our commitment to our Gaelic Language Plan

Working with NatureScot – What we offer you

Please visit https://www.nature.scot/about-... for information regarding some great benefits to reward and support you whilst you are working for us.

NatureScot’s Net Zero commitment

Whether working at home or in an office, or travelling to meetings and site visits, as a NatureScot you will contribute to our Net Zero plan, for example through positive carbon travel choices. You will aim to minimise travel in accordance with NatureScot’s low carbon operating procedures. However, you will, in some circumstances, be expected to work with colleagues and stakeholders from across Scotland, which will involve some travel and may involve overnight stays.

Nature is vital to us all, so it's important that NatureScot represents the people of Scotland. The more diverse our workforce is, the more effectively we can connect everyone with nature. We encourage applications from candidates of all ages and genders, people from ethnic minority groups, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community.

Seasonal Nature Reserve Officer - Creag Meagaidh NNR

NatureScot

About NatureScot