Project Manager

Can you drive forward our ambition for the recovery of Black Grouse across its range in southern Scotland?

We are looking for someone to lead on the development phase for the conservation and recovery of the Black Grouse population in Southern Scotland. Black Grouse is in significant decline in the region, with less than 200 lekking males recorded since 2022 in Southern Scotland. This decline is unsustainable if we are to conserve the population and halt its extinction.

The success of this work will rely on the identification of conservation action at both a site level and landscape scale in relation to wider upland species and habitats across the southern uplands.

About the work

Project development outputs will identify conservation action for project delivery based on an extensive desk-based study of habitat within Conservation Target Areas, Landowner and Stakeholder engagement, habitat assessment and recommendations for habitat management alongside investigation into funding sources to enable a delivery phase.

The Project Manager will work as part of the Area team and colleagues within our Data Unit, Conservation Science, Reserves and Fundraising teams. This role will also involve liaison with Volunteers, Contractors, Landowners and Stakeholders in support of development phase activities and in the identification and promotion of future project delivery.

You will be responsible for:

• The interpretation of the results of GIS desk-based analysis on habitat availability 
• Appointment of and liaison with Contractors on development phase outputs.
• Engagement with Stakeholders, Landowners and farmers on project development activities and the identification of additional stakeholders who will have a role in project delivery.
• The implementation and trialling of a rapid habitat assessment survey at key sites to inform habitat availability within Conservation Target Areas and to shape project delivery.
• Identification of funding to secure future project delivery for the conservation of Black Grouse.
• Reporting on project outputs and making claims in line NRF funding requirements.
• An assessment of predator control measures within Conservation Target Areas in relation to ground nesting birds and the identification of other land use opportunities or constraints. 

Essential skills, knowledge and experience

• University Degree qualification in Ecology or related subject or equivalent experience
• Knowledge of habitat and species conservation (uplands, forestry, farmland; ornithological species including black grouse, breeding waders, raptors and ground nesting passerines and wider taxa associated with these habitats including invertebrates and fungi)
• Project Management and Budget management skills and experience
• Competent IT user including experience of using ARC Pro or similar and excellent data analysis skills
• Excellent communication skills and proven ability to develop collaborative working relationships between stakeholder/landowners in support of project objectives.
• The ability to travel within the area of operation (driving licence) including remote access/terrain
• The ability to make rapid assessment of information and data outputs to inform project delivery including the prioritisation and implementation of agreed conservation targets
• Experience of carrying out habitat and species surveys in the field
• Experience in Landowner liaison and advocacy
• Experience in Management Plan production and Report writing  

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience

• Experience of landowner/farmer advocacy in support of upland/farmland conservation including the implementation of agri-environment schemes and other funding packages (Forestry Grant Scheme)
• Specialist knowledge in upland habitats including habitat assessment methodologies (Phase 1, NVC)
• Experience in black grouse lek survey work
• Experience in delivering and securing contractors including meeting procurement, health and Safety and legislative requirements
• Experience in grant funding applications 

This role will be based in Dumfries & Galloway working from home with occasional use of office space at our Mersehead Reserve.
Work will include travel within southern Scotland and may involve overnight stays away from home.

This project is supported by the Nature Restoration Fund, Managed by NatureScot.

This is a full-time role for 37.5 hours per week until March 2026. 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 will be conducting interviews for this position on the 24th July 2025 at the RSPB Mersehead Reserve Office. We will also offer the option for interview via Teams online.

For further information please contact: [email protected]

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete an application form with 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.

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.