Trust Manager

The River Dee Trust conservation charity is looking for an exceptional Manager to take our award-winning work to the next level. We are seeking to recruit a self-motivated leader who will help our ambitious staff deliver on the ground and build further support for our inspirational projects. This is a rare opportunity to help save species at risk of extinction, restore biodiversity, and support our communities.

We are seeking someone with a track record in innovation and partnership working, holding a minimum of a degree or equivalent in a biological, environmental or countryside management field, or substantive knowledge learned through a relevant career, and an understanding of river management and catchment issues and river restoration techniques.

Background

The River Dee in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is internationally recognised as a Special Area of Conservation. The River Dee Trust conservation charity is, with partners, delivering a very ambitious programme of nature restoration and conservation. Its work is helping save iconic species such as Atlantic salmon from the risk of extinction. It offers the opportunity for individuals and companies to invest in the future of a world-renowned ecosystem and the communities who treasure it.

The Trust’s award-winning nature restoration is being developed into a landscape scale response to the clear threats to biodiversity. It is ahead of schedule for planting its initial target of a million native trees on riverbanks. It is developing projects to minimise harm to wildlife from floods and droughts, and it is removing invasive non-native species that are one of the greatest threats to biodiversity.

The Trust provides scientific services for the fisheries, conservation, and education to the wider community of the Dee catchment. Together with its close partner the Dee District Salmon Fishery Board, these organisations have an established track record in innovative conservation and restoration programmes. The Trust is now seeking a Trust Manager who will help lead our ambitious staff to deliver conservation, community and fundraising actions, and build further support for our inspirational projects. This is a stimulating role to help save species at risk of extinction, restore biodiversity, and support our communities.

Purpose

To drive and manage delivery of the Trust’s ambitious restoration projects to improve the River Dee catchment and its education and engagement programmes with schools, communities and the public.

The key duties are to –

1. Ensure delivery of existing and new environmental projects to protect biodiversity and build catchment resilience.
2. Engage key stakeholders, funders and community groups in the work projects and programmes and build support for further work.
3. Support understanding of the importance of the River Dee and the challenges it faces by communities, businesses and the public.

Core Responsibilities

Team Management

The post holder will lead and support the team in their efforts to deliver its conservation, restoration, education and fundraising activities. The Trust expects to build its team and its delivery in the future.

• Oversee the delivery of invasive species control projects by staff and prepare for longer term management of the pressures.
• Oversee the delivery of the education programme for young people, communities and corporate groups by staff and ensure suitable resourcing and support.
• Oversee and support the development and implementation of fundraising approaches.
• Line-manage existing staff, including the Education & Outreach Officer, Invasive Species Officer and Engagement Officer.
• Support the wider team as necessary, such as assistance with field surveys, events, fundraising and communications.

Project Delivery

The post holder will undertake project management and oversee the delivery of projects and campaigns by staff.

• Contribute to project development, including funding applications.
• Deliver restoration at a sub-catchment scale, supported by the River Dee team.
• Work with stakeholders, including local communities, public bodies and Local Authorities.
• Oversee work of contractors.
• Be responsible for project reporting to funders, stakeholders and the wider public.

Engagement & Support

The Trust has a very successful education and outreach programme with schools and community groups. It also has the support of many volunteers and runs a variety of activities for public, youth and corporate groups. It has a substantial communications output, in press, at events and digitally.

• Oversee the continuing development of volunteering opportunities and ensure it is suitably resourced.
• Oversee the continued strategic development of funders of the Trust.
• Ensure relationships with existing funders and opportunities for engagement is well resourced.
• Contribute to raising the profile of the Trust, providing strategic and practical support for communications and undertaking public speaking.
• Work with the River Director, to drive, set and review delivery of short, medium and longterm Trust communications and promotion activities across all areas of staff responsibility.
• Act as an ambassador for the Trust and its partners.

Other

• Ensure that all work is carried out safely and be responsible for the health and safety of work of the team.
• Ensure that equipment is maintained and correctly specified for the tasks at hand.
• Implement all related administration.
• Contribute to financial reporting and budgeting for the Trust.
• Undertake any additional and appropriate functions as required.

Skills and Background

What we are looking for:

• A self-starter with a track record in innovation and partnership working.
• Hold a minimum of a degree or equivalent in a biological, environmental or countryside management field, OR substantive knowledge learned through a relevant career.
• Understanding of river management and catchment issues and river restoration techniques.
• Experienced in inspiring and managing staff, including those working outdoors.
• Experienced in effective conflict resolution.
• Demonstrated project management experience and skills.
• Experience of working with and managing volunteers.
• Have a sound appreciation for scientific data and understand the importance of robust data collection and management.
• Experience of contract and contractor management.
• Evidence of achieving funding.
• Working knowledge of Health & Safety at work including risk assessments.
• Experience in fieldwork.
• Effective communication, including public speaking.
• Competency in Microsoft Office packages.
• A full driving licence.

Ideally, the candidate will also:

• Have electrofishing experience, but training can be provided.
• Be familiar with charity workings and regulations.