Species on the Edge Trainee (Fixed-Term)

Do you have a passion for nature and looking to start a career in conservation? We are looking for two enthusiastic trainees who are keen to learn about reserve-based conservation work to join our Species on the Edge Traineeship Programme. You will be part of a small friendly team who are based at RSPB Loch of Strathbeg and in addition look after four other nature reserves in North-East Scotland: Loch Spynie, Troup Head, Fowlsheugh & Meikle Loch.

We recognise that starting a career in conservation is difficult with long-term volunteering to build experience impractical for some and few opportunities available in rural locations. Through Species on the Edge we aim to address this issue by providing paid traineeships in 3 different fields of conservation including wardening. Applicants do not need to show previous work experience in the sector simply a demonstrable desire to start a career in conservation and make your mark on improving biodiversity in Scotland.

What’s the role about?

As a full-time member of staff this traineeship will immerse you in the world of conservation for a whole year. It will give you the opportunity to develop practical transferable skills to help kickstart your career in conservation, including certifications in off road 4×4 driving, sit on ATV, brushcutter and first aid.

These positions are part of an exciting opportunity to give people a paid traineeship to gain nature reserve wardening skills and a springboard to work in nature conservation. As this is an entry level position we would particularly welcome applicants aged 18 to 25.

The Species on the Edge Programme

Species on the Edge is a ground-breaking partnership programme of NatureScot and seven nature conservation charities, all dedicated to improving the fortunes of 37 priority species found along Scotland’s coast and islands. Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we are delivering a four-and-a-half-year programme of work to tackle the impacts of environmental change on wildlife, to benefit both nature and people. The partnership consists of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Bat Conservation Trust, Buglife, Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Butterfly Conservation, NatureScot, Plantlife, and RSPB Scotland.

Essential Skills, Knowledge And Experience

• An enthusiasm to gain practical experience of conservation land management activities
• A keenness to learn how to operate and maintain a range of machinery, vehicles and equipment.
• Willingness to be a good team player.
• Ability and keenness to work outdoors in remote places, and to meet the logistical, and physical challenges these places present.
• Ability to use own initiative to solve day-to-day problems in the field.
• Good personal time management skills.
• Driving licence. Given the remote locations and limited public transport, the ability to drive is essential for this role.

Desirable Skills And Experience

• An interest in and enthusiasm for nature conservation.
• Ability to learn how to keep records/manage data/use IT programmes
• Although Gaelic language is not a prerequisite, it is a desirable skill in support of our commitment to the Species on the Edge Gaelic Language Policy.

What We Offer

As a Species on the Edge trainee our goal is to give you the experience and skills to gain your first paid role in conservation. We will achieve this by installing you as a valued member not only of the Loch of Strathbeg reserve team but also the wider Species on the Edge partnership. Throughout your year you will work with species experts from across the partnership and travel to visit other trainees across the country to ensure you feel part of the trainee programme.

Early on in your traineeship you will be given a project to manage based on one of the 37 species the project is focussed on. This will be your opportunity to take ownership of your own piece of conservation work and after a season of fieldwork, you will present the results of your project to the Species on the Edge team at our annual conference in October 2025.

As a trainee at Loch of Strathbeg you will undertake a varied programme of practical conservation work as part of a well-established close-knit team in one of the most biodiverse areas of the country. As well as a whole host of paid training courses such as first aid and 4×4 driving, the reserve will also offer affordable accommodation if required.

This is a Fixed-Term role (11.5 months) 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 from 20th January 2025. 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 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 are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour, 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.

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