Project Assistant – Saving Slavonian Grebes – (Fixed Term)

We are looking for a dynamic and motivated individual with ecological and engagement experience to fill a 7-month post as a Project Assistant, assisting the Project Manager in the delivery of our development phase project ‘Saving Slavonian Grebes’.

Significant population declines in recent years mean that Slavonian Grebe is now one of our rarest breeding birds in Scotland.The ‘Saving Slavonian Grebe’ development project will aim to identify issues that may be impacting grebes at their breeding lochs and work in collaboration with landowners and key stakeholders to identify conservation solutions that can be implemented in a subsequent delivery phase project.

As Project Assistant you will support all aspects of on the ground delivery throughout the breeding season in line with project objectives. You will be based from the Inverness Office and regularly out doing fieldwork at core breeding lochs around Inverness, some in remote locations.

About The Role

The role will involve working closely with the Project Manager and project volunteers to collect data on habitat condition, predation pressure, fish presence and recreational disturbance on former and existing Slavonian Grebe breeding lochs. The post holder will ideally have a good knowledge of the ecology of Slavonian Grebe and experience of conducting fieldwork in remote upland locations and working alone. Communication skills will be important as the role will include liaising with landowners and undertaking surveys of loch use by recreational users and anglers. Experience of using camera traps would be desirable.

Applicants must be able to regularly travel to remote locations not served by public transport.The fieldwork may involve early morning and late nights

If work from a home base is not possible the post holder will be responsible for finding their own accommodation.

Essential Skills, Knowledge And Experience

• Experience of carrying out ecological monitoring work
• Understanding of good record keeping and ability to record data in the field and collate and maintain databases
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to develop and maintain good relationships with landowners and members of the public
• Comfortable working long days and weekends (including early mornings and late nights) to make use of suitable weather conditions for survey
• Understanding of safe working practices when working outdoors and a willingness to work in all weathers
• Experience supporting and working with volunteer teams
• Proven time management and organisational skills
• Self reliant and well organised, with ability to use own initiative to solve problems arising
• Competent IT User (e.g MS packages, excel) and experience with GIS
• A full driving licence that is valid in the UK or ability to access locations without public transport

Desirable Skills, Knowledge And Experience

• Waterbird ID, survey skills and knowledge of Slavonian grebe ecology
• Experience of camera trapping
• Experience of research with people e.g. face to face engagement, conducting surveys or interviews (desirable)

This post is a full-time 7 month contract for 37.5hrs per week.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position on 6th March 2025. For further information please contact: [email protected]

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.

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.