Nature Reserve Trainee – New to Nature

• Hours: 35 hours
• Contract: Temporary position (ending 16 April 2024)
• Salary: Starting £24,710
• Location: Choice of Highland locations – Beinn Eighe (near Kinlochewe), Creag Meagaidh (near Laggan) or Rum National Nature Reserves. You may be asked to work at more than one site during the placement

Job Summary

This is an exceptional opportunity to be part of a team managing our National Nature Reserves (NNRs) in the Scottish Highlands. NatureScot’s NNRs showcase the best of Scottish nature, landscapes and geology. Our aim is to protect, restore and value nature and our NNRs provide the opportunity for people to experience, enjoy and learn about nature.

For this placement we’re particularly interested in receiving applications from young people (aged 18-25) who are from ethnically diverse backgrounds, who are living with a disability or are from low-income households.

The placement will be at one of three locations in the Scottish Highlands; the most suitable location will be agreed with the successful applicant.  Working within the Central Highland NNR team, on nature conservation and visitor infrastructure you will:

• develop practical skills to support the team to manage the habitat and species on the reserve, such as –
• Wildlife management – assist the NNR teams in practical deer management.
• Depending on the reserve tasks could include tree planting, peatland restoration, working with livestock, management of invasive non-native species.
• Learn how to and participate in species and habitat monitoring & recording, including, recording breeding birds, butterfly monitoring, measuring browsing damage on trees, etc.
• Assist with volunteers including volunteer work parties.
• Assist with practical maintenance and management duties including clearing litter, path work, fencing, repair and maintenance of reserve equipment and infrastructure.
• Assist staff with running reserve events, education and walks programme.
• Have opportunities to experience different NatureScot managed nature reserves during the course of the placement.
• Learn about the work of NatureScot and others in the conservation sector.
• Have the opportunity to complete accredited courses in the skills needed for practical site management.

The role will be a practical role with a significant amount of time outdoors, in all weather conditions, and potentially remote locations.

At the end of the placement, you will have gained the right tools and experience to continue into a paid conservation sector role.

For further information go to https://www.nature.scot/about-snh/working-us

Closing date: Midday, 17 February 2022.