Conservation Officer Edinburgh, Scotland
Job description
Overview: The Water of Leith Conservation Trust is recruiting a Conservation Officer to work along Edinburgh's river delivering a
comprehensive programme of conservation work, river clean ups and path maintenance tasks and to
lead on our habitat improvement and INNS work (Invasive Non Native Species). This is an
exciting opportunity to join our team, in a diverse role, working to improve and protect the
Water of Leith.
We are looking for a suitably qualified, enthusiastic person, with experience of leading
conservation tasks, outdoor learning activities and community engagement events. You will
require strong subject knowledge of rivers and conservation work and a passion for working
outdoors with volunteers and the public. Experience of leading practical tasks with volunteers,
improving habitats, biological surveys and the treatment of INNS are essential. The post is
subject to a Protection of Vulnerable Groups check through Disclosure Scotland.
Salary: £22,000 to £27,500 per annum depending on experience plus pension
contribution
Hours: Working days will be Monday to Friday 9.00 to 4.30 (37.5 hours) with
work one Sunday in three on rotation with other staff (taking the preceding Friday off).
Additional evening and weekend work maybe required for which time off in lieu will be arranged.
Contract: Permanent
Annual leave: 28 days Annual Leave between 1st April and 31st March, inclusive
of four Public/General Holidays (Good Friday, Easter Monday, May Bank Holiday, September Bank
Holiday). Plus the four public holidays at Christmas and New Year.
Location: Water of Leith Visitor Centre, with an emphasis on working outdoors
within the river catchment.
Application procedure: CV plus covering letter detailing how you meet the
personal specifications of the Role Description, emailed to [email protected]
Application deadline: 22nd February
Interview date: 2nd March
MAIN DUTIES:
With the ‘Ranger’ devise and implement a weekly programme of conservation tasks with the
Trust’s Volunteer team including the delivery of clean - ups, river patrols, practical work
days, INNS treatment tasks, volunteer ecological surveys, habitat management and enhancement
projects.
Ensure an effective programme of community conservation action along the river. This will
include working with Corporate Groups, youths, adults with special needs and the public.
Promote to targeted communities and engage new groups in volunteer work days and events*.
Provide opportunities for volunteer activity with the Trust and sustain current involvement.
Work with the staff team to ensure effective recruitment, training and support of volunteers
and raising awareness of volunteer opportunities and the activities of the Trust.
Lead the Survey Team in an annual programme of biological recording and work with university
students and courses to support research projects on the Water of Leith. Use results to inform
and guide our conservation work.
Act as the Trust’s lead on all INNS work. Plan and deliver an annual programme, effective
treatment and accurate recording of target species in the catchment and seek funding to support
the work.
With the Trust Manager engage and develop collaborative relationships with key partners
including; SEPA (Scottish Environmental Protection Agency), Scottish Water, Edinburgh’s
Biodiversity Network, Water of Leith Action Group, CEC Parks and Greenspaces, Landowners’,
Friends of Groups etc.
Maintain the wildlife records database and share with relevant partners (TWIC- The Wildlife
Information Centre, EBAP- Edinburgh Biodiversity Partnership).
When required, respond to and report to the relevant authorities issues relating to water
quality and wildlife protection.
Maintain an excellent working knowledge of water and river legislative frameworks, river
ecology and catchment restoration work.
Work within all Trust policies and procedures, ensuring all Risk Assessments, Health and
Safety, Volunteering Policy and Child and Adult at risk Protection and Safeguarding Policies
are fully implemented and up to date.
Assist with all media promotions and aim to raise awareness of the conservation programme, the
condition of the river and celebrate the efforts of volunteers roles, this includes the
development of online resources, posting to social media and producing content for newsletters
and blogs.
Utilise a recording system to maintain a record of volunteer and group participation, and
regularly monitor and evaluate all programmes provided.
Support the organisation of University / College Student and Youth Work Placements and assist
in their progression to achieving their projects / dissertations and Duke of Edinburgh Award /
John Muir Awards.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
As part of a small staff team you will be required to assist with the operation of the
Visitor Centre including the support of reception volunteers, opening/closing, cashing up,
customer service and refreshment provision when on duty.
Support the Water of Leith Conservation Trust staff team with additional educational
activities including informal education groups, summer events programme, nature clubs, birthday
parties and adult talks*
Support the Trust Manager with fundraising campaigns and grant applications to ensure the
delivery of Trust targets and projects.
- You require a satisfactory PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) check to show you are suitable
