Cairngorms Connect Next Generation Officer

Cairngorms Connect is a partnership of neighbouring land managers, committed to a bold and
ambitious 200-year vision to enhance habitats, species and ecological processes across a vast
area within the Cairngorms National Park.

We are looking for a passionate and self-motivated individual to build on an established
programme of youth involvement work; to deliver a programme of activities to connect, inform
and involve local young people with our 200-year vision.

Through this role, you will further develop the Cairngorms Connect Youth Involvement Programme.
Working with staff from across the partnership, you will have the flexibility to work in
different settings and the confidence to develop resources and deliver activities on a range of
ecological restoration topics, inspiring local young people to take an active interest in their
local area. 

You will work closely with staff across the partnership, to deliver a programme of activities
with local schools and youth groups, to build understanding, develop skills and inspire local
rural career paths. You will be proactive in promoting Cairngorms Connect Youth Involvement
opportunities, acting as an ambassador for the partnership and our youth work. You will build
and maintain strong relationships with local schools and youth groups.

Working as part of the wider Communication and Involvement Working Group, you will build wider
understanding and value of the Cairngorms Connect Partnership and bring youth involvement into
other activities community events and partnership communications.

You will use a variety of evaluation methods to continually assess effectiveness, maintain
accurate records and contribute to the Cairngorms Connect Annual Report. As valuable member of
the wider Cairngorms Connect partnership team, you will contribute to overall partnership
priorities, and support a wider programme of community involvement to positively integrate
Cairngorms Connect into the social fabric of local communities. 

You will have a degree of flexibility and autonomy in education content and will deliver on
a variety of habitat restoration topics, from species to more complex topics such as floodplain
restoration, climate change and ecosystem services. You will have the ability to take sometimes
complex information and systems and make them accessible and engaging in a variety of different
learning styles.

This role is flexible in terms of working location, with options for homeworking, hybrid, or
office-based in Aviemore. This role will require regular onsite activities across the
Cairngorms Connect Partnership Area. The ability to access remote locations is essential.
Occasional early morning, weekend and evening working may be required.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience: 

• Energy, enthusiasm, and the proven ability to inspire young people.
• Experience creating, delivering and reporting on a range of activities for children and
  young people.
• Skilled in being able to communicate clearly and confidently with children and young
  people.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and health and safety in relation to working with
  young people.
• Ability to work under own initiative.
• Ability to enthuse and motivate themselves and others.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office systems

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Experience working closely within local communities.
• A strong understanding of accessibility and providing involvement opportunities for a range
  of abilities and backgrounds.
• Basic knowledge of Scottish wildlife, habitats, and key species (sufficient to be able to
  lead public engagement activities in a credible way).
• Experience of developing multi-media educational resources.
• Experience of working in partnerships and building and maintaining positive working
  relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience and knowledge of the Curriculum for Excellence, and creativity in identifying
  opportunities for outdoor learning.
• Gaelic speaker

This is a Fixed-Term Part-Time role for 22.5 hours per week, for 12-months. 

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.

For further information please contact Cairngorms Connect Communications and Involvement
Manager, Sydney Henderson, [email protected].
Interviews to be held on Thursday 2nd May.

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.

This role is funded by the Cairngorms National Park Authority. 

This role will require completion of a DBS in addition to the standard pre-employment
checks.

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 exempt from the
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. 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.