Conservation Project Officer (Saving Wildcats, Release Site)

The role

You will be working to recover Scotland’s Wildcats by joining the Saving Wildcats project
under direction of the Field Manager (In-situ) working in collaboration with other project
staff / stakeholders and project partners. Your role will be to deliver targeted work at the
wildcat release site, or other relevant locations, that supports threat mitigation, field
surveys, population monitoring, and public engagement whilst working to international best
practice guidance and relevant national legislation. All in support of RZSS’s Vision and
Mission.

This is a 12 month fixed term contract.

Some of the things you’ll do:

• Working with other members of the in-situ team to undertake operational delivery of
  field-based actions.
• Contribute to project communications including interviews and social media etc.
• Plan specific aspects of field work and contribute to relevant risk assessments.
• Collect and managing scientific monitoring data with high level of accuracy and attention
  to detail.
• Be responsible for maintenance of field equipment.
• When necessary or as requested by line manager, represent the project at external
  meetings and communicate regularly with the public, a range of stakeholders and other relevant
  organisations.
• Input into the wider running and development of the project

What we’re looking for: 

• Qualified to degree-level or equivalent experience in ecology, biology or environment
  related discipline.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of species translocations and conservation issues
  involved in species recovery
• Data handling and analysis skills, for example including camera-trap data and the use of
  GIS or R statistical package.
• Full clean driving licence.
• Physically fit and able to work independently. Experience conducting field work in remote
  locations and under challenging conditions.
• Ability to engage directly with the local community and key stakeholder groups, including
  face-to-face communication and public speaking skills.
• Good team work skills

What you’ll get in return:

• 37.5hr working week (5 out of 7 days)
• 34 days annual leave (pro rata)
• Access to a healthcare plan
• Employer contributory pension scheme
• You will receive a staff membership which will give you (and family/friends) free (and
  discounted) entry to both the Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo as well as a number of
  other Zoo’s across the UK.

Shortlisting of applications and interviews for this position will take place while the advert
is live; the advert will close once a successful candidate has been found. Interested
candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications as quickly as possible.

We offer a range of great benefits which you can read about here.