Specialist Ecologist

Argyll & The Isles Coast & Countryside Trust (ACT) are seeking an Ecologist with a
specialism in rainforests and lower plants to lead our exciting and progressive new Rainforest
Restoration Package.

We expect the post holder to identify species from multiple plant & fungi groups, establish
methods of cultivation/translocation and identify suitable donor/recipient sites. Working to
the translocation code and established plant handling/biosecurity protocols is essential.

Hours: Part Time 15 hours per week

Salary: £35,000 p/a pro rata

Contract Term: August 2024-September 2026

Location: Argyll and the Isles. The postholder will be required to travel regularly within this
area. Flexible location for home/office base.

Project Aims

Working with ACT and partners, including NatureScot and the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh,
the project aims to:

• Understand why we observe a multi decade pause in natural regeneration and re-encroachment
  of rainforest biodiversity into sites cleared of Rhododendron ponticum.
• Develop a process that establishes a suite of canopy, understory, herb and ground layer
  species into sites cleared of Rhododendron ponticum.
• Develop a process that establishes species of mycorrhizal fungi found at high quality
  rainforest locations, into sites cleared of Rhododendron ponticum.
• Develop a successional translocation process for locally extinct epiphyte species that
  should be present at sites cleared of Rhododendron ponticum.
• Develop a process that can deliver these components into newly planted, or naturally
  regenerating future rainforest sites.

About ACT

We work in partnership with communities, public agencies, third sector and private
organisations to design and implement projects that make a difference to people and landscapes.
We cover a diverse and exciting range of topics, including conservation, climate change,
education and health and wellbeing that all contribute to achieving our vision of a coastal and
countryside environment that is valued and enjoyed by everyone. 

For further information about this post please contact Ian Dow, ACT Rainforest
Co-ordinator [email protected]

Closing date: 12:00 noon, Tuesday 25th June 2024