Conservation Advisor - Orkney Islands

The Conservation Adviser will be RSPB Scotland's main long-term link to the agricultural community outside of our reserves and will be the go-to person for farmers to approach for advice on bird and other targeted wildlife management. They will work closely with the Orkney Islands team including conservation, reserves, public engagement, and administrative staff. The post will support the current Species on the Edge project and staff who are working with a range of species including arctic and little tern, great yellow bumblebee, and Scottish primrose. Work will be complementary to the Orkney Native Wildlife Project, a multi-million pound multi partner project in which RSPB is the lead partner. Other aspects will include partnership working to develop sustainable circular food economies and nature friendly farm practices. Survey work on birds and habitats to support farm applications to agri-environment/climate schemes, monitoring of projects/biodiversity and providing direct advice to farms will be involved. Also working with and managing volunteers on occasion.

• Excellent communicator with good advocacy skills and accessible manner able to understand and empathise with other points of view.
• Strong bird and other wildlife/habitat survey skills relating to UK uplands and coasts.
• Comfortable with writing management recommendations, report writing and GIS mapping.
• Competent user of core MS programmes including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint and Teams.
• Significant knowledge of upland and island farming systems including agricultural support and regulation schemes.
• Able to work effectively on own initiative
• A full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK is essential
Desirable skills, knowledge, and experience:
• Practical experience with agricultural grant schemes
• Experience of managing contractors carrying out practical measures such as fencing, hydrological excavator works and vegetation cutting/reinstating grazing.
• Knowledge of peatland management, seabirds, and coastal habitats.
This role will involve lone working and fieldwork in remote island locations and will require occasional weekend and evening working.