Location
Remote - Scotland

Hours
28 hours per week (flexible working patterns considered)

Salary
£31,093 per annum (pro rata)

About the Role
Are you passionate about the small creatures that run the planet? Buglife is recruiting a Conservation Officer to deliver the Guardians of our Rivers: Next Steps project, focusing on engaging communities and collecting data on river health across Scotland. This project builds on previous success to create a sustainable framework for community groups monitoring freshwater invertebrates and their habitats. You will work collaboratively to undertake essential research and development, building a robust support and training network of Citizen Scientists and trainers across Scotland. Your role will involve partnership working, volunteer recruitment, development and training, sourcing and purchasing equipment and training materials, delivering presentations to groups and stakeholders, coordinating permissions, managing volunteers, public relations, financial management, and teamwork. The position includes outdoor fieldwork activities, often on uneven terrain, near moving water, and carrying field equipment. You will inspire, influence, and support others to conserve invertebrates and their habitats by advising on protection measures and fostering a whole community approach to conservation.

Experience
- Knowledge of a range of aquatic invertebrate groups
- Experience in project management and financial oversight
- Experience raising public awareness of wildlife and environmental issues
- Experience organising events and involving the public in projects
- Experience delivering training to volunteers is preferable

About you
- Demonstrable dedication to protecting the environment and conserving wildlife
- Good knowledge of freshwater ecology and conservation issues
- Understanding of invertebrate and site legislation and survey practice
- Excellent team-working skills with a confident and persuasive manner
- Excellent written communication skills including report writing and producing information resources
- Excellent oral communication skills including delivering presentations and training materials
- Fundraising capability including for projects outside your own area of expertise
- Some botanical knowledge
- Full current driving licence and access to a vehicle
- Willingness to expand knowledge and work in new areas

Qualifications
No specific qualifications are stated, but relevant ecological knowledge and experience are essential.