Location
Scottish Borders, Dumfries & Galloway and South Ayrshire, South of Scotland

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£27,000 per annum

About the Role
Restoring Upland Nature, a Scottish charity, is seeking to appoint two full-time Project Officers to support the work of 17 volunteer groups dedicated to securing the future of red squirrels in the South of Scotland as part of the new Red Squirrel Recovery Network (RSRN). The RSRN is a collaborative project led by four conservation organisations, supported by leading red squirrel conservation agencies and a network of volunteer-led squirrel groups. It focuses on Northern England and Southern Scotland, specifically the Scottish Borders, Dumfries & Galloway, and South Ayrshire, and is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

This project represents the first coordinated effort across the English-Scottish border to conserve the entire red squirrel population range at a super-landscape scale. The RSRN aims to achieve lasting change within five years to secure the future of this iconic species as part of a natural and functioning ecosystem, supported by a resilient network of volunteers and engaged local communities.

As a Project Officer, you will build and maintain strong relationships with new and existing volunteer groups, engage with woodland owners, stakeholders, and the public to provide guidance on red squirrel conservation and grey squirrel management. You will facilitate partnerships between volunteers, landowners, and managers to increase land access and support income generation for conservation activities, including accessing or establishing agri-environment schemes and agreements.

You will be expected to work autonomously, show initiative, and establish excellent working relationships with colleagues, partners, and volunteers. You will also share lessons learned with other Project Officers, delivery partners in southern Scotland, and the wider RSRN partnership. Applicants must live in the South of Scotland and be prepared to travel. Interviews will be conducted in person.

Experience
- Experience in conservation, community engagement, or project delivery is desirable.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple relationships effectively.

About you
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage with volunteers, landowners, and stakeholders.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
- Commitment to wildlife conservation and community involvement.
- Willingness to travel within the South of Scotland.
- Must reside in the South of Scotland.

Qualifications
- Relevant qualifications in ecology, conservation, environmental science, or related fields are desirable but not essential.
- A full driving licence is likely required due to travel demands.