Are you looking to work in some of the most stunning scenery in the UK, whilst also developing your skills and knowledge to progress your career in conservation? An enthusiastic individual, you will relish engaging with visitors and supporting on the development and delivery of a reserves events program to inspire our visitors. RSPB in Shetland operate across a vast area, managing 15 sites across the islands, from upland blanket bog, basin fen mire, to remote uninhabited islands, dramatic seabird cliffs and coastal beaches, all with their own unique species, habitats and management requirements. We have ambitious plans to reverse declines in certain species with habitat restoration and management, as well as maintain and grow populations of some of the UK's rarest avian species. The successful candidate will assist with the delivery of all reserves work across these sites; from monitoring and practically managing for waders, including the rare breeding Red-necked Phalaropes, to surveying vast swathes of peatland, to recording data on breeding birds, and contributing to the writing of reports as our peatland sites are part of an extensive restoration program. Key activities
* Undertaking species and habitat surveys on sites
* Mapping, gathering and storing data and ensuring records are kept correctly.
* Maintenance checks/implementing repairs to infrastructure and machinery
* Habitat management work/overseeing contractors
* Contributing to report writing
* Supervising volunteers
* Leading guided walks
* Events planning
Knowledge and experience of practical habitat and estate management.
* Proven track record of working of completing work alone and working within a varied team.
* Comfortable managing volunteers from a range of backgrounds
* Reasonable birdwatching knowledge and experience of biological surveys
* Be willing to assist with predator control to benefit ground nesting birds
* Full driving licence or ability to access remote locations.
Desirable
* Lantra or equivalent qualification in using equipment such as brushcutter and ait astride ATV (quad).
* Knowledge of servicing and maintaining vehicles, machinery, tools and equipment to agreed standards.
* Experience of staff or volunteer recruitment and line management.
* Implementing and updating health and safety records and assessments.