Do you want to work in conservation in one of the most spectacular parts of the UK, helping safeguard some of Scotland's rarest species? Species on the Edge is an ambitious conservation project designed to improve the conservation prospects of over 30 species found on Scotland's coasts and islands. This post is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and is a full-time, fixed-term contract until 31st December 2026. What's the role about? Species on the Edge brings together eight environmental organisations, including NatureScot, to deliver an ambitious, consolidated programme of work across Scotland. Working together, we represent leading species conservation organisations with extensive knowledge and experience, who are joining forces to catalyse the action that species need. We aim to empower island and coastal communities to connect with one another, their local wild places and the special wildlife within. As a Project Officer based in the Argyll Islands you will be the delivery arm of the project working with landowners, volunteers, partners and members of the community to conserve a suite of species. This will involve the implementation of the Area Delivery Plan, in collaboration with partners. The role includes promoting the project, leading on people engagement and coordination of all project activities; delivery of a range of management activities to benefit a variety of priority species and includes empowering / enabling communities to take positive actions to secure the future of these species. Activities will range from species monitoring, and habitat management and advisory work to volunteer recruitment and training and the development of interpretation materials and engagement events. The post holder will lead on delivering work for iconic species such as chough, corncrake and Great Yellow bumblebee. This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic, positive and self-motivated project officer to work within our area team, you will ideally have experience of delivering conservation and partnership working. Essential skills, knowledge and experience: Project management skills – including working with project teams and stakeholders; delivering at cost and on time. Demonstrate the ability to work well as part of a cross-functional project team. Proven experience in delivering surveys, habitat management and provision of advice to landowners. An ability to persuade and influence a range of people. Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to find creative solutions. Able to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances. Organising training events, workshops or facilitated discussions and meetings Experience of managing staff and volunteers Demonstrable experience of developing and working in partnerships to achieve shared outcomes Competent IT user (e.g. MS packages, Outlook etc) and experience with GIS Full driving licence which is valid for used in the UK or other means of transport suitable for travel to areas not served by public transport. Desirable skills, knowledge and experience: Good knowledge of Inner Hebridean natural environment & SotE target species - able to lead project &engagement activities in a credible way. Experience of working with contractors, communities and volunteers. Understanding legislation behind protected species and protected sites. Knowledge or experience of land management schemes, esp. AEC Scheme. Experience of producing management plans for nature conservation. Experience of producing written materials, newsletters and project communications. This post is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and is a full-time, fixed-term contract until 31st December 2026. The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term. We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 7th March 2025. For further information please contact andy.robinsonrspb.org.uk As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above. We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application. The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract. Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.