Orkney is famous for its landscape, its history, its culture, and its nature. The Orkney Native Wildlife Project (ONWP) aims to protect Orkney’s unique and globally important wildlife, and the benefits that it provides for local people from an invasive non-native predator: the stoat. Stoats were first reported in Orkney in 2010. They pose a serious threat to the Orkney vole, a species found nowhere else in the world, and many birds including hen harriers, short-eared owls, red-throated divers, waders, and seabirds. This wildlife supports Orkney’s thriving tourism industry, and represents a crucial haven for species which are threatened elsewhere in the UK. It is therefore essential that stoats are removed from Orkney before they do major damage to this unique wildlife. The project works with hundreds of landowners in the local community to undertake the largest stoat eradication of an inhabited area anywhere in the world. We are implementing comprehensive biosecurity measures alongside the eradication, to reduce the risk of reinvasion and secure a long-term and sustainable legacy for the project. We also conduct wildlife monitoring throughout Orkney to understand the impact that stoats are having, and work with schools and the local community to enable and encourage wildlife conservation The project is a partnership between RSPB Scotland, NatureScot and Orkney Islands Council, and is generously funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) and EU LIFE and NatureScot, Nature Restoration Fund (NRF). Our community team are a key function within the project and are required to be flexible and adaptable to an ever-changing project landscape. We are looking for someone who will actively seek out new relationships and inspire confidence in our local communities. What’s the role about This role has the option to be part time or full time depending on the best candidate’s situation and operational needs. We are looking for a person who is passionate for our native wildlife and has a desire to engage with our local community on how they can help protect it. You will be responsible for building relationships with local landowners as well as securing new land access agreements and maintaining historic ones. You will be able to take complex ecological issues and be able to explain them in a way that those without an ecology background can understand. You will be able to inspire our local community, creating confidence in the project as well as yourself as an individual. You will have a good understanding of how small communities work and how important good relationships are in island communities. Key activities will include: Helping to deliver our ambitious community engagement programme. Building relationships with landowners Speaking with local landowners and securing access for the project to complete trapping activities. Working alongside our community engagement manager to ensure that the project has the land access needed with appropriate record kept so that the project can be successful. Building and maintain relationships with the local community including landowners, supporters and volunteers. Deliver talks to local stakeholders and community groups. This job will require weekend and evening work as and when required. This evening and weekend work will be based around the needs of the project and will be focused on community talks and/or arranging appropriate times to speak to landowners who may work during the day. What we need from you Essential skills, knowledge and experience: A good understanding of the project. The ability to demonstrate work-related experience Experience dealing with the public. An understanding of the issues effecting local landowners. Experience in monitoring the effectiveness of your own outputs and responding dynamically. Experience of dealing with potentially controversial issues and reputational risk including delivering talks around these issues. Strong communication skills Desirable skills, knowledge and experience: Experience of working on nature conservation issues. This is a Fixed-Term role for 12 months. 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 10th March 2025. For further information please contact tom.hadleyrspb.org.uk As part of this application process you will be asked to 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/exempt from 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.