You will be a great communicator and will be working closely with farmers, crofters and communities across the Orkney Islands. The Conservation Adviser will develop and deliver advice and projects working alongside them to benefit the rich wildlife found there, working as part of the Scottish Advisory team as well as closely with the other Orkney based staff and projects. Management for breeding waders such as Curlew, Redshank and Lapwing has already proved to be very successful on Orkney through our advisor work in recent years. Partnership working with Orkney Islands Council, NatureScot and agricultural support organisations will be a key element of delivery and you will have a good understanding of support mechanisms and grant schemes. Inter-island travel and occasional overnight stays on some of remoter islands will be required. What's the role about? The Conservation Adviser will be RSPB Scotland's main long-term link to the agricultural community outside of our reserves and will be the go-to person for farmers to approach for advice on bird and other targeted wildlife management. They will work closely with the Orkney Islands team including conservation, reserves, public engagement, and administrative staff.The post will support the current Species on the Edge project and staff who are working with a range of species including arctic and little tern, great yellow bumblebee, and Scottish primrose. Work will be complementary to the Orkney Native Wildlife Project, a multi-million pound multi partner project in which RSPB is the lead partner.Other aspects will include partnership working to develop sustainable circular food economies and nature friendly farm practices. Survey work on birds and habitats to support farm applications to agri-environment/climate schemes, monitoring of projects/biodiversity and providing direct advice to farms will be involved. Also working with and managing volunteers on occasion.Essential skills, knowledge, and experience: Excellent communicator with good advocacy skills and accessible manner able to understand and empathise with other points of view. Strong bird and other wildlife/habitat survey skills relating to UK uplands and coasts. Comfortable with writing management recommendations, report writing and GIS mapping. Competent user of core MS programmes including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint and Teams. Significant knowledge of upland and island farming systems including agricultural support and regulation schemes. Able to work effectively on own initiative when required. Experience of working as part of a team. A full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK is essential as the role will involve driving on RSPB business. Desirable skills, knowledge, and experience: Practical experience with agricultural grant schemes Experience of managing contractors carrying out practical measures such as fencing, hydrological excavator works and vegetation cutting/reinstating grazing. Knowledge of peatland management, seabirds, and coastal habitats. Flexibility to work from office or home. This is a Permanent role for 37.5 hours per week. This role will involve lone working and fieldwork in remote island locations and will require occasional weekend and evening working. We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 4th December 2024. For further information please contact Norrie.Russellrspb.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.