Conservation Officer (part time – 4 days per week) Join our team and help improve and protect the Water of Leith, Edinburgh’s river. This exciting role involves delivering a comprehensive conservation programme, with a focus on habitat improvement and managing Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS). About the Role You will lead conservation tasks, habitat improvement projects, and biological surveys while engaging with volunteers and the public to enhance Edinburgh’s natural environment. About You We are looking for someone who is: Qualified and enthusiastic, with a strong knowledge of rivers and conservation work. Experienced in leading conservation tasks, biological surveys, and GIS. Passionate about working outdoors with volunteers and the public. Skilled in habitat improvement and INNS treatment. HOURS: Part-time 28 hours per week, generally Monday to Thursday, working one Saturday every four weeks (taking the preceding Thursday or following Monday off) as part of the staffing weekend rota, plus occasional evening work for which TOIL can be claimed. CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent following 6 month probation START DATE: Flexible but 1st April 2025 at the latest LOCATION: Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1TQ JOB SUMMARY: To ensure the delivery and development of comprehensive programme of conservation work along Water of Leith, working to improve water quality and appearance, river morphology and the health of habitats. To take a lead on our annual programme of survey work, habitat improvement and Invasive Non Native Species management (INNS), working to protect the river’s natural heritage, ensuring the blue-green spaces and nature networks are resilient to change. MAIN DUTIES: Safeguard protected species and their habitats through cycles of surveying and monitoring: Lead the Trust’s volunteer survey teams in a regular programme of biological recording. Maintain good quality and relevant wildlife records and use to monitor the health and diversity of species across the catchment, reporting to The Wildlife Information Centre annually. Develop suitable GIS systems to support records and recording. Analyse data collected during survey recording seasons / cycles and use to inform management practices and restoration work on the river. Work with partners and university students and courses to support research projects on the Water of Leith. Act as the Trust’s lead on all INNS work. Plan and deliver an annual programme, effective treatment and accurate recording of target species in the catchment and seek funding to support the work. With the Conservation Team devise and implement a weekly programme of conservation tasks with the Trust’s Volunteer team including the delivery of clean - ups, river patrols, practical workdays, INNS treatment tasks, volunteer ecological surveys, habitat management and enhancement projects. With the Chief Executive engage and develop collaborative relationships and projects with key partners including; SEPA (Scottish Environmental Protection Agency), Scottish Water, Edinburgh’s Biodiversity Network, Water of Leith Action Group, CEC Parks and Greenspaces, Landowners’, Friends of Groups etc Assist in the development and delivery of the ambitious and innovative projects set out in our 2024-9 Strategy, leading on work in the PROTECT action plan. WOLCT 2024-29 Strategy.pdf Maintain an excellent working knowledge of water and river legislative frameworks, river ecology and catchment restoration work. Work within all Trust policies and procedures, ensuring all Risk Assessments, Health and Safety, Operating Procedures and Volunteering and Safeguarding Policies are fully implemented. Assist with all media promotions and aim to raise awareness of the conservation programme, the condition of the river and celebrate the efforts of volunteer’s roles, this includes the development of online resources, posting to social media and producing content for newsletters and blogs. OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES Work with the staff team to ensure effective recruitment, training and support of volunteers and raising awareness of volunteer opportunities and the activities of the Trust – with a focus on the survey team. When required, respond to and report to the relevant authorities’ issues relating to water quality and wildlife protection. Utilise a recording system to maintain a record of volunteer and group participation. As part of a small staff team, you will occasionally need to assist with the operation of the Visitor Centre, including the support of reception volunteers, opening/closing, cashing up, customer service and refreshment provision. With the Ranger ensure an effective programme of community conservation action along the river. This will include working with Corporate Groups, youths, adults with special needs and the public. You require a satisfactory PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) check to show you are suitable for this type of work.