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Rainforest Restoration Trainee - (Fixed Term)
Reference: JAN20256692
Expiry date: 23:59, Mon, 3rd Mar 2025
Location: Morvern
Benefits: Pension, Life Assurance and Annual Leave
This project is supported by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot.
Scotland's lush, verdant rainforests are one of the world's rarest habitats, bursting with biodiversity. However, urgent action is needed to save them.
The Morvern peninsula contains some of Scotland's finest remaining rainforest, and there is immense potential to restore and expand this habitat for the benefit of people and wildlife. Through the RSPB-led Saving Morvern's Rainforest project, we aim to support landowners, land managers, and the local community to realize their vision of a thriving, healthy rainforest.
We are looking for an enthusiastic trainee who is keen to learn about rainforest restoration. You will be part of a close team, helping to remove the invasive shrub, Rhododendron ponticum, which can dominate the woodland and hinder the growth of trees and plants.
The role will be practical and physically demanding at times, involving overnight stays in remote places, including islands off the coast of Morvern.
This traineeship will immerse you in the world of conservation for a whole year, providing the opportunity to develop practical transferable skills, including certifications in off-road 4x4 driving, safe handling and application of herbicides, chainsaw operation, and outdoor first aid.
Integration with the local community is essential for the project’s success, and fostering strong relationships with local landowners, managers, and community members will be key. Additionally, working collaboratively within a close-knit team is crucial to achieving the shared vision of a thriving rainforest.
The ability to drive is essential for this role.
What’s the role about?
The types of activities you will be involved in include:
1. Assisting with practical conservation land management, including cutting and applying herbicide to invasive Rhododendron ponticum.
2. Gaining an understanding of rainforest habitat restoration and the important species that live in the rainforest.
3. Learning to service and maintain machinery, vehicles, and equipment.
4. Following appropriate health & safety compliance.
5. Conducting ecological surveys and collecting data.
The person – who you are
You will have:
Essential criteria
1. An enthusiasm for gaining practical experience in conservation land management.
2. A willingness to learn how to operate and maintain a range of machinery, vehicles, and equipment.
3. Good verbal communication skills for developing relationships with landowners/managers.
4. Ability to be a good team player.
5. Willingness to work outdoors in remote locations and meet the logistical and physical challenges they present.
6. Ability to use initiative to solve day-to-day problems in the field.
7. Good personal time management skills.
8. A valid driving licence or ability to access remote locations without public transport.
9. An interest in and enthusiasm for nature conservation.
10. Ability to manage data and use IT programmes.
This is a one-year Fixed-Term Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week.
We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 10th March 2025. For further information, please contact Ellen.Bird@rspb.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 of 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 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.
The RSPB is a licensed sponsor. 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.
Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.
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