Northwoods Rewilding Support Officer

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE 

SBP’s Northwoods Rewilding Network launched in April 2021 and has grown into a diverse community of more than 90 small and medium-sized landholdings across Scotland, representing 30,000 acres committed to nature recovery. Its partners share a vision for an ecologically-restored landscape, where habitats are better connected and species can recover, expand and disperse. 

The Northwoods Rewilding Support Officer (NRSO) provides the day-to-day support and structure that underpin the network, enabling it to operate efficiently and effectively while continuing to grow in size and impact. The NRSO also plays a key role in planning and delivering events and communications to help Northwoods partners feel part of an active and supported community, learning from and inspiring one another. 

With our current NRSO about to embark on a period of maternity leave, this advert is for maternity cover to ensure continuity of support for the network. The contract is for a fixed term, ending upon the return of the permanent employee or, at the latest, 12 months from the start date.

KEY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Manage, track and organise the information that underpins the network, including partner agreements, rewilding plans, webpage records for partners, spending against budget, etc.
• Manage and further develop any processes required for efficient and effective network administration, in conjunction with the wider Northwoods team.
• Work with the Northwoods Rewilding Network Lead to plan and deliver regular partner communications, including informal updates, newsletters, etc.
• Support the planning and delivery of network meetings and events, including preparation of materials, booking and logistical arrangements, etc.
• Support the Northwoods Rewilding Officer in delivering rewilding actions, including funding applications, contractor liaisons, permissions and planning.
• Work with the wider SBP team to maintain records of information needed for Northwoods impact reporting to funders, including communications outputs, media coverage, etc.
• General support as required to ensure the network functions smoothly to deliver its objectives. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Education to degree level, ideally in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional qualification.
• Training/qualification and/or experience in project management/administration.
• Previous involvement in nature recovery projects, preferably within Scotland.
• Understanding of the social and cultural context of land use and rewilding in Scotland.
• Experience of working independently/remotely. 

KEY SKILLS/ATTRIBUTES

• Passion for and knowledge of rewilding and ecosystem restoration in Scotland.
• Ability to attend site visits, meetings and events across Scotland, where required.
• Excellent organisational, time management and prioritisation skills, with the flexibility to respond to changing needs in a dynamic working environment.
• Ability to communicate confidently with a wide range of people and build positive relationships with colleagues, partners, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Excellent writing skills, with the ability to prepare concise and engaging text for different uses.
• Comfort working with budgets, numbers and spreadsheets to manage/organise information.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly when working with text and financial information.
• Self-motivated, solutions-focused and keen to take ownership of responsibilities.
• Competent with a range of standard IT applications and able to quickly learn new systems/software.

KEY TERMS AND CONDITIONS 

Salary: £15,600-17,400 per annum (pro-rated from £26,000-29,000 full-time salary) depending on experience.

Hours: 22.5 working hours per week (0.6 FTE), Monday to Friday. We operate a flexible working system. The post may require occasional evening and weekend work. Paid overtime is not available, but time off in lieu will be given.

Contract: Fixed-term to cover maternity leave, ending upon the return of the permanent employee or, at the latest, 12 months from the start date.

Place of work: This role is home-based, with a need to attend site visits, meetings and events at a range of locations across Scotland (approximately once a month). For this reason, we have a preference for candidates who already live in Scotland or are in a position to relocate for the role. You will require a suitable home office environment to enable safe, comfortable working without interruption, and an internet speed that can support video calls and online working. A laptop, monitor and peripheral IT equipment will be provided. As the role requires occasional travel to rural sites, a full UK driving license and access to a reliable vehicle are essential. Travel expenses are paid in accordance with SBP’s expenses policy. 

Closing date: 12 noon on Wednesday 8 October. 

First round interviews will be conducted by video call on Thursday 16 and/or Friday 17 October, with second round interviews following the week after if required.