Trainee Ecologist - Nurturing Natural Connections

Overall purpose of the role

Successful candidates will assist and support the Nurturing Natural Connections (NNC) project team in the delivery of externally funded project work to survey and monitor target species identified as species of interest. Activities will include conducting surveys for Phase 1 habitat surveys / HAB UK surveys and targeted surveys for wildflowers, protected species, pollinators, inverts, Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) and garden escapes.

Building on the success of previous projects, this project continues to realise the Cumbernauld Living Landscape long-term vision to improve Cumbernauld’s green spaces for both people and wildlife, helping everyone in the community connect with the nature on their doorstep. Nurturing Natural Connections is a partnership project with North Lanarkshire Council, The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), Sanctuary Scotland and Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network, made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF). The project will deliver four interconnected workstreams focusing on:

• Nurturing Nature – improving greenspaces and waterways within Cumbernauld Living Landscape for biodiversity, including enhancing habitat connectivity.
• Natural Benefits – connecting people to maximise the well-being benefits of healthy greenspaces, advocating for green-infrastructure across the town and enhancing climate adaptation through Nature Based Solutions.
• Nature Counts – a programme of community science that provides robust, long-term biodiversity monitoring as well as a new way to connect local people to nature.
• Nature Network – Providing the inspiration and information to enable individuals, communities, volunteer organisations and land managers to take targeted positive action for nature.

The role

The aim of this role is to gain hands on experience and training which will help solidify entry into the ecological/environmental sector. Candidates will have a strong interest in the natural environment with a willingness to learn new skills which will prepare them for the employment market in this area.

The role will require data collection, collation and analysis and working in placement with an ecological consultant &/or project team two-three days per week (one month we are anticipating this will be June/July with room for flexibility). This will give hands-on real-time experience with consultants and build skills.

A mini project will be expected for the end of each traineeship with the candidates creating a report/case study of their time with the Nurturing Natural Connections with an area of focus. This report will detail how their project has benefited the project and their further learning/ability to gain employment in this area.

The candidate:

The successful candidate will have a relevant HND/Degree (related to ecology, environmental science, conservation etc).

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• An understanding of ecological processes and an interest in natural heritage.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Good team working skills with the ability to manage relationships positively.
• Manage and deliver your workplan to meet agreed targets.

About us

For more than 60 years, the Scottish Wildlife Trust has worked with its members, partners and supporters in pursuit of its vision of healthy, resilient ecosystems across Scotland’s land and seas.

The Trust successfully champions the cause of wildlife through policy and campaigning work, demonstrates best practice through practical conservation and innovative partnerships, and inspires people to take positive action through its education and engagement activities. The Trust manages a network of over 100 wildlife reserves across Scotland and is a member of the UK-wide Wildlife Trusts movement.