Operational Rural Surveyor
RSPB
Are you ready to use your expertise to make a real difference? Join the RSPB and help shape the future of our incredible estate. From negotiating land acquisitions to advising on biodiversity enhancement, from listed buildings to innovative land management, this is a role where your skills truly matter.
At RSPB, we don’t just offer a job - we offer flexibility, purpose, and growth. Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with options like flexitime, TOIL, and parental leave. After five years, take a four-week sabbatical to recharge, learn, or explore. We’re proud winners of the Great British Workplace Wellbeing Award for ‘Best Mental Wellbeing Initiative’ - because your wellbeing is as important as the work you do.
The successful applicant will join a Scotland wide team of 7 Rural Surveyors, 1 Building Surveyor, a Livestock & Grazing Champion and a Land Management Support Specialist. You will support the RSPB estate across Scotland, dealing with interesting and challenging casework. You will play a vital role in supporting the wider team, stepping in to backfill colleagues when needed to ensure seamless delivery across our estate.
The location of the role is flexible within mainland Scotland and does not require any specific travel arrangements.
What You’ll Do
- Shape the Landscape: Manage land and property across Scotland, from rent reviews to wayleaves, sporting rights, and agri-environment agreements.
- Drive Conservation: Assist with acquisitions for new reserves and expand existing ones, handling valuations and negotiations that protect nature for generations.
- Strategic Decisions: Deliver property disposals and acquisitions that align with our mission and financial goals.
- Risk & Compliance: Safeguard RSPB’s reputation and finances through robust systems and audits.
- Collaborate & Innovate: Work with a passionate team of surveyors, and area managers to spot opportunities and maximize returns.
What We’re Looking For:
- Chartered RICS (Rural)
- Strong post-qualification experience in Scotland in estate management and rural property transactions
- Knowledge of Scottish agricultural subsidy schemes and compliance
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and decision-making skills
- Ability to travel widely and occasionally stay overnight
Additional Information
This is a Permanent, Full-Time role working 37.5 hrs per week (Part-Time applications will also be considered)
Closing Date: 23:59, 19th April 2026
Interview Dates: w/c 27th April 2026
We invest in you: CPD support and annual membership fees for one professional body included.
Further information please contact : [email protected]
As part of this application process, you will be asked to 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.
The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
About RSPB
The RSPB is a charity for the conservation of birds and nature. We bring people together who love birds and other wildlife, and who want to take action to restore the health and diversity of the natural world. We carry out conservation on a large scale, protect and restore habitats, and save species from extinction. We’re living in a nature and climate emergency, and we won’t stop whilst the threats persist.
We believe our work makes a real difference to the world we live in. It takes a great team to
save nature and we need a wide range of skills to make it happen.
As an RSPB employee, you will be helping to save nature every time you come to work. There’s never been a more important time to protect our wildlife and wild places, so we want to make sure you feel rewarded for everything you help us to achieve.
The RSPB is a charity for the conservation of birds and nature. We bring people together who love birds and other wildlife, and who want to take action to restore the health and diversity of the natural world. We carry out conservation on a large scale, protect and restore habitats, and save species from extinction. We’re living in a nature and climate emergency, and we won’t stop whilst the threats persist. We believe our work makes a real difference to the world we live in. It takes a great team to save nature and we need a wide range of skills to make it happen. As an RSPB employee, you will be helping to save nature every time you come to work. There’s never been a more important time to protect our wildlife and wild places, so we want to make sure you feel rewarded for everything you help us to achieve.
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