Peatland ACTION Officer

Urras Oighreachd Chàrlabhaigh (Carloway Estate Trust) is seeking to recruit an energetic and self-motivated individual to facilitate Peatland ACTION programme delivery. The postholder will work as part of the Urras Oighreachd Chàrlabhaigh staff team to lead the development and implementation of peatland restoration projects across Lewis and Harris.

The post holder will work with colleagues, the wider NatureScot Peatland ACTION team, partners, contractors and land managers to identify projects which improve the peatland resource, lock up carbon and improve associated habitats (blanket bog, wet heath and dry heath). They will engage with land managers including Common Grazings to seek their involvement in the programme and will ensure that practical solutions are costed and specified on a site-by-site basis, using specialist contractors where required.

Applications for funding for practical works will be made to NatureScot (Peatland ACTION) and SRDP Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (if available and appropriate). Where funding applications are successful, contracts for implementation of capital works will be drawn up and project managed.

Applicants must be enthusiastic about peatland restoration and understand the benefits within a crofting context. Experience of land management for nature conservation, experience of ecological field survey work and a good understanding of peatland ecology and management would be advantageous. Applicants will have excellent communication skills, an interest in community land, and a willingness to work flexibly as required. The ability to work on your own initiative is essential.

This post is fixed term until 31 March 2027, but there may be opportunities to extend the contract subject to funding.

This post is funded by NatureScot’s Peatland ACTION programme.