Nature Recovery Officer
Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere
Background
Covering almost 10,000 sq km of land and sea in SW Scotland, the UNESCO Biosphere offers an opportunity to work in partnership with local land and sea managers, farmers, foresters and environmental bodies in implementing and encouraging nature recovery opportunities that will benefit biodiversity, provide adaption to climate change and support the local economy across our region.
Past initiatives have involved the development of a Natural Heritage Management Plan which identified high focus habitats and species within the Biosphere, the mapping of our ecosystem services and facilitating and contributing to discussions and policies related to land use and nature in Scotland.
We are currently involved in the delivery of some exciting and innovative projects to deliver nature-based solutions that can benefit business, the environment, and wider society. These include working with farmers to assess and deliver new natural capital opportunities on farms, leading on delivery of a small-scale tree planting grant in Ayrshire, delivering a program of engagement linked to red squirrel recovery and the development of landscape scale nature recovery plans at sites across the Biosphere.
This is an exciting time to join our UNESCO Biosphere and to make your mark as we develop our Nature Recovery program. You’ll be joining an experienced team of professionals with skills in ecology, land, fresh water, natural capital, facilitation, and engagement. You’ll be supported by a wider team covering skills in business development, communities and education, marketing and communications who together are responsible for embedding the sustainability ethos of the Biosphere, which is good for people and the environment.
The Role
We’re looking for a dynamic individual with a good knowledge and understanding of ecosystem function, biodiversity, and the land management challenges we face in SW Scotland. You should have good facilitation and communication skills and have some experience in project management.
The projects you’ll be involved with include, but are not limited to:
- Supporting the project management, relationship building and community engagement for two landscape scale restoration studies using nature-based solutions to address water quality and morphology issues in the Nith catchment.
- Leading on the continued delivery and reporting for our Ayrshire Tree planting grant scheme.
- Contributing to the program of community engagement work for the Red Squirrel Recovery Network in Ayrshire.
- Supporting further Nature Recovery project development and delivery as appropriate.
Skills
Specifically, we are looking for:
- Project Management experience
- Experience conducting field surveys and desk-based research,
- Familiarity with using GIS
- Experience in community engagement and/or consultation and facilitation,
- Experience in event planning and delivery.
- Knowledge and understanding of wildlife conservation and survey techniques.
- Habitat management experience would be ideal.
About Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere
Covering almost 9,800 km² of southwest Scotland's land and sea, the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere follows the rivers that flow out of the Galloway Hills: through forests and farmland, historic villages and towns, all the way to a ruggedly scenic coast.
The UNESCO Biosphere includes iconic wildlife and natural habitats which are recognised as being of international importance. It encompasses communities with distinct cultural identities, as well as historic landmarks and heritage sites that need to be protected for the generations to come.
The Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership is a non-profit organisation (registered Scottish charity SC044137) working across the UNESCO region, creating and facilitating projects that support conservation, education, climate resilience, and a sustainable local economy. We collaborate with multi-sector partners in initiatives that benefit people and nature alike.
Covering almost 9,800 km² of southwest Scotland's land and sea, the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere follows the rivers that flow out of the Galloway Hills: through forests and farmland, historic villages and towns, all the way to a ruggedly scenic coast. The UNESCO Biosphere includes iconic wildlife and natural habitats which are recognised as being of international importance. It encompasses communities with distinct cultural identities, as well as historic landmarks and heritage sites that need to be protected for the generations to come. The Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership is a non-profit organisation (registered Scottish charity SC044137) working across the UNESCO region, creating and facilitating projects that support conservation, education, climate resilience, and a sustainable local economy. We collaborate with multi-sector partners in initiatives that benefit people and nature alike.
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