Overview

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The main purpose of the Conservation Manager is help deliver the landscape-scale restoration vision for Corrour through co-ordination and implement conservation related strategies and plans as agreed by the Corrour Board and the Environment Committee of the Board.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

The key areas of responsibility of this post are:

Nature conservation and restoration

·         In conjunction with the Corrour staff team and Corrour Board Environment Committee, lead the development of an Ecosystem Management Plan for the landholding, ensuring input and buy-in from a wide range of internal and external stakeholders

·         Develop and ensure timeous implementation of an annual nature conservation and restoration action schedule, working closely with the Head Stalker and Head Forester

·         Commission research, surveys and other scientific work as and if required to inform conservation management

·         Ensure proportionate but effective monitoring and surveillance of medium and long term ecological change on the landholding using a set of Ecosystem Health Indicators (to be developed) to track progress towards a landscape-scale restoration vision

·         Lead on the drafting of funding applications for conservation and restoration work identified in the Ecosystem Management Plan

·         Proficient in the use of GIS and data visualisation

·         Regularly liaise with key stakeholders such as relevant government agencies, NGOs, the local deer management group and neighbouring estates

Coordination of visiting researchers and groups

·         Encourage researchers to use Corrour as a location for scientific investigation, particularly where this will generate knowledge useful to inform conservation and restoration interventions

·         Establish a programme of visiting volunteer and community groups to: carry out practical conservation activities on the ground; to gain a better understanding of the Corrour vision; to carry out specialist ecological survey and monitoring activities

·         Manage the collation and archiving of all reports/papers and publications

·         Be responsible for all the planning, administration, data protection, health and safety, safeguarding and all other legal compliance requirements in relation to volunteer groups.

Communicating impact

·         Produce an annual impact report for the Board explaining how conservation interventions (including non-intervention where appropriate) are improving the ecological status of the range of habitats across Corrour in line with the Ecosystem Management Plan

·         Produce draft press releases and/or news items as required to help communicate the impact of conservation and restoration work on Corrour

·         Produce content for website and social media as required

·         Produce other impact reports and proposals on specific topic areas as required

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The postholder should have the following skills, experience and personal qualities:

·         Skilled field ecologist (able to identify the majority of the birds and plants present at Corrour without use of a field guide)

·         Desirable – Member of Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management

·         A good grounding in and understanding of theoretical ecology gained from at least Masters level education in a relevant subject

·         Excellent verbal communicator who works well in groups of people and can confidently guide and inspire groups of volunteers

·         An excellent report writer, able to express themselves clearly and succinctly making use of great design, data visualisation and graphics to bring information to life

·         Able to embrace the remoteness of the Corrour location and comfortable with spending long periods of time working alone

·         Discrete by nature with an understanding of how to navigate the complex cultural and political sensitivities present within Scottish Highland communities

·         Hold a full UK/EEC driving licence

SALARY & BENEFITS

·         £28,500 per annum

·         10% Employer contribution pension

·         Life insurance

·         Bupa Healthcare

·         Income protection

·         Enhanced parental leave

·         Onsite rent-free house provided