Wildlife Protection Officer x4

Dunkeld - Loch of the Lowes

£24,479 pro rata PA + Bothy accommodation

Temporary

Status: April 2026 – June 2026. 17.5 hours per week Closing Date: 21st January – 12 noon Interviews will take place – W/C 16th February Scotland’s leading nature conservation charity is looking for enthusiastic individuals to undertake the role of Wildlife Protection Officer (WPO) based at Loch of the Lowes. This paid role includes free accommodation, invaluable training and the opportunity to develop experience in species protection, working with volunteers and public engagement. Based at Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve, this 8-week role will focus on providing osprey and other wildlife, species protection during the sensitive period of the breeding season. The role will require working closely with the Perthshire Ranger, the Volunteer Nest Protection Team and Visitor Centre staff. Successful candidates will be housed on-site, in a lochside, wooden eco-bothy for the duration of the role. Duties include: · Monitoring and recording breeding ospreys’ behaviour · Providing protection for the resident ospreys, and other species, including their nest, eggs, and chicks during the critical part of the breeding season · Engaging with members of the public, both in the hides and on regular patrols around the reserve · Intervening and taking appropriate action in incidents of disturbance · Monitoring additional webcams for beaver activity and other wildlife footage · Working closely with Visitor Centre staff and volunteers · Managing observational data and producing an end of season summary report Training and Support: The candidate will have the fantastic opportunity to gain experience in; · Species ID · Use of webcam and security camera software · Working with volunteers · Public engagement The successful candidate will ideally have: · An interest and passion in natu

Expires

21/01/2026

Cumbernauld

£24,479

Temporary

The Role Please note this role is for 7 months approximately, 7th April until October/November. Salary is £24,479 pro rata 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.

Expires

01/02/2026