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
Flexible daily working hours
Paid volunteer days
1 wellbeing hour per week
Salary £24,479 pro rata PA + Bothy accommodation
Location Dunkeld - Loch of the Lowes
Mergefield Title {Mergefield Value}
Mergefield Title {Mergefield Value}
This is a Temporary, Part Time vacancy that will close in a day at 12:00 GMT.
The vacancy
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 nature conservation
· Good knowledge of natural history, species ID and surveying skills
· Experience of bird monitoring or species protection work
· Experience of living in shared accommodation with colleagues and willingness to contribute to a positive living environment
· The ability to work unsociable hours
· A reasonable standard of physical fitness and personal resilience to working in cold conditions
· A positive and flexible approach to work and other team members
· The ability to communicate with volunteers, staff and members of the public in an approachable and confident manner
· Experience of conflict resolution
· A high level of self-motivation, personal responsibility and organisational skills
· Good computer literacy skills, including Excel
· Understanding of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code
· Driver’s License (highly desirable)
· First Aid Qualification
Please note the Wildlife Protection Officer role is dependent on the return of breeding ospreys. Covid-19 precautions will be applied as appropriate, particularly with regards to the bothy accommodation.
To apply, please click the green “apply now” button which will take you to our application pages.
Scottish Wildlife Trust are an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and welcome applications from diverse groups. If you require more information, please contact recruitment@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk.
About us
For more than 60 years, the Scottish Wildlife Trust has worked with its members, partners and supporters in pursuit of its vision of healthy, resilient ecosystems across Scotland’s land and seas.
The Trust successfully champions the cause of wildlife through policy and campaigning work, demonstrates best practice through practical conservation and innovative partnerships, and inspires people to take positive action through its education and engagement activities. The Trust manages a network of over 100 wildlife reserves across Scotland and is a member of the UK-wide Wildlife Trusts movement.
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