Nature Recovery Officer

Background

Covering over 5,200 sq km of SW Scotland, the UNESCO Biosphere offers an opportunity to support
local land managers, farmers, foresters and environmental bodies in implementing sustainable
land use and management initiatives 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 that
identifies 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’ve also engaged local communities and some of our local businesses in
understanding how they can help nature through the development of community green spaces and
local gardens.

We are currently involved in development of some exciting and innovative projects to deliver
nature-based solutions that can benefit business, the environment and wider society, such as a
pilot to identify natural capital on farms, opportunities around native tree propagation and
expansion, Black Grouse recovery and other nature restoration opportunities.

The only thing holding us back from doing more is lack of capacity, so we are now looking to
recruit a dedicated Nature Recovery Officer.

This is an exciting time to join our UNESCO Biosphere and to make your mark as we develop our
Land Use and Biodiversity program, working with a permanent team covering skills in land use,
biodiversity, business development, communities, learning, marketing and communications who
together are responsible for ensuring that the sustainability ethos of the Biosphere is good
for people and the environment.

You’ll be the second team member working on land use and biodiversity with a third person
specialising in Natural Capital and farming due to be recruited in the autumn.

The role

The Nature Recovery Officer role will be responsible for supporting the Land Use and
Biodiversity Lead Officer in championing nature through the development and delivery of
projects involving local land managers, environmental bodies and government agencies that will
see our UNESCO Biosphere grow to become one of the key environmental influencers in SW
Scotland.

We’re looking for someone who can identify opportunities to develop and deliver new projects
that will benefit both people and nature. With a good knowledge and understanding of ecosystem
function and biodiversity and their relationship with land management, you’ll be engaging
partners in initiating a range of projects and initiatives to help combat the joint crises of
biodiversity loss and climate change.

These may include, but are not limited to:
Working with partners in addressing the decline of upland habitats that support black
grouse through contributing to the local development and delivery of a southern Scotland
approach involving targeted land management at known and historic black grouse lek sites.

Supporting the development of a project to encourage small-scale tree planting across parts
of the Biosphere.

Working with partners to consider the feasibility of community tree nurseries that can
propagate native seeds and cuttings.

Supporting the development of an initiative for pollinator corridors throughout the
Biosphere.

Engaging community groups in supporting biodiversity, native woodland creation, river
restoration and/or climate change.

You’ll be joining a team consisting of the existing Biosphere Director, Business Development
Lead Officer (Deputy Manager), Land Use and Biodiversity Lead Officer and Lead Officers and
Officers specializing in Communities and Learning, Communications, Finance and Office
Management.

We offer a flexible hybrid approach to working, with existing staff required to work two days a
week from the office with the option to work the balance from home to suit individual
circumstances. We are open to considering job sharing opportunities and will support additional
training for the right candidate who needs additional skills development.

If you don’t fulfil all the essential criteria but can identify clear skills development, then
we may be able to support you through a 12-month development, transitioning to the permanent
position at the end of the period.

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