1006-327/1006-388 Nature Reserve Officer - South - B Grade - February 2026

NatureScot•Kinross, IA

15d

About The Position

The post holder will provide support to the day to day running of the Loch Leven NNR teams reserve as set out in the Reserve Management Plan. NatureScot’s National Nature Reserves (NNRs) are at the heart of connecting people and nature. The NNRs are popular local and National visitor attractions. Many of these visitors look for face to face contact with staff and the post holder will provide a public face for NatureScot to help communicate key messages such as promoting responsible access and connecting people with nature. The post holder will be expected to lead the weekly volunteer group, assist with guided walks and group visits and develop outdoor education programmes. Social media is an increasingly important and valuable mechanism for communicating with the wider public and the post holder will be expected to use corporate social media platforms. The post holder will be required to carry out practical habitat management tasks on the reserve such as strimming, fencing, control of invasive non-native species (INNS) as well as other tasks required for the management of the NNR. The postholder will lead on species surveys and implement site condition monitoring as required. Regular weekend working is required for the seasonal role. This is a fieldwork centric role.

Requirements

Good interpersonal skills that contribute to collaborative/team working and customer orientated service provision
Written communication skills, including the ability to write clearly and concisely for news releases, social media and other media relations activity
Practical Estate and habitat management skills
Good Ornithological skills, particularly of British waterfowl
An ability to use initiative and to work without close supervision
Experience of supervising volunteers and contractors
Knowledge and understanding of freshwater habitat management and water quality issues
Experience of planning and leading outdoor learning activities and events
A full current driving licence
Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK and resident in Scotland for the duration of the job contract
To undertake a Disclosure Scotland application.

Nice To Haves

Although Gaelic language is not a prerequisite it is a desirable skill in support of our commitment to our Gaelic Language Plan

Responsibilities

To carry out fortnightly WeBS counts, monitor nesting species on the reserve and carry out biological monitoring on the Reserve.
Management of INNS species
Management of the habitats and species for which the Reserve is special to ensure favourable conservation status (Woodlands, wintering and breeding birds, wetlands, freshwater).
Run the volunteer group, planning and leading weekly tasks.
Provide a visible presence for NatureScot on the NNRs day to day and through a series of planned events to cater for a wide and varied target audience.
Promote the NNRs through the NNR social media platforms and updating and NNR website on a regular basis.
Build links and work in partnership with key stakeholders, landowners and tenants.
Promote and develop the outdoor education programme.
Maintenance of the infrastructure of the reserve; paths, visitor facilities, carparks, signage and fences.
Maintenance of reserve vehicles and equipment.
Manage a range of projects and contracts identified in the approved Reserve Budgets

Benefits

NatureScot offers some great benefits to reward and support you whilst you are working for us. Our benefits package includes the civil service pension scheme, a generous holiday leave allowance plus flexi time, and employee discount scheme.
An environment with flexible working options
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% (7.35% employee contributions)
41.5 days of annual leave, including 5 fixed public holidays on St Andrews Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and 2nd January
Equivalent of 2 days paid volunteering leave
A focus on wellbeing with access to an employee assistance programme
Job satisfaction from contributing proactively to the twinned nature and climate crisis
Death in service benefits
Cycle to work and electric vehicle salary sacrifice schemes
Access to an employee discounts scheme
Learning and development tailored to your role
A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity