Conservation Officer

Overview: The Water of Leith Conservation Trust is recruiting a Conservation Officer to work along Edinburgh's river delivering a

comprehensive programme of conservation work, river clean ups and path maintenance tasks and to

lead on our habitat improvement and INNS work (Invasive Non Native Species). This is an

exciting opportunity to join our team, in a diverse role, working to improve and protect the

Water of Leith.



We are looking for a suitably qualified, enthusiastic person, with experience of leading

conservation tasks, outdoor learning activities and community engagement events. You will

require strong subject knowledge of rivers and conservation work and a passion for working

outdoors with volunteers and the public. Experience of leading practical tasks with volunteers,

improving habitats, biological surveys and the treatment of INNS are essential. The post is

subject to a Protection of Vulnerable Groups check through Disclosure Scotland.

Salary

£22,000 to £27,500 per annum depending on experience plus pension

contribution



Hours: Working days will be Monday to Friday 9.00 to 4.30 (37.5 hours) with

work one Sunday in three on rotation with other staff (taking the preceding Friday off).

Additional evening and weekend work maybe required for which time off in lieu will be arranged.



Contract: Permanent



Annual leave: 28 days Annual Leave between 1st April and 31st March, inclusive

of four Public/General Holidays (Good Friday, Easter Monday, May Bank Holiday, September Bank

Holiday). Plus the four public holidays at Christmas and New Year.

Location

Water of Leith Visitor Centre, with an emphasis on working outdoors

within the river catchment.



Application procedure: CV plus covering letter detailing how you meet the

personal specifications of the Role Description, emailed to helen.brown@waterofleith.org.uk



Application deadline: 22nd February



Interview date: 2nd March

Main Duties

With the ‘Ranger’ devise and implement a weekly programme of conservation tasks with the

Trust’s Volunteer team including the delivery of clean - ups, river patrols, practical work

days, INNS treatment tasks, volunteer ecological surveys, habitat management and enhancement

projects.



Ensure an effective programme of community conservation action along the river. This will

include working with Corporate Groups, youths, adults with special needs and the public.

Promote to targeted communities and engage new groups in volunteer work days and events*.



Provide opportunities for volunteer activity with the Trust and sustain current involvement.

Work with the staff team to ensure effective recruitment, training and support of volunteers

and raising awareness of volunteer opportunities and the activities of the Trust.



Lead the Survey Team in an annual programme of biological recording and work with university

students and courses to support research projects on the Water of Leith. Use results to inform

and guide our conservation work.



Act as the Trust’s lead on all INNS work. Plan and deliver an annual programme, effective

treatment and accurate recording of target species in the catchment and seek funding to support

the work.



With the Trust Manager engage and develop collaborative relationships with key partners

including; SEPA (Scottish Environmental Protection Agency), Scottish Water, Edinburgh’s

Biodiversity Network, Water of Leith Action Group, CEC Parks and Greenspaces, Landowners’,

Friends of Groups etc.



Maintain the wildlife records database and share with relevant partners (TWIC- The Wildlife

Information Centre, EBAP- Edinburgh Biodiversity Partnership).



When required, respond to and report to the relevant authorities issues relating to water

quality and wildlife protection.



Maintain an excellent working knowledge of water and river legislative frameworks, river

ecology and catchment restoration work.



Work within all Trust policies and procedures, ensuring all Risk Assessments, Health and

Safety, Volunteering Policy and Child and Adult at risk Protection and Safeguarding Policies

are fully implemented and up to date.



Assist with all media promotions and aim to raise awareness of the conservation programme, the

condition of the river and celebrate the efforts of volunteers roles, this includes the

development of online resources, posting to social media and producing content for newsletters

and blogs.



Utilise a recording system to maintain a record of volunteer and group participation, and

regularly monitor and evaluate all programmes provided.



Support the organisation of University / College Student and Youth Work Placements and assist

in their progression to achieving their projects / dissertations and Duke of Edinburgh Award /

John Muir Awards.



OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES



As part of a small staff team you will be required to assist with the operation of the

Visitor Centre including the support of reception volunteers, opening/closing, cashing up,

customer service and refreshment provision when on duty.

Support the Water of Leith Conservation Trust staff team with additional educational

activities including informal education groups, summer events programme, nature clubs, birthday

parties and adult talks*

Support the Trust Manager with fundraising campaigns and grant applications to ensure the

delivery of Trust targets and projects.

• You require a satisfactory PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) check to show you are suitable