Nature Recovery Officer

Role Overview & Responsibilities

Background

<br><br>

Covering over 5,200 sq km of SW Scotland, the UNESCO Biosphere offers an opportunity to support

<br>local land managers, farmers, foresters and environmental bodies in implementing sustainable

<br>land use and management initiatives that will benefit biodiversity, provide adaption to climate

<br>change and support the local economy across our region.

<br><br>

Past initiatives have involved the development of a Natural Heritage Management Plan that

<br>identifies high focus habitats and species within the Biosphere, the mapping of our ecosystem

<br>services and facilitating and contributing to discussions and policies related to land use and

<br>nature in Scotland. We’ve also engaged local communities and some of our local businesses in

<br>understanding how they can help nature through the development of community green spaces and

<br>local gardens.

<br><br>

We are currently involved in development of some exciting and innovative projects to deliver

<br>nature-based solutions that can benefit business, the environment and wider society, such as a

<br>pilot to identify natural capital on farms, opportunities around native tree propagation and

<br>expansion, Black Grouse recovery and other nature restoration opportunities.

<br><br>

The only thing holding us back from doing more is lack of capacity, so we are now looking to

<br>recruit a dedicated Nature Recovery Officer.

<br><br>

This is an exciting time to join our UNESCO Biosphere and to make your mark as we develop our

<br>Land Use and Biodiversity program, working with a permanent team covering skills in land use,

<br>biodiversity, business development, communities, learning, marketing and communications who

<br>together are responsible for ensuring that the sustainability ethos of the Biosphere is good

<br>for people and the environment.

<br><br>

You’ll be the second team member working on land use and biodiversity with a third person

<br>specialising in Natural Capital and farming due to be recruited in the autumn.

<br><br>

The role

<br><br>

The Nature Recovery Officer role will be responsible for supporting the Land Use and

<br>Biodiversity Lead Officer in championing nature through the development and delivery of

<br>projects involving local land managers, environmental bodies and government agencies that will

<br>see our UNESCO Biosphere grow to become one of the key environmental influencers in SW

<br>Scotland.

<br><br>

We’re looking for someone who can identify opportunities to develop and deliver new projects

<br>that will benefit both people and nature. With a good knowledge and understanding of ecosystem

<br>function and biodiversity and their relationship with land management, you’ll be engaging

<br>partners in initiating a range of projects and initiatives to help combat the joint crises of

<br>biodiversity loss and climate change.

<br><br>

<b>These may include, but are not limited to:</b><br>

Working with partners in addressing the decline of upland habitats that support black

<br>grouse through contributing to the local development and delivery of a southern Scotland

<br>approach involving targeted land management at known and historic black grouse lek sites.

<br><br>

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

<br>of the Biosphere.

<br><br>

Working with partners to consider the feasibility of community tree nurseries that can

<br>propagate native seeds and cuttings.

<br><br>

Supporting the development of an initiative for pollinator corridors throughout the

<br>Biosphere.

<br><br>

Engaging community groups in supporting biodiversity, native woodland creation, river

<br>restoration and/or climate change.

<br><br>

You’ll be joining a team consisting of the existing Biosphere Director, Business Development

<br>Lead Officer (Deputy Manager), Land Use and Biodiversity Lead Officer and Lead Officers and

<br>Officers specializing in Communities and Learning, Communications, Finance and Office

<br>Management.

<br><br>

We offer a flexible hybrid approach to working, with existing staff required to work two days a

<br>week from the office with the option to work the balance from home to suit individual

<br>circumstances. We are open to considering job sharing opportunities and will support additional

<br>training for the right candidate who needs additional skills development.

<br><br>

If you don’t fulfil all the essential criteria but can identify clear skills development, then

<br>we may be able to support you through a 12-month development, transitioning to the permanent

<br>position at the end of the period.

<br><br>

on social media for announcements.