Conservation Project Officer; Native Species Projects; Highland Wildlife Park

This is a full time fixed term role until March 2029

About us

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is a wildlife conservation charity with a bold vision: a world where nature is protected, valued and loved.

Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park are our gateways to the natural world through which people can experience nature.

Purpose of role:

To effectively implement activities of the conservation department under direction of the Conservation Manager (Field Operations). Deliver targeted conservation project work in support of conservation department activities while developing understanding of conservation science and conservation project management skills. All in support of the RZSS's vision and mission.

Some of the things you’ll do:

• Contribute to and, at times, lead on aspects of the full range of activities related the conservation of released populations of native species in the wild, for example: conducting field surveys, communicating with stakeholders, conducting animal releases and threat mitigation and gathering data and contributing to written reports and scientific publications relating to these activities and.
• Help to ensure animal welfare conducted during fieldwork is of the highest standard, considering relevant legislation and best practice animal management.
• Plan and execute time sensitive biodiversity actions (e.g. monitoring / threat mitigation).
• Present aspects of conservation project work to visitors to off show areas at Highland Wildlife Park (e.g., project partners, patrons etc…).
• Communicate and collaborate with external project partners, maintaining good relationships and attending project stakeholder meetings where required.
• Participate in planning conservation work delivery, including logistics and methodological development.
• Contribute to project reporting, including preparing data and assisting with authoring report sections.
• Assist with planning specific aspects of field work and contributing to relevant risk assessments.
• Assist with collecting and managing scientific monitoring data with high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Responsible for ordering, maintenance, and servicing of project equipment where relevant.
• Engage with the organisation’s appraisal system, and demonstrate commitment to our values, behaviours, and your continuous personal development.
• Ensure compliance with RZSS’s policies, procedures, and guidelines, together with all relevant regulatory and statutory requirements.
• Perform other reasonable duties and/or projects as directed by your manager.

What we are looking for:

• Educated to degree-level in relevant subject or has equivalent qualification/experience (e.g. in ecological or land management sector)
• Knowledge of native species and their ecological requirements
• Awareness of good practice in animal welfare, handling, and biosecurity when working with native species.
• Good knowledge of native species and the ecological processes related to wider ecosystem restoration/improvement.
• Sound understanding of conservation issues involved in native species recovery.
• Good understanding of Scottish and UK conservation issues within a global context.
• Experience of planning and executing field conservation project work.

What you’ll get in return:

• Starting salary of £25,867 to £26,514 based on experience with the opportunity to progress to £28,832 per annum.

• 37.5 working week (may require some evening/ weekend working on occasion)

• 34 days annual leave

• Discount in both retail/catering

• Access to a healthcare plan

• Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), that provide 24-hour counselling and support, including health, legal, finance, wellbeing and family advice

• Employer contributory pension scheme

• You will receive a staff membership which will give you (and…