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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