Ecologist - Peatland Restoration Programme (Fixed Term)

The RSPB’s Ecology Team play a critical role in supporting conservation delivery across a network of over 200 nature reserves. From designing habitats to monitoring species, this specialist advice can make a real difference in nature conservation. We seek a knowledgeable, dynamic, and passionate ecologist to contribute to the implementation of large-scale peatland restoration across RSPB’s nature reserves in Scotland.
What's the role about?
This critical role will assist in the development and delivery of landscape scale peatland restoration programmes by providing technical advice to Reserves Teams, Peatland Project Managers, Peatland Officers, Funding Teams, and Rural Surveyors. You will use your specialist technical knowledge to design peatland restorations, ensuring techniques are applicable and appropriate for RSPB nature reserves in Scotland, and monitor the impacts. You will be involved in applying to innovative funding and carbon financing schemes to support this work. Core activities include advising local project teams on the most effective peatland restoration activities across a range of areas in Scotland. This will involve the collection of data regarding the current condition of the peatland, the quantification of erosion features and associated remedial works. A proficiency in the use of GIS will be required to collate and manage spatial data collected from ground surveys and UAV. You will also take a lead role in designing survey and monitoring activities to assess the effectiveness of restoration management. Raising awareness of the importance of peatlands to internal and external audiences and building positive relationships with external partners and stakeholders will be key. The role will also liaise with RSPB Communications teams to contribute to relevant media and social media communications.
Essential Skills, Knowledge And Experience

• Ability to work alone and under own initiative as well as part of a multidisciplinary team including working collaboratively with other partner organisations.
• Experience of carrying out research, survey and monitoring in upland environments
• Knowledge of peatland restoration techniques
• Extensive knowledge of ecology and habitat management with specialist knowledge of upland and peatland ecosystems
• Ability to work flexibly and travel widely throughout Scotland, often without the use of public transport, a UK driving licence is essential
• Physical fitness and ability to confidently and safely access and work in remote areas, in challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions
• Ability to translate technical ecological knowledge into land management practice
• Experience of using statistical & GIS mapping packages
• Ability to analyse data and to write clear and concise reports
• Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant subject

Desirable Skills, Knowledge And Experience

• Experience of peatland restoration planning and on-site assessments
• Experience in dealing with press and media
• Understanding of consents procedures
• Knowledge of project management principles and applications
• Experience of partnership working with other organisations
• A relevant MSc or PhD
• Experience of nature reserve management planning
• Knowledge and understanding of the potential delivery mechanisms for peatland restoration including Peatland ACTION, AECS, the Peatland Code and other carbon financing schemes

This is a fixed term, full time role until 31st March 2026. The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.
Interview dates will be arranged in due course. For further information please contact [email protected]
As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.
We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.
The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship.
Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.