Conservation Lead (Highland Line) - Saving Scotlands Red Squirrels

TieTalent; Blairgowrie and Rattray; On-site; GBP 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A conservation organization is seeking a Conservation Lead based in Blairgowrie, Scotland. The candidate will lead the Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels project, facilitating partnerships and implementing strategies to protect red squirrels. Applicants should possess strong organizational and communication skills, as well as experience in project management within a conservation context. This full-time position is fixed-term until March 2026, with competitive salary and the opportunity to make a significant impact in conservation efforts.

Qualifications

• Experience in project management related to conservation.
• Ability to work independently and provide team leadership.
• Strong strategic thinking abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and delivery of project objectives.
• Expand trap-loan schemes and advance eradication efforts.
• Collaborate with partners and support monitoring networks.

Skills

Excellent organizational skills

Effective communication

Leadership

Job description

About

Conservation Lead (Highland Line) - Saving Scotlands Red Squirrels

Salary: £28,288 per annum

Location: Blairgowrie, Tayside

Full time

Fixed term until 31 March 2026 with potential for extension

Closing date: 4th August at midnight

Interview date: Friday 15th August 2025

The Role

We are seeking a passionate and driven individual to lead and deliver the Saving Scotlands Red Squirrels (SSRS) project operations across the Highland Line Control Zone. The role involves coordinating efforts to protect red squirrels from replacement by grey squirrels and squirrel pox disease. Responsibilities include developing rapid response monitoring networks in strategic areas, coordinating island eradication efforts, and fostering partnerships to ensure long-term support.

You will work closely with a collaborative project team, partner agencies, and stakeholders to deliver impactful change. This is an opportunity to contribute to the conservation of one of Scotland's iconic species.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Strategic Planning: Lead the planning and delivery of project objectives and monitoring, adapting strategies as needed.
• Operational Implementation: Expand trap-loan schemes, advance island eradication efforts, and support Rapid Response Monitoring networks.
• Collaboration & Coordination: Work with project partners, scientific agencies, government bodies, and NGOs to develop best practices.
• Team Leadership: Manage and support the Highland Line team to achieve results.
• Monitoring & Reporting: Oversee data collection and reporting to track project success.

The Successful Candidate Will Be

• A strategic thinker with excellent organizational skills.
• A confident and effective communicator.
• Motivated to work independently and lead others.

For further details, please download the role description below. To apply, click on the green Apply Now button to visit our application page.

The Trust values diversity and inclusivity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

Saving Scotlands Red Squirrels is a partnership led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, supported by project partners and the Scottish Government's Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot.

• Location: Blairgowrie, Scotland, United Kingdom

• Languages: English