Jobs

Would you like to work in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park and in the largest National Nature Reserve in the UK ? We are looking for a Conservation Officer for Mar Lodge Estate. At almost 30,000ha it is the largest property owned by the National Trust for Scotland and ranges from the pristine arctic alpine habitat of the Cairngorm plateau down through the spectacular Caledonian pinewood to the floodplains of the river Dee. The estate is recognized as being at the forefront of upland land management and conservation in Scotland. The woodlands are expanding, the peatlands are being restored and the wildlife is flourishing.

Working at one of the most important sites for nature conservation in the UK, this exciting post plays a key role in ecological monitoring which underpins our practical land management and in communicating the pioneering work of the National Trust for Scotland.

JOB PURPOSE

Working within the Conservation Team, this Conservation Officer is central to delivering the development and implementation of the nature conservation strategy at Mar Lodge Estate National Nature Reserve. Working across habitats including Caledonian pinewoods, blanket bog, and montane plateaux, and with species including Schedule 1 breeding birds, rare invertebrates and montane plants, this post supports the delivery of the estate’s diverse ecological monitoring programme. The Conservation Officer helps to deliver the scientific evidence which underpins the ongoing management of Mar Lodge Estate and ensures the estate’s reputation within the conservation sector. The Conservation Officer is also pivotal in delivering communication and advocacy work to showcase the pioneering nature conservation work underway at Mar Lodge, disseminating the ecological knowledge gathered on the estate, and promoting the nature conservation successes to a wide range of partners and stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Support the Conservation Manager in ensuring delivery and reporting of the ecological monitoring programme for the estate required to determine whether the natural heritage conservation objectives of the Mar Lodge Estate management plan are being achieved.

• Assist in the delivery of technical conservation projects, often in partnership with external stakeholders, to facilitate the successful recovery of habitats and species both on Mar Lodge Estate and more widely.

• Promote the Trust’s work at Mar Lodge Estate both internally and to external stakeholders through the publication of scientific papers and articles, the delivery of presentations, radio and TV interviews and social media.

• Lead on the management the collection, storage and dissemination of biological records ensuring they are incorporated into NTS, regional and national recording programmes.

• Lead on the internal NTS carbon reporting for Mar Lodge Estate.

• Developing ecological volunteering opportunities including engaging with minority group and manage volunteer groups when on site.

• Play a key role in the development and implementation of the Estate’s Management Plan, using scientific knowledge and highly developed communication skills to communicate the estate’s objectives and ambitions.

• Working with the stalking team, contribute to the delivery of the estate’s deer management through either monitoring and, potentially, active participation in deer stalking activities

• Working with the visitor services team, contribute to the development of the wildlife and management related interpretive material on the estate.

• Working with the visitor services team develop an annual events programme to offer visitors unique opportunities to visit the estate and learn about the management work to conserve the natural and cultural heritage.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

Qualifications

Essential
 Relevant degree in ecology or related subject.
 Driving license, valid for driving within the UK.

Desirable
• Qualification in identification of upland species and/or NVC surveying.
 Current first aid certification.
 Mountain leader, carbon certification

Experience

Essential
 Significant knowledge and experience of upland land management.
 Demonstrable, significant practical experience in surveying or biological monitoring in upland areas.
 Highly developed skills in identification of a wide range of upland plants and animals.
 Experience of managing volunteers.
 Highly developed communication skills. Persuasive written and oral communication skills grounded in scientific knowledge and ability.
 Competence in MS software and ability to write scientific reports.
 Ability to work unaided in remote mountain environments in all weather
 Practical knowledge of Health and Safety processes and procedures and the ability to work effectively within these processes.

Desirable
 Familiarity and experience of Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage and current upland conservation issues.
 Schedule 1 bird monitoring experience.
 Experience of disseminating information in a variety of forms to diverse audiences, including scientific papers.
 GIS and recorder software experience.
 Practical deer management experience.
 Experience of the effects of grazing on upland vegetation, especially by deer and of tree establishment in the uplands.
 Social media experience in a business context.
 Experience with carbon accounting and reporting, and carbon emissions reduction activities
 Experience with community engagement activities

Application Deadline: Friday 14/11/2025