Ecological Assistant in Fife

Contract Type: Temporary for 2 years.

Interview Date: Monday 10th December 2018.

This post is restricted to candidates aged 16 – 24 years of age and must be residing in Fife at date of interview.

The job pack for this vacancy is attached at the bottom of the page. It provides more detailed information about the job and the type of person we are looking for.

All employees are expected to display and promote certain behaviours in the workplace.  Our ‘How We Work Matters’ behaviour framework contains more information and is available via this link.

Before applying, it is important that you read the ‘Candidate Information’ by clicking on this link. The main Terms and Conditions and employment are available via the same link.

Fife has one of the most extensive and most visited countryside networks in Scotland.  It has a rich diversity of natural heritage and many areas with special conservation status.  Amongst these are Wildlife Sites, recognised as locally important places for wildlife.

This position is an exciting opportunity to take a key role in the survey and assessment of these Wildlife Sites to provide up-to-date information on their value for biodiversity, whilst gaining practical experience.

You will use and build on existing knowledge and skills and develop new competencies throughout the project, enabling you to deliver outcomes that will directly contribute to the recognition and protection of important areas and promote positive management, to the benefit of local communities, visitors and biodiversity.

The successful candidate will have a lead role in all aspects of the project; from liaising with experts, to adapt methodologies for a local context, as well as with farmers and landowners; to carrying out habitat and wildlife surveys, digitising the results and presenting reports and recommendations regarding designation.

The role will involve assessment of a large number of sites covering a diverse range of lowland, coastal and upland habitats over the survey season and will require significant periods of time working alone in the field.

We are looking for someone who is self-motivated, capable of organising a demanding and varied workload and interested in developing their ecological knowledge and experience.  Communication skills and computer literacy will be important.  A strong customer care focus is essential.

The candidate must be educated to SCQF level 9 which includes a Degree or equivalent in a relevant environment or countryside subject and have a working knowledge of typical species and habitats.

A strong interest in wider countryside issues would be welcomed.

Training and support will be delivered to help develop the correct candidate.

The post holder will be expected to make site visits to undertake survey and assessment.  Due to the location  of the sites with many being in remote areas, the ability to travel independently throughout Fife and walk through rough terrain is required.

For further information, please contact: 

Richard Smith  – Team Manager Access and Biodiversity 

Email: Richard.smith@fife.gov.uk