Save the Spring is a project partnership looking to deliver a watershed wide restoration programme to restore natural processes and biodiversity to the River Dee catchment. The river and its iconic species, particularly wild Spring Salmon, are now under threat to the point of extinction from the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. This groundbreaking project will focus on addressing the local impacts of these crises by bringing together a catchment scale strategic habitat restoration scheme with a fish repopulation initiative, over a twenty-year period.
- The Role
To be the key focal point for the project and co-ordinate the delivery of the ‘Save the Spring’ 20 year programme of work. The programme will deliver landscape-scale habitat and biodiversity restoration of the river catchment and include a programme of fish repopulation through conservation translocation. Key to success will be working in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders and communities.
The postholder will be supported by the River Dee Trust, Dee District Salmon Fishery Board, and the Watershed Connections programme in the Atlantic Salmon Trust. These three organisations will deliver the project.
The role will report to the Save the Spring Steering Group chaired by the Atlantic Salmon Trust’s Research Director and be line managed by the Dee Fishery Board’s River Director and employed through the River Dee Trust.
- Key Responsibilities
To be the central co-ordination point for all partners and workstreams, as well as managing workflow and reporting.
Develop the initial Phase 1 five-year programme plan and work packages delivery schedule. This will include:
Developing and producing an audit of the of the Dee catchment and associated land uses. This will bring together all relevant data sources relating to the catchment environment, salmonid populations and biodiversity. Data and evidence gaps will be identified through this process, and a baseline for monitoring established.
Assessing the potential for restoration across the catchment to reverse biodiversity loss and future climate resilience, followed by the development of strategic twenty-year programme of works to deliver the identified potential.
Develop the conservation translocation aspects of the project in both practical and regulatory terms, whilst delivering an exemplar project working closely with key partners in the public and private sectors and research organisations.
Design and co-ordinate the stakeholder and community engagement process and reporting procedures and then working with partners to ensure that communication about the work programme is effectively delivered through respective channels.
Work with key agencies and other organisations to ensure all reporting, codes of practice and legal requirements are followed for relevant parts of the work packages.
Work with the project partners to provide information for funding applications as required.
- Skills and Background
Knowledge
Essential
- Extensive project management
- Freshwater conservation and restoration management
- Excellent understanding of practices for habitat and species conservation and restoration.
- Understanding and knowledge of legislation and policies for biodiversity.
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communications skills, written and verbal, to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Delivery of community and stakeholder engagement events.
- Practical skills in multi-disciplinary ecosystem management projects.
- GIS and associated spatial analysis packages.
Desirable
- Technical skills in aquatic and wildlife conservation and management.
- Ability to identify and engage with a range of funders.
Experience
Essential
- Experience in strategic project planning, management, co-ordination and output delivery.
- Experience of co-ordinating programmes of work/projects involving a diverse range of stakeholders and communities and delivering stakeholder events.
- Experience of partnership and collaborative working.
- Experience in the collection and analysis of data.
- Conference and other public presentations.
- Demonstrated success in obtaining funding.
Desirable
- Familiarity of working with organisations involved in biodiversity conservation in the UK and internationally.
- Experience of working in rural and remote locations.
- Familiarity with the publication and peer review process for research outputs.
Qualifications or Equivalent experience
Essential
- Qualified at least to degree level, or equivalent practical experience, in a relevant social science and/or scientific discipline (e.g. a subject relevant to biodiversity, wildlife and land management and/or technical project delivery).
- A full UK driving licence.
Desirable
- Project / management, or equivalent experience, qualification
Any other relevant duties
- Uphold and ensure compliance with Health, Safety and Wellbeing, GDPR and safeguarding and Equality and Diversity arrangements.
- Abide by all employer governance and approved procedures and perform any other duties not specifically detailed but which may fall within the overall job purpose and within the expected competence and ability of the post holder.
4. Hours and Place of Work
The River Dee Trust operates a 40-hour working week. The place of work will be the River Office, Mill of Dinnet, with a potential for a proportion of hybrid working, and the postholder will be required to travel as required to carry out their duties. Some of the work undertaken will require the working of weekends or evenings and there is a time off in lieu system as part of our working hours policy.
5. Remuneration and Benefits
The role is a permanent position. The salary for the post will be in the region of £40,000 (with annual review) for a 40-hour working week. A pension scheme is offered, and 6% contributions are matched by the employer. A vehicle will be provided for work duties.
6. Terms of Employment
The employer is The River Dee Trust and its terms of employment will be specified in an accompanying contract and staff handbook, along with this job description. The River Dee Trust also operates continuous professional development for all employers as it believes that the success of the project will be down to its staff.
The River Office, Mill of Dinnet, Aberdeenshire, AB34 5LA
To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter explaining your interest in this role to info@riverdee.org by 5pm on Monday 15 April.
We will invite selected candidates to interview held at Dinnet on Tuesday 30 April.
