British Dragonfly Society (BDS) Scotland Officer

Organisation: British Dragonfly Society

Salary: £24,000 pro rata

Location: Home-based, but with project locations throughout Scotland, particularly in the Central Belt.

Hours: Average one day per week, rising to two days after 6 months

Position type: Paid

Contract: 18 month contract (October 2013 to March 2015) in the first instance

Closing date: 6th September 2013

Website:

Contact:

General description

Develop the role of the BDS in Scotland by engaging with local communities and volunteers to promote dragonfly recording and conservation. A small, dedicated group of BDS volunteers already exists in Scotland, but they are widely dispersed throughout the country. It will be necessary to build from this baseline by introducing dragonflies to a new audience in selected areas. The role will provide opportunities to work with local BDS members, engage with the general public, encourage greater participation in outdoor activities and offer training in dragonfly identification, ecology and recording. The BDS Scotland Officer will provide a focal point for all dragonfly-related work in Scotland. It may be possible to base some office work in Stirling with one of our conservation partners.

Primary tasks

  • Organise and deliver a programme of BDS walks and talks for BDS members and the general public.
  • Organise and deliver training events for local groups of potential volunteers, as well as staff and volunteers from other key organisations in Scotland.
  • Arrange a Scottish Dragonfly Conference, with a view to this becoming an annual event.
  • Represent the BDS at events organised by others in Scotland, including Gardening Scotland.
  • Use local knowledge to assist other BDS Officers to identify Key Sites for dragonflies. Work with other BDS Officers to offer habitat management and species conservation advice on Key Sites.
  • Identify potential Dragonfly Hotspots, including two within the Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN), and develop projects to engage with local volunteers. Where necessary assist in the preparation of bids for local funding.
  • Work with other BDS Officers and volunteers to design, create and disseminate environmental education resources that support the Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland.
  • Design, deliver and evaluate Citizen Science projects in partnership with the BDS Conservation Officer.
  • Use various media to raise awareness of dragonflies and promote the work of the BDS to record, study and conserve these insects and their habitats.

Supplementary tasks

  • Work with existing BDS volunteers to promote dragonfly recording and increase the number of active volunteers in Scotland.
  • Liaise with similar conservation organisations in Scotland, for example Buglife and Butterfly Conservation, to develop partnership projects and initiatives.
  • Promote the monitoring of dragonflies on selected Key Sites and where appropriate survey sites for Key Species.
  • Answer queries and provide information on dragonflies in Scotland, including responding to consultations in partnership with the Dragonfly Conservation Group.
  • Identify and develop other projects in Scotland in accordance with the strategy set by BDS Trustees.

Required skills

Good communication skills in all mediums for a wide variety of audiences.

Ability to manage projects effectively and meet deadlines.

Sound knowledge of invertebrate conservation and/or freshwater habitats.

Car driver (a mileage allowance is paid for essential travel).

Desired skills

Good knowledge of UK dragonflies and their habitats.

Working knowledge of the Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland and its links to outdoor learning.

Experience of fund-raising.

Experience

Work (paid or voluntary) for a similar conservation organisation.

Practical experience of habitat management work and/or educational work.

Education

Ideally a degree in one of the natural sciences or an equivalent qualification.

Applying for the post

Letters of applications should be emailed to:

There is no formal application form, so please attach a copy of your current CV.

The closing date for applications is 6th September 2013.

Short-listed candidates will be contacted between September 17th and 20th, so please provide suitable contact details for that period.

Short-listed candidates should be prepared to attend an interview in Edinburgh on September 24th.