Programme Manager - Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels

Status: Full time, Fixed term (until 31 March 2026)

Closing date: 13 September 2024

The Role: 

Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) is a project to deliver the essential protection measures required to secure the long-term future of red squirrels in Scotland and to ensure that systems are put in place to continue the delivery of these measures over the long term by working with other agencies with a stake in native species conservation and invasive non-native species management. 

The Programme Manager leads on the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) national Transforming Nature project to maintain protected red squirrel populations from the threat of replacement by grey squirrels and from squirrelpox disease across Scotland, support community volunteer networks and land managers to engage actively in red squirrel protection and monitoring, and work with other agencies to develop a permanent strategic means of co-ordinating and delivering the grey squirrel control elements of the Scottish Strategy for Red Squirrel Conservation.  

Main Duties:  

Staff Management: 

• Lead and support the team of 3x SSRS regional Leads, 3x Grey Squirrel Officers, 6x Monitoring and Control Officers, 2x Eradication Officers, Community Coordination and Outreach Officer, Communications & Engagement Officer, Data Officer, and Programme Support Officer to deliver all aspects of the Project appropriate to their region, in accordance with the SSRS Project Plan.  

• Responsible for line management of five direct reports, including daily support, regular goal-setting and appraisal, and oversight of the line management of other regional project officers.  

• Liaise with the relevant Scottish Wildlife Trust Team Leads to guide the activities of the SSRS Data Officer and SSRS Communications & Engagement Officer. 

Project Management 

• Coordinate the delivery of strategic grey squirrel monitoring and control by project staff and volunteers across all project regions. 

• Oversee the delivery of community engagement and oversee the promotion of ongoing public recording of squirrel distribution in key areas and across Scotland.  

• Work with partners and other stakeholders to increase local capacity to deliver and develop models of sustainable community investment to ensure the long-term provision of essential professional grey squirrel control in key areas of South Scotland and the Central Lowlands.   

• Collaborate with the North East Eradication Scientific Lead and other partners to oversee the delivery of a scientifically robust urban eradication programme and develop resilient, long-term post-eradication monitoring and rapid response mechanisms. 

• Work with relevant Trust staff, project partners, and other agencies to continue development a permanent means of coordinating and delivering grey squirrel control and monitoring on a national scale. 

• Provide knowledge support and training to the Project Team and ensure the flow of good practice developments between regions. 

• Produce regular standardised reports on project progress for the Trust, SSRS Partners and funders with assistance of the Data Officer, together with updates for national and regional advisory groups, and wider project stakeholders. 

 The successful candidate will ideally: 

• Be educated to higher degree level in a related discipline (biological conservation or conservation) or have proven experience in a similar role 

• Substantial experience or qualification within a project management or staff management role 

• Be able to lead, support and motivate individuals to deliver complex projects in a timely manner 

• The ability to be hands-on and manage conflict and achieve satisfactory resolutions 

• Have extensive knowledge of red squirrel ecology and conservation projects and programmes 

• Be proficient analysis of data, evaluation and reporting at a senior level. 

• Have financial control proficiency regarding projects and experience in reporting to key stakeholders such as funders and partners. 

• Be proficient in interpreting data to a high standard to ensure best practice regarding decision making and target setting 

• Have a working knowledge of mammal population and mammalian invasive species management. 

Closing date: 13 September 2024

Interview date: w/c 16th September 2024

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

The Trust is a passionate employer, proactive about creating a culture of diversity and inclusive workplace that promotes and values equal opportunities for all. We welcome individuals from all networks of life, backgrounds, and experiences.