Dear Applicant

Community Engagement Officer, Loch Lomond – Salary £15,660 to £17,000 per annum

Thank you for your enquiry regarding our advertised vacancy. An application form is enclosed, together with a job description, person specification and other background information about the RSPB. If you have seen this vacancy advertised on our website, please refer to ‘Working for the RSPB’ which contains information about our benefits, and terms and conditions. This document can be downloaded if required.

If you require any further information about this post please contact Paula Baker, Site Manager, paula.baker@rspb.org.uk or ring 01389830670.

Please can you complete the enclosed application form in blue or black ink. The form can also be completed electronically and submitted by email. Please refer to the person specification when completing the form. Your completed application form should clearly describe how you meet each of the criteria that have been identified as being necessary for this post as this will form the basis of shortlisting candidates. If you enclose a CV, it may be referred to for supplementary information, however, please ensure that all the questions asked on the application form are fully answered.

We take all practicable steps to safeguard the safety and welfare of children or vulnerable adults while they are in contact with the RSPB and have a Child Safety and Welfare Policy that supports this. If the post you have applied for involves unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults further checks will be carried out. We will also confirm your eligibility to work in the UK prior to appointment. Completed forms should be returned to Clare Bunyard, Administration Manager, RSPB S&W Scotland Regional Office, 10 Park Quadrant, Glasgow, G3 6BS. Please check the postage required on your application as incorrect postage may lead to your application being delayed and missing the closing date. If you require an acknowledgement of receipt of your application, please enclose a stamped, addressed envelope. Alternatively, you can email your application to clare.bunyard@rspb.org.uk.

The closing date for receipt of completed application forms is 12 Noon Monday 9th February. Interviews will be held Tuesday 24th February 2015.

If you are an external candidate, may we take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in employment with the RSPB. As a charity, we try to keep our administrative costs to a minimum and therefore you will only be contacted if we wish to progress your application. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. However, if you are able to supply us with an e-mail address, we will endeavour to advise you if you have not been shortlisted.

We look forward to receiving your application in due course.

Paula BakerSite Manager, RSPB Loch Lomond

Vacancy pack

This pack contains all the information you need to apply, including:

Useful InformationDetails on our Diversity Policy statement, how we use CVs, shortlisting and employment checks and UK Identification requirements

Applicant letterDetails on how to apply plus closing date and interview date(s)

Job descriptionA breakdown of the vacancy, including the purpose of the job, requirements, duties and responsibilities

Person specificationA list of criteria that potential candidates should aim to meet

Department information*Details of the department advertising the post

Application FormPDF version

Please print out, complete and return to the address on the Applicant letterWord version

Applicants are encouraged to complete electronically and return by e-mail

* This information will only be provided if it is relevant to this post

Applications from candidates requiring a certificate of sponsorship under the UK points-based immigration system will not be considered if there are suitable candidates who do not require sponsorship. This is because employers need to demonstrate that they are unable to recruit a resident worker, before they can recruit a non-resident worker*.

The resident worker rule does not prevent applicants requiring sponsorship from applying for our vacancies, but such applications should be made on the understanding that they can only be considered subject to the restrictions above.

For further information, please visit the Home Office UK Border Agency website.

*This rule does not apply to those applying for roles that require a bachelor, postgraduate degree or postgraduate certificate in education qualification. It is necessary for the qualification to be an essential requirement for the role and the applicant to prove that they possess such a qualification (or have completed a minimum of 12 months study in the UK towards a UK PhD), which is recognised in the UK.

Useful InformationThe RSPB is currently going through a job evaluation review.  We just wanted to let you know that all jobs are subject to this review, including our current job vacancies.  The results of the job evaluation review and the new payband structure will be implemented across the RSPB later in 2015 and you will be kept fully informed of the outcomes.

Diversity Policy StatementThe RSPB is part of a global network that incorporates a diversity of traditions and cultures, and which represents different inheritances, backgrounds, influences, perspectives and experiences. A better understanding of people’s differences will help us to appreciate and value everyone’s contribution, and recognise that we are all an integral and invaluable part of the Society.

Everyone has the right to be treated with consideration and respect. The Society is committed to achieving a truly inclusive environment for all, by developing better working relationships that release the full potential, creativity and productivity of each individual, and an atmosphere where everyone can learn, work and live free from prejudice, discrimination, harassment and violence.

The Society aims to ensure that all staff, volunteers, partners, clients, contractors, members and the general public are treated fairly. Unless it can be shown to be justified, this will be regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender re-assignment, marital or civil partnership status, race (including colour, nationality, ethnicity, or national origin), disability, medical status, age, religion or belief, political opinion, social or economic status, or ex-offender status.

Use of Curriculum Vitae (CVs)Our policy is to recruit and employ our employees on the basis of their suitability for the work to be done. An application form allows us to compare individuals based on like for like information and as such we do not accept a CV unless accompanied by a fully completed application.

ShortlistingThe RSPB is an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to ensuring all applications are treated fairly. Applications are sought only from those eligible to work in the UK in the first instance.

All applications are subject to our shortlisting process where we only assess information provided against the Person Specification. If you are shortlisted we will contact you and invite you to attend an interview. You will also be advised at this point if there will be any skills test, presentations etc.

As a charity, we lack the resources to advise all candidates if their application is unsuccessful. If you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, we will have decided not to take your application any further. However, if you are able to supply us with an e-mail address, we will endeavour to advise you if you have not been shortlisted. If this is the case, please do not be discouraged from re-applying as your skills and experience may be just what we need for our next vacancy. We also have a number of volunteering opportunities across the organisation.

Employment ChecksAll offers of employment are made subject to the following criteria:

Proof of eligibility to work in the UK, Proof of Residency, Satisfactory Employment Health Check, Two references satisfactory to the Society and where required a Satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau Check.

Job Description

Job Title: RSPB Loch Lomond Community Engagement Officer

Dept/Section/Region/Reserve: Forth & Lomond Team, South & West Scotland

Location Of Job: Based at RSPB Loch Lomond with duties in the wider area of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

Contract length: 6 months full time

Post holder reports to: Site Manager

Reporting To Post holder: Volunteers

Overall Purpose Of The Job:

To engage with local communities and visitors about the current work the RSPB is undertaking at RSPB Loch Lomond, RSPB Inversnaid and the wider National Park. This will be achieved by enthusing people about the plethora of amazing wildlife and the exciting plans and projects that will be developed in future years; increasing the income streams being generated; developing strong relationships with the local and wider community; and delivering a programme of community and site based events, talks and educational activities both on and off site.

Main Duties:

1. To liaise with the local community (individuals and groups) in Gartocharn, Croftamie, Drymen, Buchanan Estate, Balloch, Alexandria and other locations where appropriate, about the work of RSPB Loch Lomond through delivering community talks, wildlife based activities & by developing a low-key events programme, both on and off site where appropriate.

2. Developing the existing visitor offer at RSPB Loch Lomond following the successful completion of the access road project, by organising and running a programme of regular guided walks on site as well as welcoming specialist tour groups, to show and tell people about the amazing array of wildlife on site.

3. To work with the RSPB Loch Lomond Site Manager to create an events programme across the National Park linking in with local businesses, tourism providers and partners, with the view of increasing income streams through RSPB memberships and community fundraising opportunities, to agreed targets.

4. To continue working with Cruise Loch Lomond, alongside the area and regional RSPB teams, to deliver a successful programme of 25+ wildlife cruise events to both RSPB Inversnaid and Inchcailloch island.

5. To continue building relationships with, and to deliver wildlife-themed educational activities to local primary & secondary schools and youth groups, with the view to providing future educational opportunities on & off site.

6. To work collaboratively with LL&TNP staff (including the NP Ranger Service) and SNH staff on key messages, events and campaigns as needed.

7. Develop strong contacts with local businesses who may be able to assist with the operations and future management of RSPB Loch Lomond or future visitor engagement and promotions

8. To increase awareness of the ongoing work and wildlife at RSPB Loch Lomond & RSPB Inversnaid and our future plans for the sites.

9. To build on the existing small team of volunteers taking part in the available opportunities in the area and establish a team of volunteers to help deliver community engagement objectives. To ensure this team is well trained, fully engaged and confident to help deliver RSPB objectives.

10. Constantly look for opportunities for partnership working & community integration11. Produce progress reports at regular intervals to feed into the RSPB Loch Lomond steering group

Other Duties:

1. To lead on the development of site interpretation such as signage, leaflets and other promotional materials, in conjunction with the regional Communication and Interpretation Officer.

2. To assist with aspects of site administration and management as advised by Site Manager3. Use social media via the RSPB Glasgow communications team to interpret and promote the wildlife

found on site and around the local area, as well as other interesting stories4. To work closely with the RSPB Loch Lomond Site Manager and Assistant Warden, and to assist

when required5. To assist the wider Forth & Lomond area team with practical site management, surveys and

administration where practicable6. To assist the site team in dealing with any general enquiries from members of the public such as

wildlife ID, work of the RSPB, access arrangements etc7. Attend RSPB training and meetings as appropriate

This role requires regular weekend, evening and bank holiday working to achieve objectives for the Society. RSPB Scotland offers a fair TOIL policy.

We expect you to carry out your job responsibilities in an environmentally aware manner, ensuring as little damage to the environment as possible. Our aim is to ensure all resources are utilised effectively and efficiently. You will be expected to apply ‘sound value for money’ principles in undertaking purchasing or supply of goods and services.

In the RSPB volunteers are a major resource and make a vital contribution to the RSPB’s aim to take action for the conservation of wild birds and the environment. You will be expected to encourage, develop and support volunteer involvement in our work.

The position will also involve working in association with Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Scottish Natural Heritage, local authorities and funders.

Fancy a job in one of the most scenic areas of the UK, where ospreys soar and the highlands of Scotland provide a continuous backdrop to your working day? Then read on.

Ring Point at RSPB Loch Lomond 2012

This information has been prepared to give you feel for RSPB Loch Lomond and the surrounding area and what it could be like if you came to work as part of the team working to protect and promote nature in a National Park.

The Site

RSPB Loch Lomond is part of the 430ha Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve, sitting within the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. The NNR is incredibly diverse supporting oak woodlands, a mosaic of wetland habitats and a broad range of species and is covered by a range of designations including SSSI, SPA, SAC, Ramsar and National Scenic Area (NSA). Being situated on the dividing line between highlands and lowlands means species and habitats at the limits of their northern and southern ranges are present, increasing the uniqueness of the site.

The RSPB section of the NNR (237ha) was purchased in spring 2012 but the NNR has been in existence since 1962. There has been a varied history of management across the reserve as it has been in a variety of private ownership since designation. This has limited some of the activities and has ultimately led to a decline in the condition of the habitats over the last ten years. The RSPB site team have started working towards reversing these declines over the past three years and have already made significant progress.

One of the unique features about this site is the partnership approach to management. This is through an agreement with Scottish Natural Heritage and the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, who have input at a strategic level and give support to the development and delivery on site.

Another unique aspect of the site is its variety of nature. An eighth of all plant species in the UK are represented with one 20-acre area of fen meadow, which supporting 120 species alone. There is the Loch Lomond dock found only on Loch Lomondside within the UK. The Endrick Water, which flows through the site, is an amazingly natural functioning river with spawning salmon and three species of lamprey. In fact the river lamprey in the Endrick are unlike any other population as they remain in the freshwater of the Loch instead of migrating to the sea, a behavioural trait recorded nowhere else in the UK.

Bugs abound with cracking beetles like the recently recorded Zircon reed beetle first recorded on the site in 2011. This species has had a dramatic 81% loss from sites in Scotland and requires good quality wetlands with a variety of sedge species, like those at RSPB Loch Lomond.

An important feature of the site is the internationally important wintering numbers of Greenland white-fronted geese. These roost on the reserve and feed on the surrounding fields. One aspiration for the site is to get more of the undesignated grassland into better condition to hold grazing geese during the day.

Other species on site include breeding snipe, redshank, water rail and the odd spotted crake. The fens support a very healthy population of grasshopper warblers, which have recently been closely researched as part of an RSPB project into the requirements of this elusive but noisy species.

The woodlands on site have breeding spotted flycatcher, wood warbler, tree pipit and redstart along with the more common woodland species. In the past osprey have nested on site but due to persecution in the nineties they moved on. Would you like to help get them breeding back on site?

The above details are just a taster of what makes the site so special and does not include the wealth of bryophytes and lichens, the otters and water voles, the potential for re-colonisation by red squirrel and the geological and cultural interests.

In addition to the fantastic wildlife on site, we have been working towards making the site more accessible for people. We are currently carrying out work to complete an access road and small car parking area on site, which will give us much more flexibility for welcoming visitors. We are also working hard on projects to develop nature trails and interpretation on site.

The Community Engagement role

We need you to help us to both engage the local and wider community with the amazing wildlife and landscape at RSPB Loch Lomond in Gartocharn and to develop the opportunities that the public has for experiencing the fantastic wildlife at RSPB Loch Lomond and within the wider National Park. The role will involve working to build strong relationships with local communities, neighbours, schools, community groups, youth groups and local businesses through face to face activities including organising, attending and running events; developing educational activities; delivering evening talks and guided walks. You will need to be a fantastic team player and at ease when talking to a wide range of people.

The role also includes working with another partner, Cruise Loch Lomond, to deliver a series of wildlife cruises on the loch, destined for both RSPB Inversnaid, where you would be delivering guided wildlife walks and to the island of Inchcailloch.

The RSPB Loch Lomond site is still in its early stages and you will be the third dedicated member of staff on site, but do not worry you’re certainly not alone and a big team of regional and national staff are there to support you.

The site sits within the Forth and Lomond team of the South and West Scotland Region. An Area Reserves Manager oversees the work within the Forth and Lomond team, which has three other members of staff coving five reserves including Inversnaid, Skinflats, Fannyside, Inchmickery and Fidra.

The regional office is in Glasgow where the support of the conservation officers, public affairs team, a Reserves Manager and Regional Director are only a call away. In fact with Glasgow being only 20 miles away, the regional office is conveniently placed in relation to the site.

What’s it like living here?

Fantastic! You have the National Park (http://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/) as a playground.

Nearest Town: Balloch/Alexandria 4.5 miles with train station, bus station, library, schools and swimming pool, Co-op, take-ways and garage

Nearest Village: Gartocharn with bus stop, village store, petrol station, primary school and nursery (very good reputation) and busy community hall

The Trossachs is great for long walks, cycling or if you like your activity a little less energetic, why not take your camera for a leisurely steam up Loch Lomond or on Loch Katrine.

If you like culture and hustle & bustle the city of Glasgow (http://www.seeglasgow.com/) is only 23 miles away or 40 minutes by train with a regular half hourly service service from Balloch. Further a field, Stirling (30 minutes by car) and Edinburgh (1hr 50mins by train) are very reachable.

Person SpecificationJob Title: Community Engagement Officer

Region /Dept: Loch LomondHow criteria will be tested : A = Application Form, T = Test, I = Interview, P = Personality test, O = Other

Essential DesirableQualifications A T I P O Qualifications A T I P O1 Educated to Standard Grade/GCSE level including English,

Science & MathsX a Degree level/further education in a relevant area or

equivalent practical experienceX

Experience Experience2 At least two years experience of community engagement

workX X b Of working for a charity, wildlife tourism operator or

conservation organisation in a people facing roleX X

3 Working with a wide range of audiences and age groups, including (but not restricted to) birdwatchers, photographers, children, youth groups, community groups, peers and senior management.

X X c Environmental education – experience delivering educational workshop sessions for a variety of age groups, both formally and informally.

X X

4 Organising and running high quality and inspirational public events for a variety of audiences, including leading guided walks

X X X d Partnership working – experience working with multiple partners, organisations and businesses

X X

5 Recruiting, working with, managing and motivating volunteers

X X e Developing interpretation including leaflets, display boards etc

X X

f Experienced sales person and/or fundraiser for a conservation organisation or charity

X X

Skills/Abilities Skills/Abilities6 Able to meet and exceed targets X X g Ability to keep accurate and detailed records and write

reportsX X

7 Networking – experience building relationships with ‘cold’ contacts and expanding existing ones

X X

8 Ability to speak in public to people of all ages/abilities, with a real aptitude for communicating confidently and inspirationally in a range of ways with a wide range of audiences

X X X

9 Good computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook

X

10 Excellent organisational skills with ability to prioritise and manage a busy workload

X X

Knowledge Knowledge

11 Of Scottish natural history, wildlife and conservation issues X X X h Of wider UK natural history, wildlife & conservation issues X X12 Of the work of the RSPB X X i Of RSPB policies and practices X X

j Of health, safety and welfare at work X Xk Of Loch Lomond and the surrounding area, including the

National ParkX X

Behaviours/Circumstances Behaviours/Circumstances13 Flexible – able to work evenings, bank holidays and

weekends as well as variable week daysX X

14 Personable, gets on well with a wide range of people – good team player

X X

15 Diplomatic, tactful and patient. Able to handle difficult or confrontational situations whilst continuing to be an advocate for the RSPB

X X X

16 Must be able to travel [with equipment] to events & locations which either have limited public transport links or are not served by public transport at all

X X

17 Highly self motivated – able to work alone or remotely to achieve targets

X X

18 Reliable, resourceful and dependable X X

PLEASE REFER TO VACANCY DETAILS FOR RETURN ADDRESSJob Ref. No. A4230115

Position applied for

Location

How did you first learn of this vacancy?

Identification details(BLOCK CAPITALS PLEASE)

Surname Dr/Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms/Other

Forenames

Address

Postcode

Email address

May we, with discretion, phone you at work? Yes No

Home tel no Business tel no

Do you hold a current, valid driving licence? Yes NoIf yes, what type? Full ProvisionalIf yes, do you have any current endorsements? Yes NoIf yes, please give details of any current endorsements.

Qualifications relevant to this application (including technical and/or professional).Please provide details (note that these may be verified on appointment)

Current membership of any professional or technical organisations. Please provide details (note that these may be verified on appointment)

Application Pack July 2012 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales No. 207076 Scotland No. SC037654

APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT

STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

Employment historyPlease give details of all jobs held, including part-time and unpaid work, starting with your current or most recent employer. Continue on a separate sheet if necessary.

Employer’s full name & address

Job title/Key achievements & areas of responsibility

Length of time in job/Reasons for leaving/Final salary in role

Relevant skills/knowledge/experienceYou should outline below how your skills/knowledge/experience meet the requirements of the Person Specification. You may draw on past employment and/or out of work activities. Please include details of any scientific papers you have had published. Continue on a separate sheet if necessary.

Why are you interested in applying for this post?Continue on a separate sheet if necessary.

Length of notice

Declaration

The information on this form will be used for recruitment and selection purposes only and if your application is successful it will form part of your employment record. All unsuccessful applications will be destroyed twelve months after the closing date for positions advertised in Scotland, England and Wales and three years after the closing date for positions advertised in Northern Ireland.

Are you eligible to work in the UK ? Yes No

For Internal applicants only: In the event of my application being successful give my permission for the HR Department to approach my line manager for an internal reference.

If it is discovered that you have given any information, which you know to be false, or withhold any relevant information your application may be rejected or any subsequent employment terminated.

I confirm that the information contained in this application form is correct.

Signature .....................................................................................……………………………………….

Date .................................................................................................................................................

Application Pack July 2012 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales No. 207076 Scotland No. SC037654