Programme Manager – Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels

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

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.

About us

For 60 years, the Scottish Wildlife Trust has worked with its members, partners and
supporters in pursuit of its vision of healthy, resilient ecosystems across Scotland’s land and
seas.

The Trust successfully champions the cause of wildlife through policy and campaigning work,
demonstrates best practice through practical conservation and innovative partnerships, and
inspires people to take positive action through its education and engagement activities. The
Trust manages a network of over 100 wildlife reserves across Scotland and is a member of the
UK-wide Wildlife Trusts movement.