Seasonal Assistant Biologist

The Loch Lomond Fisheries Trust is looking to recruit a seasonal assistant biologist to
join our team based at the Trust office in Drymen, Stirling. This is a temporary full time post from May
until October, 2024 (6 months) – the start date can be flexible to take into account applicants’
university term dates etc. The assistant biologist will report to the Trust biologist and will
be involved in the day to day delivery of environmental projects designed
to better understand and improve river habitats and fish populations within the Loch
Lomond system.

The post holder is required to have a degree in a biological or environmental
discipline or be a graduate with demonstrable interest and experience in ecology and
conservation. The successful applicant should expect to spend significant amounts of time
working outdoors, and will need to have good levels of physical fitness. The nature of our
outdoor work requires that the candidate be self-motivated and bring a proactive attitude to
the role.

Further details on the role and qualities required for this post can be found in the
job description below. 

Applications by C.V. and covering letter should be submitted to the Trust Biologist at
[email protected] no later than 1700 hrs. on Friday 29th
March 2024. Interviews will take place on the week beginning 8th April with the successful
candidate taking up post as soon as possible thereafter. Please email [email protected] for more information about the role. 

JOB DESCRIPTION 

Job title: Assistant biologist (Seasonal). 
Reporting to: Trust biologist. 
Salary: £21,255  (with pension provision). 
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, with occasional weekend or evening work. 
Location: Based at Loch Lomond Fisheries Trust Office, Buchanan Castle Golf Club,
Drymen, Stirling, Scotland. G63 0HX. 

Introduction and main duties of the post

Loch Lomond Fisheries Trust is an environmental charity working to improve fish
populations, their habitats and water quality across the Loch Lomond catchment. 

We work with a range of partners and landowners to carry out biological monitoring and
conservation projects throughout the year and the assistant biologist will be responsible for
assisting in the delivery of these environmental projects. Typical work for this role will
include monitoring fish populations using electrofishing, maintaining riverbanks and removal of
invasive non-native plants. To carry out the role, the post holder will be required to travel
as necessary through the Lomond system. 

Specific duties will include:

• Outdoor conservation work for which full accredited training and PPE will be
  provided;
• Ensuring a healthy and safe working environment – this will include working to risk
  assessments and biosecurity protocols;
• Monitoring fish populations using electrofishing and other means;
• Maintaining and managing equipment and storage facilities; 
• Report writing;
• Presentations and events for local stakeholders;
• Providing content for the Trust’s social media platforms;
• Undertaking any other duties necessary to fulfil the remit of the LLFT. 

Personal Specification 

Skills and Background 

The post holder is required to have a degree in a biological or environmental science
or be a graduate from another discipline with demonstrable interest and experience in
environmental management, ecology or conservation. The post holder will be able to demonstrate that they can work either alone, or in a
small team, and show evidence of self-motivation, as well as having a proactive
attitude. 

The following are essential criteria: 

• Relevant degree or graduate with demonstrable interest and experience in
  conservation; 
• A full driving licence, and due to the location of our office, having access to
  your own transport;
• Competency in word processing and spreadsheets; 
• Experience in report writing; 
• A willingness to deal with members of the public and liaise with
  stakeholders;
• An ability to work outdoors in all weathers, coupled with a good level of physical
  fitness.

The following experience would be desirable: 

• Knowledge of GIS tools and their application;
• Knowledge of the ecological threats and conservation challenges in the Lomond
  system;
• Knowledge of native freshwater fish species and their fisheries; 
• Fish husbandry or fieldwork involving fish; 
• Knowledge in the field of invasive non-native species;
• Experience of working on education or community outreach projects;
• Experience of working with volunteers. 

What we will offer the right candidate

This will be a hands-on and varied role, predominantly outdoors whereby you will work
on a variety of projects spanning from fish to forests. You will work with numerous rare and
protected species of fish and be an integral part of managing a Special Area of Conservation
within a National Park. You will receive accredited training in
numerous disciplines which might include electrofishing, GIS, invasive plant management and numerous
other skills necessary for practical outdoor conservation.