Salary: £24,479 pro rata per annum + Bothy accommodation
Location: Dunkeld - Loch of the Lowes
Status: April 2026 – June 2026.
17.5 hours per week
Closing Date: Friday 30th January – 12 noon
Interviews will take place – W/C 16th February
Scotland’s leading nature conservation charity is looking for enthusiastic individuals to undertake the role of Wildlife Protection Officer (WPO) based at Loch of the Lowes. This paid role includes free accommodation, invaluable training and the opportunity to develop experience in species protection, working with volunteers and public engagement.
Based at Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve, this 8-week role will focus on providing osprey and other wildlife, species protection during the sensitive period of the breeding season. The role will require working closely with the Perthshire Ranger, the Volunteer Nest Protection Team and Visitor Centre staff.
Successful candidates will be housed on-site, in a lochside, wooden eco-bothy for the duration of the role.
Duties include:
· Monitoring and recording breeding ospreys’ behaviour
· Providing protection for the resident ospreys, and other species, including their nest, eggs, and chicks during the critical part of the breeding season
· Engaging with members of the public, both in the hides and on regular patrols around the reserve
· Intervening and taking appropriate action in incidents of disturbance
· Monitoring additional webcams for beaver activity and other wildlife footage
· Working closely with Visitor Centre staff and volunteers
· Managing observational data and producing an end of season summary report
Training and Support:
The candidate will have the fantastic opportunity to gain experience in;
· Species ID
· Use of webcam and security camera software
· Working with volunteers
· Public engagement
The successful candidate will ideally have:
· An interest and passion in nature conservation
· Good knowledge of natural history, species ID and surveying skills
· Experience of bird monitoring or species protection work
· Experience of living in shared accommodation with colleagues and willingness to contribute to a positive living environment
· The ability to work unsociable hours
· A reasonable standard of physical fitness and personal resilience to working in cold conditions
· A positive and flexible approach to work and other team members
· The ability to communicate with volunteers, staff and members of the public in an approachable and confident manner
· Experience of conflict resolution
· A high level of self-motivation, personal responsibility and organisational skills
· Good computer literacy skills, including Excel
· Understanding of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code
· Driver’s License (highly desirable)
· First Aid Qualification
Please note the Wildlife Protection Officer role is dependent on the return of breeding ospreys. Covid-19 precautions will be applied as appropriate, particularly with regards to the bothy accommodation.
To apply, please click the green “apply now” button which will take you to our application pages.
Scottish Wildlife Trust are an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and welcome applications from diverse groups. If you require more information, please contact us