RSPB Abernethy National Nature Reserve is in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park spanning an area of 140sq km. It is one of the most iconic landscapes in in the Scottish highlands and includes areas of caledonian pine forest, loch Garten and the Cairngorm plateau and Ben Macdui. It is home to over 5000 recorded species, some of the more notable being capercaillie, black grouse, crested tits, twin flower and pine hoverfly. What's the role about? The aim of this role is to assist with the planning, preparation and management of various contracts- within areas of plantation and semi-natural woodland- including thinning of approx. 60ha plantation, horse-logging, field layer management and tree planting. Main duties will include: walk-over surveys/ground truthing; marking and mapping key features; contractor visits and recording progress of work. There will also be opportunities for practical work when required, such as infrastructure repairs, tree felling and seed collecting. What we need from you: Essential skills include: • Knowledge and experience of practical habitat and estate management. • A proven track record of completing work alone and working within a varied team. • Experience of record keeping. • Good communication skills and ability to form professional working relationships. • Full driving licence. Desirable qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience: • Lantra or equivalent qualification in using equipment such as brushcutter and chainsaw. • Implementing and updating health and safety records and assessments. • Experience using mapping software. Additional information: • This role will involve lone working and working in remote locations. • This role will require occasional weekend, early morning and evening working so will need someone who is able to be flexible. • There may be training opportunities to support the role. • This is a 10 month Fixed-Term maternity cover role for 37.5 hours per week. • The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term. •