Stoats threaten the Orkney vole, and many birds including hen harriers, short-eared owls, red-throated divers, waders and seabirds. It is therefore essential to remove stoats from Orkney to prevent significant and long-term negative impacts on Orkney’s native wildlife. Our project is a partnership between RSPB Scotland, Nature Scot and Orkney Islands Council, and alongside partner contributions, is generously funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF),EU Life and Nature Restoration Fund (NRF). Scat detection dogs and passionate leadership are integral to our success, so we are looking for experienced conservation detection dog team manager to join our team. The role of Conservation Detection Dog Team Manager will be to: You will play a vital role in supporting the stoat eradication operation and biosecurity efforts across the Orkney Islands. This includes advocacy and media work as needed. A key responsibility will be housing one or two trained stoat detection dogs. You’ll bring experience in organising training, setting up work programmes, implementing a quality strategy, and overseeing the operations of a detection dog team. You will lead the delivery of dog team operations in line with project methodology, ensuring all activities support eradication and biosecurity goals. This includes maintaining compliance with RSPB policies and procedures, and ensuring the Orkney Native Wildlife Project (ONWP) has the necessary documentation, policies, and workplans in place. You’ll also be responsible for agreeing and implementing a quality strategy for detection dog work, including regular reviews, updates to procedures, and ongoing training and assessment of dogs. A critical part of your role will be ensuring all handlers maintain their dogs’ capabilities through continuation training, with accurate records of both training and operational searches. You’ll identify and escalate risks, propose contingency plans, and lead on their implementation to ensure the programme remains on track. You’ll also manage reporting requirements for partners and funders, oversee contract management for replacement dogs and staff, and manage the dog team budget, escalating any financial issues as needed. Strong communication and collaboration will be essential. You’ll keep all stakeholders fully informed, communicate progress and challenges through the Eradication Operations Manager, and work professionally within a large team. You’ll be responsible for monitoring overall progress, ensuring effective use of resources, and taking corrective action where necessary to keep the project aligned with its objectives. Essential behaviours required for this role: • Encourages team collaboration and a sense of shared purpose through clear work priorities • Focus areas and activities are regularly evaluated to ensure meaningful impact is being achieved • Acts as a champion for making decisions and leading from the front, while valuing the expertise and input of others • Can inspire and motivate the team to achieve positive outcomes across all projects • Promotes a culture of strong communication and positive relationships with our team, partners and wider community • Is a passionate advocate for the RSPB and the value of our mission Essential skills, experience and qualifications: • Experience of utilising conservation detection dogs following strict guidelines and policy. • Experience managing a diverse group of people, with a focus on integration, and high quality work outputs. • Proven experience in developing and delivering a training programme for detection dogs, and/or handlers. • Demonstrable experience line managing staff with a key focus on an ability to set direction, ensure procedures are followed and maintain motivation. • IT literate including Microsoft office programmes. • An ability to produce clear written communications such as training plans, reports, and papers. • Ability to lead change and work under pressure to deliver time sensitive outputs • Experience of working with local communities in a collaborative and sensitive way • Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to find creative solutions • Attention to detail and ability to understand financial systems • Full Driving licence Desirable skills and experiences: • Competency using database and mapping programmes (Merlin or GIS) • Practical experience and knowledge of tools and techniques available for the management of invasive non-native predators. • Experience of working in remote and diverse island communities. This is a full-time role for 37.5 hours per week, running until the 31st of December, 2029. If you have any questions regarding this position, please email hannah.read@rspb.org.uk This advertisement will close on Sunday, the 2nd of November, 2025. Interviews will be held from Wednesday, the 12th of November, 2025. ________________________ As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above. _______________________ We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application. The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.