Residential on Reserve (More than 4 weeks) (Practical Conservation Volunteer, 6 months)

Description

RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond is a flagship site for nature conservation and visitor experience in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The reserve covers a range of habitats including grassland, woodland, and fen and supports a vast range of species such as osprey, beaver, redstart, and small pearl-bordered fritillary.

During your placement you will be an integral part of the reserve team.

No two days are the same. There are many aspects to the role, from helping with habitat management actions, maintaining reserve infrastructure, to supporting our visitor team in delivering our ever-expanding visitor offer.

This is a full-time residential volunteering position; however, it can be a four day a week position if the candidate requires a part time job alongside the volunteering placement.

Accommodation is provided for you on site at RSPB Loch Lomond.

When: January 2026 to July 2026 (specific dates flexible). Commitment: 6 months

What you will be doing

• Practical conservation/management tasks. E.g., invasive species removal, vegetation management to benefit target species

• Undertaking wildlife monitoring and surveying. E.g., moth trapping, herbivore impact assessments, goose surveys

• Reserve checks and general reserve infrastructure maintenance. E.g., livestock checks, path maintenance, fence repairs

• Visitor operations. E.g., welcoming visitors at the visitor hub and directing them to points of interest, helping at public events, lending a hand with guided walks

Requirements

• 18+

• An interest in wildlife conservation and ecology

• Enthusiasm to learn a wide range of skills related to managing a nature reserve

• Able to walk long distances over rough terrain and carry out strenuous manual tasks

• Comfortable working outside in all weather conditions

• Ability to work alone and as part of a team

• Willingness to work a flexible rota, which will include evenings and weekends

• Ability and desire to live in shared accommodation

There is no closing date for this advert as we will be interviewing suitable applicants as they come in. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once we receive sufficient applications for the role. Successful candidates will be invited to an interview via Microsoft Teams.

The RSPB is the UK charity working to secure a healthy environment for birds and wildlife, helping to create a better world for all of us. We belong to BirdLife International, the global partnership of bird conservation organisations. Your time and skills could make a real difference to the work of the RSPB, and it would be great if you could join us.