Reserve Officer - North - C Grade Job Lerwick area,Scotland UK,Outdoor/Nature/Animal Care

Position: 1013-343 Nature Reserve Officer - North - C Grade - January 2026

Job Purpose Summary

The post holder will be jointly responsible for the day to day management of the Isle of Noss NNR and delivery of the Reserve Plan working closely with fellow Seasonal Reserve Officer. This will include ensuring the delivery of the detailed annual seabird monitoring programme, operating the inflatable ferry, and welcoming visitors to the island. The post holder will be responsible for the practical day to day management of the island's residential buildings and related infrastructure.

Basic accommodation for the two Reserve Officers is provided on the island, and the post holder will be expected to live there during the course of the season.

Areas of Responsibility - Role Specific Tasks Management for People

Meet all visitors to the island; give introductory talks to each party and be available throughout the duration of their stay to provide emergency cover and on-site interpretation to enhance visitor experience.
Carry out day to day running of the ferry service and ensure safe operation of the ferry.
Give monthly guided walks.
Assist with any educational groups or specialist visits to the island as required.

Monitoring and survey

Carry out the seabird monitoring programme as set out in the Isle of Noss monitoring handbook and ensure its delivery.
Complete monthly and annual reports for the NNR.
Undertake all other monitoring identified in the Isle of Noss Reserve Plan.

Reserve Management

Carry out the day to day running and upkeep of the island's residential buildings and infrastructure.
Carry out and/or supervise the maintenance of all paths, visitor facilities, signage on the reserve.
Assist with the maintenance of boats, engines, equipment and tools, in a satisfactory and safe way.
Handle boat fares and sales cash, deliver weekly to office.

Skills required (Please refer to these in your Supporting Statement)

Boat handling experience, especially inflatable powerboats.

Experience of seabird monitoring, including census and productivity measurement.

Excellent interpersonal skills and experience of dealing with the general public and other stakeholders.

Physical fitness, including manual handling and helping passengers safely to and from small boat in challenging conditions.

Experience of using electronic records and document management systems, email, Word and Excel.

Ability to live in isolated environments and work cooperatively in small teams.

Boat handling and first aid qualifications (towards RYA Commercial Endorsement).

Good knowledge of British natural history, including species identification.

Aptitude towards practical tasks (e.g. machinery and equipment and infrastructure maintenance).

Good writing skills, including report writing and social media.

Prerequisites Required

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK and resident in Scotland for the duration of the job contract.
To undertake a Disclosure Scotland application.
Although Gaelic language is not a prerequisite it is a desirable skill in support of our commitment to our Gaelic Language Plan.

Working for Nature Scot – what we offer you

Nature Scot offers some great benefits to reward and support you whilst you are working for us. Our benefits package includes the civil service pension scheme, a generous holiday leave allowance plus flexi time, and employee discount scheme. Visit the Nature Scot website for further details including below:
An environment with flexible working options
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% (7.35% employee contributions) (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..civi
41.5 days of annual leave, including 5 fixed public holidays on St Andrews Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and 2nd January
Equivalent of 2 days paid volunteering leave
A focus on wellbeing with access to an employee assistance programme
Job satisfaction from contributing proactively to the twinned nature and climate crisis
Death…


Increase/decrease your Search Radius (miles)



Job Posting Language