Conservation jobs in Edinburgh, scotland

Bring the ocean’s story to life

We’re working for a cleaner, better-protected, healthier ocean.  To achieve this, we build and sustain strong, high-value and long-term partnerships with key environmental funders and other grant makers to fund our projects that are central to our overall strategic goals and aims.

We have a new role of Trusts & Grants Manager to develop relationships with key environmental funders. You’ll contribute meaningfully to the current Trusts and Grants annual income of circa £2.8m, whilst developing high level opportunities to drive income growth and impact in future years. You’ll need to have a strong knowledge of the UK trusts and grants sector, with the ability to build and sustain positive relationships with partnerships. If you’ve got a proven track record in developing compelling funding proposals for complex projects, helping to shape and focus project plans and budgets, stewarding relationships with trust and grant donors and a passion for protecting our ocean, we’d love to hear from you.

What you’ll do

• Develop and deliver a pipeline of high-quality trust and grant applications.
• Build and manage strong relationships with new and existing trust and grant funders to maximise long-term support.
• Deliver best in-class grant stewardship, providing excellent donor care.
• Work collaboratively across the organisation to develop compelling, fundable projects and proposals.
• Support income planning, stewardship, reporting and accurate grant record-keeping to help achieve team targets.

Why join us?

• You'll be part of a passionate, friendly and forward-thinking team.
• Your work will directly help obtain the required funding to achieve our overall aims and objectives.
• We’re flexible, inclusive and committed to learning and growing together.
• We believe in evidence, action and people-powered change.

The Woodland Trust is looking for a Outreach Advisor to join our Central England Team. This 18-month fixed-term role offers an exciting opportunity to play a leading part in the successful delivery of the Woodland Trust’s MOREwoods and MOREhedges programmes. The successful postholder will provide expert advice on woodland creation across the region, helping to shape and grow a diverse portfolio of impactful projects.

A company vehicle will be provided for this role. Please note that out Company Vehicle Policy is also under review as part of our Job Families and Contract Review project, so the eligibility criteria therein are subject to change in due course.

The Role:

• Provide expert advice to farmers, land managers and landowners on farmland management, habitat creation, woodland establishment and agroforestry integration.
• Deliver woodland creation and management projects end-to-end, including on-the-ground implementation and technical support.
• Develop and deliver landscape-scale conservation projects in collaboration with farmers, landowners, businesses, local authorities and partner organisations.
• Secure and manage funding through agri-environment and woodland grant schemes (e.g. EWCO, MOREwoods and other external funding streams).
• Lead delivery of the MOREwoods scheme, guiding landowners through planning, application, planting and establishment phases.
• Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships, representing the Woodland Trust professionally across a diverse range of audiences.
• Coordinate conservation programmes and manage consultants to ensure high-quality, cost-effective delivery aligned with organisational objectives.
• Manage projects, budgets and reporting processes, including producing high-quality reports, tracking progress and measuring impact.
• This is a homebased role, requiring regular travel to locations within the West and East Midlands landscape and surrounding areas, sometimes to remote locations. You would be expected to live within reasonable travelling distance of your area of responsibility. Occasional travel to regional offices and overnight stays will be required.
• This is a fixed term contract for 18 months

The Candidate:

• Experience working directly with farmers and landowners, building effective and trusted relationships across a range of farming systems.
• Practical experience of woodland and hedgerow creation and/or woodland management, with strong knowledge of establishment, early maintenance and relevant grant funding schemes.
• Proven project management skills, including planning, organising and delivering work to deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to work independently in a remote setting, while collaborating effectively as part of a geographically dispersed and cross-functional team.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to represent an organisation professionally and build positive relationships both internally and externally.
• Technical competence in Microsoft Office and digital tools, including GIS and mapping systems for planning, data management and reporting.
• Knowledge of farming systems, agricultural policy, regulations and evolving grant schemes, alongside an understanding of agroforestry principles and application.
• Relevant experience or qualification in land management (or related field), including knowledge of funding streams and a full UK driving licence with willingness to travel.

Benefits and Wellbeing:

Joining our team means you’ll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:

• Enhanced Employer Pension
• Life Assurance
• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
• Generous Annual Leave - 25 Days Plus Bank Holidays (pro rata’d for part-time)
• Buy and Sell Holiday Scheme
• Enhanced Parental Pay
• Employee Assistance Programme

About Us:

The Woodland Trust is the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity.  We want to see a world where trees and woods thrive for people and nature. The Trust engages and inspires people to make their difference tackling the nature and climate crisis helping protect, restore and create our vital woods and trees.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees. 

People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply. Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.

Application Advice:
For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, and we do not ask for your CV at application. Make sure that your Personal Statement clearly shows how your skills and knowledge link to the specifications in the job description and you share with us your passion for the role.

Acceptable Use - Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications-for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools. 

Apply Now:

If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it's a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete. 

First round interviews will take place on July 16th 2026.

About the role

This exciting role will supercharge Peat-free Partnership’s public facing campaign and advocacy to ban the sales of peat in the UK. You will lead the public campaigning element of the Peat-free Partnership (PfP) - a major cross sector effort - to secure a legal end to peat sales in UK horticulture, hosted and coordinated by Plantlife. By working with partners and industry leaders, engaging with celebrities and the public across the UK, you’ll create a powerful, insight led campaign that builds momentum and influences decision-makers to ban peat sales in the UK

Focussed on building stronger public support for a legislated ban you will deliver the mass communication and advocacy campaigning to help drive policy change. As well as working alongside PfP’s policy advocate and other Plantlife colleagues you will help forge a unified voice across all PfP members and create increased support from industry and other partners.

About you

Are you a strategic thinker with the grit to turn ambition into action? Plantlife is seeking a Campaigning Lead to drive the campaigning heart of the Peat-free Partnership - an influential, cross-sector coalition working to secure a legal end to peat sales in UK horticulture. You’ll shape and deliver the public-facing and coalition-wide campaigning activity that mobilises support, builds momentum and strengthens political commitment.

This role is also central to Plantlife’s long-term ambitions. You’ll help build our future campaigning capability, developing approaches, strategies and engagement that put plants and fungi at the centre of nature recovery for years to come. If you bring clarity, determination, and creative energy to complex challenges, we want to hear from you.

To apply for the role or view the full recruitment pack, please visit our website. We look forward to hearing from you!

Please note we do not accept CV's.

Reference Number: V571

Job Title: Engagement Manager

Location: Scotland - Homebased

Contract type: FTC – March 2028

Hours: 17.5

Salary: £25,625 Pro Rata

DBS/PVG: n/a

Job Family: 3

Line Manager: Senior Project Manager, Corporate and Employability

Closing date: 16th June 2026 Midday

Anticipated start date: July/August 2026

Volunteering Matters  

Who we are
At Volunteering Matters, we believe people have the power to create change. Whether through volunteering by helping others and giving time, or through social action such as speaking up, campaigning, or leading change, everyone can make a difference. We bring people together to build stronger communities across England, Scotland and Wales, making sure everyone has the chance to get involved and create real change.

Creating stronger communities through the power of volunteering

Volunteering Matters is a nationwide charity that exists to create stronger communities through the power of volunteering. We work with local partners to develop impactful programmes that support individuals and communities across the UK.

Since 1962, we’ve used our influence to champion volunteering as a powerful tool to build a thriving, resilient society. Our projects are co-created with the people and communities we work alongside: an approach that encourages our participants to become future volunteers and leaders, not just beneficiaries.

We understand the pressures of day-to-day life and create flexible, inclusive opportunities for people at all stages of life. And beyond delivering projects on the ground, we use our voice to shape policy and practice – ensuring volunteering stays recognised, supported and sustainable for generations to come.

 What we do
We help people of all ages and backgrounds get involved in volunteering and social action. We focus on making sure that everyone, no matter their situation, has the chance to take part. We work with local people.

 How we do this

We support people to share their time and skills to help others and tackle big challenges in their communities.

· We remove barriers to volunteering and social action, making it easier for people who don’t always get the chance to take part.

· We listen to and amplify voices that aren’t always heard, helping volunteers and communities influence change.

· We help volunteers beyond their first experience, offering training, support, and pathways to new opportunities.

· We connect businesses with communities, creating meaningful employee volunteering projects.

· We show the impact of volunteering and social action, proving how it changes lives for the better.

 Our promise to volunteers

We are always looking for new ways for volunteers to make a difference. We bring people together across generations and backgrounds to learn from each other and create change. At the same time, we make sure that all our volunteers are trained, supported, and valued, so they feel confident in what they do.

It’s a brilliant time to join us. We’re evolving, growing our impact, and shaping a future where everyone can take part and feel they belong. 

Role Purpose

Action Earth offers grants to help urban communities to respond to our nature and climate crises. Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, these nature grants support volunteers of all ages, backgrounds and abilities in practical outdoor activities in Scotland’s cities, towns and villages.

We are looking for a talented, dynamic, and organised Engagement Manager to join our Action Earh team in a mainly administrative role. The right candidate would be someone who can work flexibly and demonstrate an understanding and total commitment to our organisational values. You will be joining an existing team of one part time Engagement Manager and a long-term volunteer who supports the project.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

· Administration tasks including maintaining effective and accessible records using Microsoft Office, Google Docs, MailChimp and a CRM.

· Ensure monitoring, impact and evaluation information is collected

· To ensure that Action Earth meets it’s agreed targets, reporting format and schedule.

· Updating social media channels.

· Help create newsletters and other promotional materials

· Supporting successful applicants and monitoring project journeys.

· Supporting with quarterly and yearly reporting,

· Supporting with raising awareness of Action Earth, specifically targeting low SIMD areas across Scotland. 

· Attend any fairs or promotional events

This job description is intended to include the broad range of responsibilities and requirements of the post. It is neither exhaustive nor exclusive but while some variations will be expected, these will be at an appropriate level for the role.

Skills

• Excellent IT skills including the use of Office 365, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Forms, Excel, Google Docs and Forms, MailChimp and design software such as Canva.

• Experience using different CRM software.

• An understanding of Scottish geography, particularly around areas of multiple deprivation

• Excellent organisational skills including strong attention to detail, the ability to manage a busy workload, and prioritise effectively.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Excellent people skills with the ability to build professional, long-term relationships with various organisations to influence and motivate others.

• A creative approach to problem solving, an ability to work independently and use own initiative.

• Ability to think on your feet, act quickly and respond to situations as well as demonstrate common sense and initiative.

Experience Required

• Experience working directly with Excel and Microsoft Forms, including the ability to develop spreadsheet applications, in particular, the use of formulae and how to link related spreadsheets.

• Experience of administration, achieving goals, managing a busy workload and working to deadlines.

• Experience developing strong working relationships, with a range of organisations.

• Experience of measuring the impact of volunteering and understanding the results. 

• Understanding of and full commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.

Qualifications

Relevant experience and values alignment is more important for this role than specific qualifications

Other

This is home based however some travel across Scotland to visit projects and attend events may be required. The postholder will require good internet access to enable remote working, and a suitable home office space. I.T. equipment and infrastructure will be supplied.

Our Values & Way of Working

In all that we are guided by our values: Empowering, Inclusive, Compassionate, Positive & Straightforward. 

Diversity & Inclusion

Volunteering Matters welcomes all applicants and are keen to ensure our team reflects the diversity of the UK and the communities we serve. We encourage applications from disabled, LGBT and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, along with candidates with any protected characteristics and from disadvantaged groups.

Disability Confident & Reasonable Adjustments

We guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role. Please provide evidence in your application, which demonstrates that you meet the level of competence required in the Job Description under skill and experience. To be considered for a guaranteed interview or to discuss any reasonable adjustments during the process, please state this in your cover letter. 

Benefits

Our employee benefits reflect our culture which is built on an approach of full flexibility with accountability, and designed to let you make your most positive contribution; we offer:

· Flexible Working by Default (re hours & place of work) 

· Unlimited Annual Leave 

· Employee Pension scheme 

· Life Assurance 

· Cycle to Work Scheme 

· Season Ticket Loan 

· Employee Assistance Programme 

· Enhanced sick and family leave.

· Lifestyle Discount Scheme

We are also open to discussing job share applications.

GDPR Statement

If you apply for a role with us, we will retain your contact details including your name, address, email address and phone number to help us manage your application for up to six months.  We will not use your personal data for any other purpose or share it with any third party. You can contact us at any point to update your personal information or ask us to delete it from our records.

Policy on AI-Generated Applications 

Applications are accepted on trust, and we expect all submissions to reflect the applicant’s own words, experiences, and motivations. While tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) may support the application process, applications should not be generated wholly by AI. 

To Apply

Please send an updated, complete CV and cover letter via the Charity Job Apply button above. In your application clearly state which role you are applying for. In the cover letter please demonstrate how you would fulfil the role requirements, what previous relevant achievements you have (both in life and at work), what skills & experience you can offer, and what you believe you can contribute to Volunteering Matters.

We welcome applications from everyone, but please note that if we receive an extremely large number of responses, we may close this advert early to fully consider applications. We encourage you to apply promptly so you don’t miss the opportunity to join our community.

Right to Work in the UK
Please note that while we hold a license to sponsor employees on a skilled worker visa, the number of applications we can make each year is very limited. Unfortunately, this role does not meet the criteria for sponsorship, therefore, you must already have the right to work in the UK to be considered for this position.

If you have any questions about current vacancies, the recruitment process, or need support, our team is here to help.

The Woodland Trust is looking for an Agroforestry Woodland Advisor for the East Anglian Clayland’s. This role will assist with our priority landscape delivery within East Anglia, creating the strategy and plans to deliver the Woodland Trust objectives (protect, create, restore goals) across the East Anglian Claylands (EAC).

A company vehicle will be provided for this role. Please note that out Company Vehicle Policy is also under review as part of our Job Families and Contract Review project, so the eligibility criteria therein are subject to change in due course.

The Role:

• Lead delivery of a new agroforestry partnership across the East Anglian Treescape, driving uptake of trees, hedges and woodlands for farm productivity, nature recovery and climate resilience.
• Provide tailored, on-farm agroforestry advice, reviewing landholdings and supporting whole-farm planning using existing hedge, tree, woodland and agroforestry schemes.
• Increase farmer confidence and participation by coordinating and deploying funding from Sainsbury’s, Woodland Trust and DEFRA.
• Offer flexible levels of support, from full farm visits, surveys and action plans to light-touch advice and signposting, aligned to landowner needs and ecosystem potential.
• Build strong internal and external partnerships, working closely with Woodland Trust colleagues, outreach teams, and external partners such as cluster groups and farming co-operatives.
• Clearly promote and represent the agroforestry offer, engaging farmers and stakeholders through events, talks and shows, ensuring appropriate Woodland Trust recognition.
• Manage project performance and delivery, including planning, budgets, risks, reporting, evaluation and oversight in line with the Woodland Trust project management framework.
• Operate autonomously with professional judgement, supporting future expansion into wider Outreach activity and travelling as required across Central England and to Grantham.
• This is a homebased role, requiring regular travel to locations within the East Anglian landscape and wider Midlands Region, sometimes to remote locations. You would be expected to live within reasonable travelling distance of your area of responsibility. Occasional travel to regional offices and overnight stays will be required.
• This is a fixed term contract for 4 years.

The Candidate:

• Proven experience working directly with farmers and landowners, building trusted, effective relationships and representing an organisation professionally with confidence.
• Strong practical knowledge of woodland, hedgerow and agroforestry delivery, including establishment, early management and application of agroforestry principles.
• Sound understanding of farming systems and the policy environment, including regulations, grant schemes and emerging sector changes.
• Demonstrable project management capability, planning, organising and delivering work to deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to work independently and remotely, while collaborating effectively across multiple, geographically dispersed teams to achieve shared outcomes.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, influencing and motivating others, and communicating clearly in writing and verbally.
• Highly organised and results-focused, able to prioritise workload, work under pressure, adapt to change and maintain attention to detail.
• Technically and professionally equipped for the role, including degree-level qualification (or equivalent), confidence with Microsoft Office and digital mapping/GIS tools, a full driving licence and willingness to travel.

Benefits and Wellbeing:

Joining our team means you’ll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:

• Enhanced Employer Pension
• Life Assurance
• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
• Generous Annual Leave - 25 Days Plus Bank Holidays (pro rata’d for part-time)
• Buy and Sell Holiday Scheme
• Enhanced Parental Pay
• Employee Assistance Programme

About Us:

The Woodland Trust is the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity.  We want to see a world where trees and woods thrive for people and nature. The Trust engages and inspires people to make their difference tackling the nature and climate crisis helping protect, restore and create our vital woods and trees.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees. 

People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply.

Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.

Application Advice:

For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, and we do not ask for your CV at application.

Make sure that your Personal Statement clearly shows how your skills and knowledge link to the specifications in the job description and you share with us your passion for the role.

Acceptable Use - Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications-for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools. 

Apply Now:

If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it's a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete.

First round interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams on July 9th 2026.

The Big Chalk Partnership is made up of more than 150 organisations with a common vision of creating nature-rich chalk and limestone landscapes that benefit all of us.

The Protected Landscapes Partnership and Defra are supporting our Partnership to catalyse progress towards the UK’s nature commitments across these special landscapes through the multi-million pound Big Chalk Nature Recovery Fund. The Nature Recovery Fund Officer will administer and develop the systems and processes underpinning our grant-making.

The Big Chalk programme is hosted by the National Landscapes Association, which represents the UK’s National Landscapes (Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty). The Association is a charity and non-profit membership organisation. The team advocates, communicates and fosters collaborative action which supports National Landscapes to be as effective as possible, championing their interests with governments and delivering national projects.

We welcome applicants from a broad range of backgrounds – the most important thing is that you are motivated to work collaboratively with Big Chalk’s partners to benefit nature to the greatest extent possible, helping ensure our grant-making is both effective and compliant.

With significant experience of administering and developing grant making systems, processes and ways of working in the environmental or social sectors, you’ll bring a collaborative mindset and be skilled at building positive relationships with new colleagues, our partners and funders.

You’ll have applied experience of working with partners across the grant-making lifecycle and using grant management software to enable related operations. You’ll possess strong organisational and data management skills and be able to develop and communicate insights.

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, then we’d love to hear from you.