Offer summary

Qualifications:

Chartered member of RICS (MRICS) or equivalent professional organization with rural practice experience, preferably in Scotland., Post-qualification experience in estate management, land acquisition, and disposal in the Scottish rural environment., In-depth knowledge of Scottish rural property legislation and agricultural subsidy schemes., Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to manage high-volume workloads..

Key responsabilities:

Provide expert advice to staff and support Area Managers on land management and casework progress.

Conduct due diligence and manage legal, financial, and reputational aspects of rural property.

Assess, negotiate, and conclude acquisitions for new and existing nature reserves.

Collaborate with colleagues to minimize risks and optimize financial returns for RSPB nature reserves.

Job description

Are you looking for a role where your professional expertise contributes directly to nature conservation in Scotland? As a Rural Surveyor, you will engage with diverse aspects of land management, including access rights, carbon credit sales, listed buildings, and significant acquisitions. We understand that no candidate will have all the skills and experience listed, so we encourage you to reach out and explore the possibilities with us.

About The Role

We are seeking a full-time, permanent Rural Surveyor to join RSPB Scotland's surveying team. This Scotland-wide team includes rural surveyors, a building surveyor, a land management support specialist, and a livestock and grazing advisor. Your role will involve providing professional advice to staff on reserves and in other departments, supporting the wider delivery of departmental casework across Scotland.

This home-based role is flexible within the Scotland mainland, though travel for site visits, including overnight stays, will be required. RSPB Scotland manages over 72,000 hectares of nature reserves across 70+ locations, playing a crucial role in conservation efforts.

Key Responsibilities

Professional Advisory Services: Provide expert advice to staff, seek external guidance where needed, and support Area Managers and other teams. Manage workload, prioritize tasks, and maintain communication on casework progress.
Land & Property Management: Conduct due diligence, mitigate risks, and manage legal, financial, and reputational aspects of rural property, including rent reviews, landlord consents, and land management contracts. Advise on agricultural property law, forestry, and agri-environment agreements.
Reserve Acquisition Work: Assess, negotiate, and conclude acquisitions to establish new reserves, extend existing reserves, and acquire properties such as offices and farm buildings. This includes land and building valuations and the acquisition of rights.
Land & Property Disposal: Evaluate, advise on, and manage the disposal of land, houses, offices, and properties surplus to operational needs.
Risk Management & Project Support: Develop and implement systems to manage legal, financial, and reputational risks related to land and property operations. Conduct internal audits to ensure compliance with forestry and agri-environment grant schemes.
Team Collaboration: Work closely with colleagues, sharing expertise and knowledge. Provide professional advice on-site, help minimize risks, and optimize financial returns for RSPB nature reserves. Identify income opportunities and demonstrate initiative and motivation.

What We Offer

Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave, and an annual volunteering day.
Support for maintaining Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) professional membership, including assistance with continuing professional development (CPD) requirements.
Flexible working options, including flexitime, time off in lieu (TOIL), and parental leave.
Sabbatical opportunity: After 5 years of service (and every 5 years thereafter), employees can take a 4-week sabbatical to research, volunteer, learn a new skill, or travel.

Essential Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Chartered member of RICS (MRICS) or equivalent professional organisation, with experience in rural practice (preferably in Scotland).
Full UK Driving Licence.
Post-qualification experience in estate management, land and property acquisition, and disposal in the Scottish rural environment.
Understanding of agricultural subsidy schemes and cross-compliance requirements in Scotland.
In-depth knowledge of Scottish rural property legislation.
Experience in project management and its practical applications.
Strong verbal and written communication skills to convey complex estate management issues.
Ability to make sound, practical decisions based on analysis and reasoning.
Capacity to manage high-volume workloads and work both independently and collaboratively.
Willingness and ability to travel widely, including overnight stays.

Additional Information

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time (37.5 hours per week). Part-time applications will be considered.
Application Deadline: 23:59 on Monday, 7th April 2025.
Interview Dates: Week commencing Monday, 14th April 2025.
Contact: For further information, please email Kirsty Murdoch at Kirsty.Murdoch@rspb.org.uk
As part of your application, you will need to complete an application form, providing evidence of how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience requirements.

RSPB is committed to building an inclusive and diverse organization where everyone feels supported and valued. We encourage applications from people of colour and disabled individuals, as these groups are currently underrepresented in the conservation sector. If you require any additional support during the application process, please reach out to us.

Please read the attached candidate guidance notes before applying.

If you're passionate about conservation and want to use your skills to make a tangible impact, apply today!

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