Current Opportunities:
Conservation Officer, Outdoor Learning Assistant, Visitor Centre Assistant – Sunday and Chair of the Board. Please see below for details of each role and links to role descriptions and how to apply.
Conservation Officer (part time – 4 days per week)
Join our team and help improve and protect the Water of Leith, Edinburgh’s river. This exciting role involves delivering a comprehensive conservation programme, with a focus on habitat improvement and managing Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS).
About the Role
You will lead conservation tasks, habitat improvement projects, and biological surveys while engaging with volunteers and the public to enhance Edinburgh’s natural environment.
About You
We are looking for someone who is:
- Qualified and enthusiastic, with a strong knowledge of rivers and conservation work.
- Experienced in leading conservation tasks, biological surveys, and GIS.
- Passionate about working outdoors with volunteers and the public.
- Skilled in habitat improvement and INNS treatment.
SALARY: Grade 4. £25,0000 to £30,000 pro-rata depending on skills and experience
HOURS: Part-time 21 hours per week, generally Monday to Thursday, working one Saturday every four weeks (taking the preceding Thursday or following Monday off) as part of the staffing weekend rota, plus occasional evening work for which TOIL can be claimed.
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent following 6 month probation
Start Date: Flexible but 1st April 2025 at the latest
LOCATION: Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1TQ
Application procedure: CV plus covering letter detailing how you meet the personal specifications of the Role Description and any directly relevant experience emailed to [email protected] by 5.00pm on 7th February 2025. Interviews likely to be 18th February.
Outdoor Learning Assistant (part time – 4 days per week)
We’re seeking an energetic and organised Outdoor Learning Assistant to support our Outdoor Learning Officer in delivering a vibrant outdoor education programme.
About the Role
Based at the Visitor Centre and along the Water of Leith, you’ll assist with both the administration and delivery of learning sessions for schools and community groups.
About You
We’re looking for someone who is:
- Passionate about nature, the outdoors, and education.
- Experienced in working with and supervising young people.
- Organised, with basic IT and admin skills.
- A great communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
SALARY: Grade 2 pro-rata £22,222 National Living Wage.
HOURS: 28 hours per week – Generally Monday to Thursday, working one Saturday every four weeks (taking the preceding Thursday or following Monday off) as part of the staffing weekend rota, plus occasional evening work for which TOIL can be claimed.
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent following probationary period
Start Date: flexible but 1st April 2025 at the latest
LOCATION: Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1TQ
Application procedure: CV plus covering letter detailing how you meet the personal specifications of the Role Description and any directly relevant experience emailed to [email protected] by 5.00pm on 7th February 2025. Interviews likely to be 24th February.
Visitor Centre Assistant (Sunday)
We’re looking for an energetic and adaptable Visitor Centre Assistant to ensure the smooth operation of the Water of Leith Visitor Centre and volunteer-run Community Café on Sundays.
About the Role
You will manage the day-to-day running of the café and exhibition space, provide excellent customer service, and oversee refreshment provision. Responsibilities include:
• Processing sales transactions (cash and card) efficiently.
• Supporting and training café volunteers.
• Reviewing and managing retail stock as needed.
About You
We’re looking for someone who is:
• A great communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Experienced in working with the public.
• Interested in nature and the outdoors (an advantage).
SALARY: Grade 2 £22,222 National Living Wage
HOURS: 7.5 hours per week on a Sunday
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent following 6 month probation
Start Date: As soon as possible
LOCATION: Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1TQ
Application procedure: CV plus covering letter detailing how you meet the personal specifications of the Role Description and any directly relevant experience emailed to [email protected] by 5.00pm on 7th February 2025
Sunday Visitor Centre Assistant Role Description 2025
Chair of the Water of Leith Conservation Trust Board
Could you be our new Chair? We are seeking a Chair for the Water of Leith Conservation Trust (WOLCT) Board of Trustees.
The WOLCT works to protect and improve the Water of Leith as a haven for wildlife and a resilient blue green network for the city. We connect communities with Edinburgh’s River by delivering inclusive learning, volunteering and recreational opportunities.
As Chair you will have a vital role leading and supporting the Trustees and ensuring effective governance of the Trust. We are looking for a motivated, skilled and engaged individual who is committed to helping us to achieve our mission. The Chair will help steer a successful and dynamic organisation as we deliver our 2024-2029 strategy.
The Chair’s key responsibilities are to:
- Provide leadership to the charity and its Board.
- Act as an ambassador for the purposes and mission of the organisation.
- Lead the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities for the good governance of the Trust and maintaining focus on our charitable work.
- Work in partnership with the Chief Executive helping them to achieve the Trust’s objectives.
- Optimise the relationships between Board Members and between the Board, staff and volunteers
- Run effective Board meetings and ensure effective executive leadership of the organisation.
- Ensure that the Board regularly reviews its structure, composition and effectiveness, including board reviews and succession planning.
- Support development and maintenance of a positive organisational culture and promote equality and diversity.
- Fulfil the duties of the Chair as defined in the Trust’s Articles of Association.
If you feel you have the experience, passion, and dedication to be our new Chair we would love to hear from you. You can find more about the Trust and review the role description below.
WOLCT Chair Role Description 2025
To apply please submit a short statement outlining your reasons for wanting to become our chair and a copy of your CV. We particularly encourage people from a wide variety of backgrounds and those who have a passion for the Water of Leith to apply.
If you’d like to chat to someone about the role, please contact Trust CEO Helen Brown at [email protected] or on 0131 455 7367. Or read our strategy, accounts and governing documents here www.waterofleith.org.uk/the-trust/
The closing date for applications is: 9.00am on 18th February 2025.
