Bright Green Nature is looking for a new Community Engagement Officer to help drive forward the Red Squirrel Recovery Network (RSRN) across the Scottish Borders. The Borders still hold some of Southern Scotland’s strongest red squirrel populations and many people see them regularly in gardens, parks and woodlands. But the story behind their survival, the pressures they face, the role they play in healthy ecosystems and the important work happening to protect them, isn’t always well known. This role is about changing that.
Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the RSRN is the first project to bring together organisations from both sides of the border to coordinate red squirrel conservation at a landscape scale. As part of this, we’re looking for someone who can help more people feel connected to nature through the story of the red squirrel, especially in communities that are often underrepresented in conservation.
About the role
Working 2.5 days per week and based in Melrose, the Community Engagement Officer will:
- Run events, workshops and activities that help people learn about and get involved in red squirrel conservation.
- Support local squirrel groups to bring in new volunteers.
- Develop creative ways to reach audiences who may not usually engage with nature or environmental projects.
- Work closely with partners across Northern England and Southern Scotland to share ideas and learning.
- Contribute to project communications, monitoring and reporting.
- Support and line‑manage an early‑career Project Assistant.
The post runs until March 2030 and is paid at £31,200 pro‑rata (£15,600 per year).
Who we’re looking for
We’re interested in hearing from people with experience working in community settings, delivering activities for different ages and backgrounds and supporting volunteers. You’ll need strong communication skills, an understanding of barriers faced by disadvantaged communities and a genuine interest in helping people connect with nature. Knowledge of red squirrel conservation is helpful but not essential.
About Bright Green Nature
Bright Green Nature is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation focused on restoring ecosystems, protecting biodiversity and supporting communities to develop nature‑based skills and wellbeing. The RSRN is a major part of our work to help secure the future of red squirrels across the region. Bright Green Nature is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, with all recruitment decisions made solely on merit and the requirements of the role.
How to apply
Further details on this role can be found here: Community Engagement Officer – Red Squirrels Role Profile
To apply for this exciting role, please send a CV and cover letter to mark@brightgreennature.org
The closing date for this vacancy is Sunday 23rd August 2026 at 23:59. We hope to hold in-person interviews w/c 31st August 2026.