Climate Officer for the D&G Climate Hub
The Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership is delighted to be recruiting for a new Climate Officer to join the D&G Climate Hub team.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Post Title: Climate Officer
Base: Newton Stewart / Home
Reporting to: Senior Climate Officer
Gross Salary: £28,976 (FTE salary for 37.5 hours per week)
Pension Contribution: Employer contribution of 8% of salary
Contract Period: Fixed-term to March 31st 2026
Contract Hours: Part-time (22.5 – 30 hours per week). Weekend and out of hours working are likely to be part of this role, for which time off in lieu will be given.
Background
Our UNESCO Biosphere designation was awarded in 2012, recognising not only the unique landscapes and environments of Galloway and Southern Ayrshire but also the array of local opportunities for sustainable development. Over the last decade, the Biosphere has delivered a wide range of projects and initiatives with partners across southwest Scotland, covering wildlife conservation, business and enterprise, sustainable tourism, heritage projects, and environmental education. We have also grown a thriving network of Proud Supporters, Biosphere Communities and Biosphere-certified businesses, which together are striving to make life better for people and nature.
Biosphere officers work cooperatively covering three local authority areas – Dumfries & Galloway, East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire. Our lead officers specialise in three main workstreams:
Land Use & Biodiversity – supporting the wildlife and habitats of the Biosphere through engagement with land managers and members of the farming community, and by working with partner organisations to develop innovative, nature-friendly approaches to land use.
Business Development & Marketing – supporting sustainable enterprise by providing marketing support, hosting workshops and networking events, and by promoting the Biosphere across digital and print media as a world class destination for sustainable tourism.
Community & Education –working within communities to increase understanding of climate change and global Net Zero goals, to promote local identity, and to support the unique natural and cultural heritage of the Biosphere.
The Role
We are seeking a confident and outgoing individual to join our existing team to support delivery of the community climate action hub for Dumfries & Galloway (the D&G Climate Hub) which is hosted by the GSA Biosphere Partnership. The new Officer would join a team of three existing Officers led by a Senior Climate Officer, Network Officer and Engagement Officer.
Community Climate Action Hubs are a Scottish Government initiative designed to provide a strategic regional approach to climate action across Scotland, their core functions include:
- To build awareness of the climate emergency and actions local groups can take
- To help groups identify and secure funding opportunities
- To facilitate networking and shared learning
- To ensure a more joined-up approach to tackling climate change at a regional level
Person Specification
You should have a good knowledge and awareness of the climate crisis and what climate action really means to communities. You’ll need to have good experience of community engagement and ideally some focussed experience such as supporting biodiversity, adaptation and climate mitigation initiatives, or community energy. You should have an interest and understanding of community development, circular economy and third sector community organisations.
We hope you’ll also be aware of the international UNESCO Biosphere status that we have in the region. You’ll need to be used to working both on your own and also as part of a team. Most importantly you’ll be flexible, noting that the national programme of Community Climate Hubs is relatively new and is still forming.
A full job description and application form can be downloaded via the links below.
Climate Officer Job Description (PDF)
Climate Officer Application Form (Word)
Closing date for applications is midday Monday 2nd June
Proposed interview dates w/c: Monday 9th June
For further information or to discuss the role please contact Jenna Cains: jenna@gsabiosphere.org.uk or tel. 07436 030 223.
