Trainee Lichenologist

National Trust for Scotland

Are you passionate about lichens and committed to developing your identification and ecological skills in relation to lichenology as part of a paid traineeship? 

The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) and Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh are working together to support the growth of a trainee lichenologist over a two year period. You are invited to work on some of the finest lichen habitats in Scotland from the uplands of Ben Lawers and Glencoe to the atlantic woodland of Balmacara and the remote islands of St Kilda and Fair Isle. You will engage with national experts to support your learning journey. You will have access to training and world class facilities from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh plus personal equipment and travel expenses will be provided.

The National Trust for Scotland is the largest conservation charity in Scotland, managing 76,000ha of Scotland’s finest habitats with the support of over 340,000 members. We also support and encourage access to our outdoor places and provide educational and recreational opportunities for our visitors.

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a global centre for biodiversity science and education. We collaborate to advance our goals in plant and fungal research, conservation, education and public engagement – locally, nationally and globally.

What you will do

• Engage with mentors to ensure an effective learning journey.
• Contribute to the development of your personal work programme.
• Engage with the wider network of lichenologists in Scotland.
• Undertake lichenology field work, often at remote sites and occasionally in a lone working situation, including mountains and islands.
• Undertake desk based, library and herbarium research on Scottish lichens.
• Write technical internal reports in relation to lichen survey and conservation and if applicable publish your findings.
• Provide limited technical advice on lichen conservation to NTS staff, as your capability builds.
• Contribute to media work on lichen conservation and the wider work of NTS and RBGE.
• Contribute to the development of risk assessments and safe working on site.
• Support the Trust’s National Nature Team and RBGE’s Conservation Science team with other tasks as relevant.

A relevant degree or similar qualification desirable.