In July 2012 Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere was recognised internationally as a world class environment for people and nature. It was the first UNESCO Biosphere in Scotland and is part of a family of over 700 Biospheres around the world.

With our strong focus on sustainability; our commitment to facing up to the challenges of the climate emergency and biodiversity loss; and the opportunity to play a key role in supporting a post Covid “green recovery”, the UNESCO Biosphere designation is very much “of its time”.

Working with the Lead Officer for Communities and Education you’ll be supporting the development and delivery of programmes and projects related to rural development, community-based tourism, climate change, health and well-being through meaningful and engaging initiatives that will make life better for the people, the environment and the economy of our UNESCO Biosphere.

You’ll have a key role to play in the delivery of our Coalfield Communities Sense of Place project and we are particularly keen to see you help expand and grow the role of the Biosphere Communities initiative, that celebrates the individuality of our local communities and supports them on their journey to becoming ‘climate ready’.

Community Officer

The post holder will be responsible for supporting the development and delivery of projects and initiatives that supports local communities and community based organisations in making the most of the sustainability opportunities that the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere designation brings.

In July 2012 Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere was recognised internationally as a world class environment for people and nature. It was the first UNESCO Biosphere in Scotland and is part of a family of over 700 Biospheres around the world.

With our strong focus on sustainability; our commitment to facing up to the challenges of the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis; and the opportunity to play a key role in supporting a post Covid “green recovery”, the UNESCO Biosphere designation is very much “of its time”.

We are currently involved in some exciting and innovative project bids to pilot natural capital opportunities, biodiversity offsetting, Black Grouse recovery and the delivery of nature based solutions that can benefit business, the environment and wider society.

The only thing holding us back from doing more is lack of capacity, so we are now looking to recruit a dedicated Land Use Advice Officer.

This will be an exciting time to join our UNESCO Biosphere and to make your mark, as for the first time with secure funding support, we have a permanent team covering skills in land use, biodiversity, business development, communities, learning, marketing and communications who together will be responsible for ensuring that the sustainability ethos of the Biosphere is good for people and the environment.

Land Use Advice Officer

The post holder will be responsible for supporting the development of a Land Use Service that engages land managers (particularly forestry and agriculture), environmental NGOs, local and national agencies, and communities in delivering and show casing nature-based solutions that address the twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.

In July 2012 Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere was recognised internationally as a world class environment for people and nature. It was the first UNESCO Biosphere in Scotland and is part of a family of over 700 Biospheres around the world.

With our strong focus on sustainability; our commitment to facing up to the challenges of the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis; and the opportunity to play a key role in supporting a post Covid “green recovery”, the UNESCO Biosphere designation is very much “of its time”.

Our UNESCO Biosphere is just entering an exciting period of sustained growth both in staff numbers and initiatives that support our local communities, businesses, and land managers in delivering the sustainability ethos of the Biosphere.

It is an opportunity to get involved at a new beginning, and to play a role in engaging with and supporting businesses towards a more sustainable future.

There are a host of opportunities and partners that are waiting to work with us in supporting, developing and delivering a range of initiatives that will really demonstrate the international significance of our UNESCO Biosphere.

Business Engagement Officer

The post holder will be responsible for working with the Business development Lead Officer engaging with local businesses, creating opportunities for new business collaborations and growth, and building on the sustainability credentials of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere designation.