Vacancy pack
Applications from candidates requiring a certificate of sponsorship under the UK points-based immigration
system will not be considered if there are suitable candidates who do not require sponsorship. This is
because employers need to demonstrate that they are unable to recruit a resident worker, before they can
recruit a non-resident worker*.
The resident worker rule does not prevent applicants requiring sponsorship from applying for our vacancies,
but such applications should be made on the understanding that they can only be considered subject to the
restrictions above.
For further information, please visit the Home Office UK Border Agency website.
*This rule does not apply to those applying for roles that require a bachelor, postgraduate degree or
postgraduate certificate in education qualification. It is necessary for the qualification to be an essential
requirement for the role and the applicant to prove that they possess such a qualification (or have completed
a minimum of 12 months study in the UK towards a UK PhD), which is recognised in the UK.
This pack contains all the information you need to apply, including:
Useful Information
Details on our Diversity Policy statement, how we use CVs, shortlisting and employment checks and UK
Identification requirements
Applicant letter
Details on how to apply plus closing date and interview date(s)
Job description
A breakdown of the vacancy, including the purpose of the job, requirements, duties and responsibilities
Person specification
A list of criteria that potential candidates should aim to meet
Department information*
Details of the department advertising the post
Application Form
PDF version
Please print out, complete and return to the address on the Applicant letter
Word version
Applicants are encouraged to complete electronically and return by e-mail
* This information will only be provided if it is relevant to this post
Application Pack July 2012
The Royal Society for the Protection of
Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales No. 207076
Scotland No. SC037654
Useful Information
Diversity Policy Statement
The RSPB is part of a global network that incorporates a diversity of traditions and cultures, and which
represents different inheritances, backgrounds, influences, perspectives and experiences. A better
understanding of people’s differences will help us to appreciate and value everyone’s contribution, and
recognise that we are all an integral and invaluable part of the Society.
Everyone has the right to be treated with consideration and respect. The Society is committed to achieving a
truly inclusive environment for all, by developing better working relationships that release the full potential,
creativity and productivity of each individual, and an atmosphere where everyone can learn, work and live
free from prejudice, discrimination, harassment and violence.
The Society aims to ensure that all staff, volunteers, partners, clients, contractors, members and the general
public are treated fairly. Unless it can be shown to be justified, this will be regardless of sex, sexual
orientation, gender re-assignment, marital or civil partnership status, race (including colour, nationality,
ethnicity, or national origin), disability, medical status, age, religion or belief, political opinion, social or
economic status, or ex-offender status.
Use of Curriculum Vitae (CVs)
Our policy is to recruit and employ our employees on the basis of their suitability for the work to be done. An
application form allows us to compare individuals based on like for like information and as such we do not
accept a CV unless accompanied by a fully completed application.
Shortlisting
The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to ensuring all applications are treated
fairly. Applications are sought only from those eligible to work in the UK in the first instance.
All applications are subject to our shortlisting process where we only assess information provided against the
Person Specification. If you are shortlisted we will contact you and invite you to attend an interview. You will
also be advised at this point if there will be any skills test, presentations etc.
As a charity, we lack the resources to advise all candidates if their application is unsuccessful. If you do not
hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, we will have decided not to take your application any
further. However, if you are able to supply us with an e-mail address, we will endeavour to advise you if you
have not been shortlisted. If this is the case, please do not be discouraged from re-applying as your skills
and experience may be just what we need for our next vacancy. We also have a number of volunteering
opportunities across the organisation.
Employment Checks
All offers of employment are made subject to the following criteria:
Proof of eligibility to work in the UK, Proof of Residency, Satisfactory Employment Health Check,
Two references satisfactory to the Society and where required a Satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau
Check.
Application Pack July 2012
The Royal Society for the Protection of
Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales No. 207076
Scotland No. SC037654
Dear Applicant
Land Agent (risk management and land agency)
salary commensurate with experience
Thank you for your enquiry regarding our advertised vacancy. An application form is enclosed, together with
a job description, person specification and other background information about the RSPB. If you have seen
this vacancy advertised on our website, please refer to ‘Working for the RSPB’ which contains information
about our benefits, and terms and conditions. This document can be downloaded if required.
If you require any further information about this post please contact Lynne Rodgers on 0131 317 4143 or
lynne.rodgers@rspb.org.uk
Please can you complete the enclosed application form in blue or black ink. Please refer to the person
specification when completing the form. Your completed application form should clearly describe how you
meet each of the criteria that have been identified as being necessary for this post as this will form the basis
of shortlisting candidates. If you enclose a CV, it may be referred to for supplementary information, however,
please ensure that all the questions asked on the application form are fully answered.
We take all practicable steps to safeguard the safety and welfare of children or vulnerable adults while they
are in contact with the RSPB and have a Child Safety and Welfare Policy that supports this. If the post you
have applied for involves unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults further checks will be carried
out. We will also confirm your eligibility to work in the UK prior to appointment.
Completed forms should be returned to Lynne Rodgers, RSPB Scotland, 2 Lochside View, Edinburgh Park,
Edinburgh, EH12 9DH. Please check the postage required on your application as incorrect postage may lead
to your application being delayed and missing the closing date. If you require an acknowledgement of
receipt of your application, please enclose a stamped, addressed envelope. Alternatively, you can email your
application to lynne.rodgers@rspb.org.uk
The closing date for receipt of completed application forms is 27 th Sept, 2013. Interviews will be held 7th Oct,
2013.
If you are an external candidate, may we take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in employment
with the RSPB. As a charity, we try to keep our administrative costs to a minimum and therefore you will
only be contacted if we wish to progress your application. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of
the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
However, if you are able to supply us with an e-mail address, we will endeavour to advise you if you have not
been shortlisted.
We look forward to receiving your application in due course.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs Robbin Mitchell
Head of Land and Property Services
Application Pack July 2012
The Royal Society for the Protection of
Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales No. 207076
Scotland No. SC037654
Job Description September 2013
Job Title: Land Agent, Scotland
Department: Land and Property Services Section of the Species and Land Management Dept
Location of Job: SHQ, Edinburgh
Post holder reports to: Head of Land and Property Services, Scotland
Reporting To Post holder: None
Overall Purpose of the Job:
 Primarily, to deliver effective risk management across RSPB Scotland Land and Property Estate,
and then across RSPB Scotland’s full operations. To produce and implement in conjunction with UK
colleagues, the RSPB Scotland’s Risk Management System, which is to be designed to inform and
mitigate any potential risks to legal, financial and reputation risks that can adversely affect RSPB
Scotland.
 When required, to implement delivery of the Land Agency work programme of acquiring and
managing land and other property (both reserve and non-reserve), in RSPB Scotland’s Land and
Property Estate in such areas of Scotland as directed, particularly through providing professional
advice to staff managing the network of nature reserves and offices.
Main Duties relating to risk management:
 To contribute towards the planning, design and implementation of the RSPB Scotland’s Risk
Management System for application on the RSPB’s Land and Property Estate in Scotland and the
UK. The System will monitor, review and report on the effectiveness of risk management practices.
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To undertake risk assessments via risk analysis to identify, describe, estimate, mitigate and alleviate
the risks affecting RSPB Scotland’s Land and Property Estate. To undertake risk evaluation, by
comparing estimated risks with criteria established by RSPB Scotland.
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To report risk exposure in an appropriate manner including presentations to different audiences
within RSPB Scotland and provide guidance to RSPB Scotland management teams on risk
exposure. To provide summary reports to RSPB Board, Scottish Management Team, Scottish
Reserves Management Team and any other RSPB Scotland management teams as required. To
provide timely and effective advice and professional guidance to management teams within RSPB
Scotland.
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To review relevant legislative and regulatory requirements, writing and amending where necessary
the RSPB Codes of Practice, policies and procedures to ensure RSPB Scotland compliance with
legal, financial, reputational requirements and corporate governance. To ensure that these are
promoted across the Land and Property Estate by the most appropriate means of communication.
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If requested, to conduct audits of policy and compliance to RSPB mandatory standards stated within
the Codes of Practice including liaison with internal and external auditors
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To contribute to the design, delivery and review risk management training programmes for RSPB
Scotland staff to build awareness of risk management, and to help them develop best practice in
relation to the implementation and delivery of the RSPB Risk Management System.

To undertake site visits to ensure that risk management procedures in place to help RSPB staff
deliver best practice risk management procedures.
Other Duties relating to risk management:
Application Pack July 2012
The Royal Society for the Protection of
Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales No. 207076
Scotland No. SC037654

To take lead risk management responsibilities on specific projects as agreed with the Head of Land
and Property Services
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To work with Risk Officers in the rest of the UK and ensure consistency of approach (as appropriate)
across the RSPB organisation in relation to risk management.
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To ensure that the RSPB Scotland Land and Property Services Section files, estate records, deeds
and property files both computerised and manual are kept up to date.
Main Duties relating to Land Agency Work Programme
1. To provide professional support, advice and lead on the negotiations, in order to implement the RSPB
Land Acquisition and Disposal Programme in conjunction with the Head of Land and Property Services
Scotland (after discussion with the Senior Land Agent Scotland), , Head of Species and Land
Management Scotland, relevant Regional Reserves Manager/Area Reserves Manager . To prepare
reports and valuations for internal RSPB Scotland use in order to negotiate acquisitions and disposal of
land, property and rights over land/property, (commensurate to level of experience and specialisms
required as agreed with Head of Land and Property Services), by purchase, lease, management
agreement, agreement or partnership and to seek in conjunction with regional fundraisers any capital
grants in relation to these. To secure all necessary internal consents to allow an acquisition or disposal
to proceed.
2. To provide professional support and advice to all relevant staff in respect of all estate management
issues arising on the Land and Property Estate (including the reserves, non-reserves, land, buildings and
rights) including, but not limited to, securing all necessary legal and statutory consents, the creation and
renewal and review of lettings incl wayleaves/servitudes, disposals, legal issues, projects, contracts,
agreements and partnerships etc.
3. To provide professional support and advice to all relevant staff in relation to the Land and Property
Estate , in ensuring the land, property, forestry,and agricultural management is both legally compliant
and meeting the mandatory RSPB standards as detailed in the relevant Codes of Practice. The support
and advice will include when requested, the production of Codes of Practice, as well as providing onsite/written/telephone/e-mail advice and audits.
4. To work with members of RSPB Scotland Species and Land Management Department in Edinburgh, and
all relevant Regional Teams (including Regional Director, Reserve Manager, and Reserve staff), or such
other areas of Scotland as directed, to deliver the Land and Property Services work programme.
5. To prepare, forecast, monitor and implement the Land and Property Services budget as directed across
Scotland.
6. To contribute to the Scottish Reserves Management Team, the appropriate Regional Reserves
Management Team and where appropriate on Scottish matters , to the Land Acquisition & Management
Groups at UK HQ, The Lodge, Sandy.
7. In conjunction with the Head of Land and Property Services and the Senior Land Agent Scotland, to
maintain close contact with Head of Land Agency and other senior staff at the UK HQ with respect to the
delivery of the Scottish elements of the UK Land Acquisition and Disposal Programme and other
appropriate matters, and with other members of the UK Land Agency team.
8. To help raise the profile of RSPB Scotland and RSPB Scotland’s Scottish land agents within the land
agency profession in Scotland through regular liaison, contacts, meetings, site visits, etc.
Other Duties relating to Land Agency Work Programme:

To advise on, obtain and maximise income levels consistent with nature conservation, any revenue
grants available on the Land and Property Estate, and to assist the Senior Land Agent to maintain a
Scottish overview of income for these grants.
Application Pack July 2012
The Royal Society for the Protection of
Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales No. 207076
Scotland No. SC037654
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To contribute towards the RSPB’s SFP, LFASS, RDC claim for collation and submission by the Senior
Land Agent Scotland.

To contribute generally to others’ work programmes including delivering work personally, where legal,
agricultural and property expertise is required, especially supporting the land agents in other regions.

To contribute land agency expertise and cost-effective management advice to RSPB reserve
management plans as they are periodically reviewed in the Region. Also to take part in reserve reviews
and liaison meetings as required with an appropriate level of input.

To keep under review contracts for delivery of services to RSPB, in accordance with key purchasing
rules.
Other Duties:

To ensure that the RSPB Scotland Land and Property Services Section files, estate records, deeds and
property files both computerised and manual are kept up to date.

To represent RSPB Scotland at external events and on external risk management coordination groups
as required.

To deputise for the Head of Land and Property Services or other colleagues at appropriate occasions.

To maintain high professional standards within Land Agency Scotland, contribute as appropriate to the
UK Land Agency Codes of Practice, and to fulfil at least the minimum CPD requirements of the RICS. To
attend and contribute towards the Scottish Land Agents Bi-monthly meetings.

On occasion, to undertake/participate in the wider activities of RSPB out of office hours and involving
weekend working, for example to attend the Royal Highland Show RSPB stand, local show stands,
Members’ Weekend, Members’ Group talks, agricultural conferences.
We expect you to carry out your job responsibilities in an environmentally aware manner, ensuring as little
damage to the environment as possible. Our aim is to ensure all resources are utilised effectively and
efficiently. You will be expected to apply ‘sound value for money’ principles in undertaking purchasing or
supply of goods and services.
In the RSPB volunteers are a major resource and make a vital contribution to the RSPB’s aim to take action
for the conservation of wild birds and the environment. You will be expected to encourage, develop and
support volunteer involvement in our work.
Application Pack July 2012
The Royal Society for the Protection of
Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales No. 207076
Scotland No. SC037654
RSPB Scotland
RSPB Scotland is part of the RSPB, the UK based Charity that promotes the conservation of birds, and other
wildlife and the natural environment.
The RSPB has operated in Scotland since at least 1904, and has a large presence in terms of the nature
reserves it manages (over 80 in total from Shetland to Galloway), and with staff based across the Country.
RSPB Scotland is one of the largest land managers in Scotland, with responsibility for some 75,000Ha of
nature reserves – the majority owned.
Much of Scotland is of outstanding wildlife importance. Scotland holds two thirds of the UK’s most important
sites for birds. Our seabirds, wading birds, wildfowl and birds of prey are significant not just in a European
context, but also on a global scale. RSPB Scotland is active across the country working with local people,
protecting and enhancing wildlife and habitats and welcoming visitors. Priority habitats include Caledonian
pinewoods, upland peatlands, coasts and estuaries. Important species include capercaillie, black grouse,
corncrakes, chough, red kites and white-tailed eagles. We also work on a range of other wildlife species,
protecting rare bumblebees, moths, butterflies and wild flowers. Co-operative work is undertaken with
Scottish Natural Heritage and other environmental NGO’s often through the auspices of Environment Link.
RSPB Scotland works closely with the Scottish Government and advocates ideas to Parliament on policy,
site protection, species protection and wider countryside and coastal management issues, as well as for
environmental education. We campaign to raise awareness of the threats to wildlife and special sites.
RSPB Scotland has a Headquarters in Edinburgh where the Director and specialist staff work on agriculture,
forestry, marine and wetland conservation, planning matters, science and research, land agency, education,
youth and volunteers work, species protection, media and advocacy, public affairs and marketing. There are
three regional offices located in Inverness, Aberdeen and Glasgow each has a regional director supported by
a team with day-to-day responsibility for conservation work and liaison with local Government, farmers and
other interests. Including the network of conservation officers and reserve-based staff, RSPB Scotland has
some 300 established and long term contract employees plus many seasonal posts forming a network
across the country of people working to protect birds and wildlife and encouraging people to enjoy our nature
reserves.
The Director and his staff benefit from the advice of the Committee for Scotland whose Chair sits “ex-officio”
on the RSPB’s UK Council of Trustees. The Committee for Scotland meets quarterly and comprises 13
members appointed by Council to advise the Charity on its work and conduct in Scotland. We are registered
with OSCR as an England and Wales Charity with a substantial presence in Scotland.
RSPB Scotland is part of the RSPB, the UK wide charity that speaks out for birds and wildlife, tackling the
problems that threaten our environment. The RSPB is supported by more than a million members across the
UK, and relies on charitable giving to fund its work. We are keen to build support with more people and
communities and the corporate as well as commercial sector.
Application Pack July 2012
The Royal Society for the Protection of
Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales No. 207076
Scotland No. SC037654
Person Specification
Job Title: Land Agent Scotland (risk)
Region /Dept: Species and Land Management Dept, SHQ
How criteria will be tested : A = Application Form, T = Test, I = Interview, P = Personality test, O = Other
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications
1 Corporate member of RICS (MRICS)
Experience of
2 2-5 yrs PQE experience of acquisition work (rural
land/houses)- negotiation and instructing/agreeing missives
3 2-5 yrs PQE experience of rural estate management work –
negotiation and instruction
4 Project management (assisting and leading on delivery)
5
Experience of dealing with stakeholder groups and other
property professionals
Skills/Abilities
6 Excellent written and report writing skills
7 Ability to translate technical information to practical
application documentation
8 Computer literate in Word, Excel, Outlook
9 Pragmatic approach to solving issues and problems
10 Very good interpersonal skills, communicator and motivator
11 Ability to positively influence wider audiences both internally
and externally
12 Ability to work in a multi-discipline team and also alone
13 Able to meet tight deadlines and prioritise workload
14 Ability to adapt to a wide range of tasks and priorities
15 Ability to respond quickly and effectively and present
alternative approaches where appropriate
16 Must be able to travel to events and locations which either
have limited public transport links or are not served by public
transport at all
Application Pack July 2012
A T I
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P O Qualifications
a Rural practice preferred but commercial practice will be
considered
Experience
A T I
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P O
Skills/Abilities
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b
Problem solver
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The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales No. 207076
Scotland No. SC037654
Knowledge
17 Agric Holdings Scotland Act 2003
18 Knowledge of Scots Law relating to rural land estate
management, acquisitions and project management
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Disposition/Circumstances
19 Able to demonstrate tact and diplomacy in all situations
20 Demonstrate credibility with key audiences (sometimes with
very different views to our own)
21 Able to work well with may different types of people within
and outside the organisation
22 Able to travel widely throughout Scotland and UK, 20 –30
nights away pa
Application Pack July 2012
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Knowledge
c Interest in farming and rural land issues
d Working knowledge of Scottish planning laws, CARS Regs
Behaviours/Circumstances
e An ability to keep a sense of proportion in difficult situation
is beneficial
f
Interest in environment and conservation
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The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales No. 207076
Scotland No. SC037654
1
For RSPB Use Only
APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT
STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL
PLEASE REFER TO VACANCY DETAILS FOR RETURN ADDRESS
Job Ref. No.
Position applied for
Location
How did you first learn of this vacancy?
Identification details
(BLOCK CAPITALS PLEASE)
Surname
Dr/Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms/Other
Forenames
Address
Postcode
Email address
May we, with discretion, phone you at work?
Home tel no
Yes
No
Business tel
no
Do you hold a current, valid driving licence?
If yes, what type?
If yes, do you have any current endorsements?
If yes, please give details of any current endorsements.
Yes
Full
Yes
No
Provisional
No
Qualifications relevant to this application (including technical and/or professional).
Please provide details (note that these may be verified on appointment)
Current membership of any professional or technical organisations.
Please provide details (note that these may be verified on appointment)
Application Pack July 2012
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered
charity: England and Wales No. 207076 Scotland No. SC037654
Employment history
Please give details of all jobs held, including part-time and unpaid work, starting with your current
or most recent employer. Continue on a separate sheet if necessary.
Employer’s full name &
address
Job title/
Key achievements & areas
of responsibility
Length of time in job/
Reasons for leaving/
Final salary in role
Relevant skills/knowledge/experience
You should outline below how your skills/knowledge/experience meet the requirements of the Person
Specification. You may draw on past employment and/or out of work activities. Please include details
of any scientific papers you have had published. Continue on a separate sheet if necessary.
Application Pack July 2012
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered
charity: England and Wales No. 207076 Scotland No. SC037654
Why are you interested in applying for this post?
Continue on a separate sheet if necessary.
Length of notice
Declaration
The information on this form will be used for recruitment and selection purposes only and if your
application is successful it will form part of your employment record. All unsuccessful applications will
be destroyed twelve months after the closing date for positions advertised in Scotland, England and
Wales and three years after the closing date for positions advertised in Northern Ireland.
Are you eligible to work in the UK ?
Yes

No

For Internal applicants only: In the event of my application being successful give my permission for
the Personnel Department to approach my line manager for an internal reference.
If it is discovered that you have given any information, which you know to be false, or withhold any
relevant information your application may be rejected or any subsequent employment terminated.
I confirm that the information contained in this application form is correct.
Signature ...................................................................................... ……………………………………….
Date
.................................................................................................................................................
Application Pack July 2012
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered
charity: England and Wales No. 207076 Scotland No. SC037654