5 year post available with GFT

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Galloway Fisheries Trust have an exciting opportunity for a recent graduate. We are able to offer a 5 year post to deliver the 'Kirkcudbrightshire Dee European Eel Study and Restoration Project'.

The European eel is regarded as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.  Eels are currently limited from accessing the Kirkcudbrightshire Dee catchment (one of the largest river catchments in SW Scotland) due to infrastructure associated with the Galloway Hydro Scheme which has been in operation on the river for nearly 90 years.  The Kirkcudbrightshire Dee provides a wonderful opportunity to research elvers returning to the lower river.     

Key items of work for the project officer will include:

• Trap elvers in the lower Dee.
• Monitor the numbers and health of the elver population.
• Analyse collected data to help understand population trends and assist in future restoration work.
• Translocate the trapped elvers.
• Support other environmental work in the Dee catchment. 
• Support other eel restoration work on local waters. 
• Education work
• Foster and develop a close working relationship with key stakeholders and interested parties in your key responsibility areas.
• Assist in the overall dissemination of GFT work to a wider audience particularly using social media.

The candidate must be fit, motivated, hardworking and willing to work outdoors during all weather conditions.  There may be a requirement to undertake some lone working from time to time.  A full valid driving licence is required.  The position will be based at the GFT office at Newton Stewart (Dumfries and Galloway).  The post holder will be supported by other GFT Biologists.  

This full time, fixed term (5 years) post is a wonderful opportunity for a post graduate to gain valuable work experience.  The post needs to commence in January 2026.

Salary will be starting at £441 per week (Real Living Wage).  Closing date for applications is noon on 7th November 2025.

Face to face interviews plan to be held on the 18th November 2025 in Newton Stewart.

To apply please send a CV and covering letter addressed to Rowan McCleary at rowan@gallowayfisheriestrust.org or Fisheries House, Station Industrial Estate, Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire, DG8 6ND

Further Information

• Solway Coast And Marine Landscape Connections Project