Ranger

JOB PURPOSE

As part of the team which cares for Glencoe National Nature Reserve, a Ranger plays a crucial
role in ensuring that our conservation ambitions go hand in hand with welcoming our local
community and visitors from across the globe to this well-loved place.

You will share your enthusiasm for the outdoors and passion for the countryside with the
walkers, campers and sightseers who come to explore our 14,000 acre estate, including eight
iconic Munros, in Glencoe and Glen Etive.

You will work on your own and with other staff and volunteers, on a variety of practical
conservation tasks to help us protect the landscapes in our care, as part of ecologically
healthy habitat networks where natural processes predominate and help combat climate change.

You will work out in the landscape, on walking routes, in our parking areas, at popular spots
for camping and at our visitor centre, acting as an ambassador for the National Trust for
Scotland, building awareness and support for our charity. You’ll leave those you meet with a
desire to respect, protect and enjoy this special natural environment and an understanding of
how they can help do this.

You will contribute to the long-term sustainability of Glencoe’s ranger service through income
generated at pay-for events, memberships and donations inspired by our work, growing our
capacity through involving volunteers and cost-effective use of resources.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Conservation

• Be an enthusiastic and effective part of the ranger service, contributing to the smooth
  operation and ecological enhancement of Glencoe NNR.
• Carry out site monitoring and record keeping, helping us to evaluate performance and inform
  conservation management decisions, including habitat and species surveys, archaeology and
  footpath condition checks, weather gauge observations and people counter figures.
• Perform a range of practical habitat conservation and improvement tasks, including
  vegetation, woodland and invasive-species management.
• Support the estate’s deer management plans, either through the coordination of contractors or
  by conducting practical stalking activities (if qualified).
• Achieve high standards of presentation and repair for estate infrastructure to achieve
  ecological, visitor service and safety outcomes, including litter clearance and path, fence,
  gate, wall and sign maintenance.
• Seek to minimize our environmental impact through sustainable working practices and sensitive
  use of power, equipment, transport, and other resources.

Public engagement

• Participate in estate patrols at busy times and locations, including weekends and evenings,
  to engage with tourists, outdoor activity enthusiasts and campers, championing a “leave no
  trace” culture and providing practical advice based on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
• Welcome customers in our Visitor Centre Information Hub in a friendly, efficient and
  knowledgeable manner, answering queries and providing information about the property,
  facilities and the local area.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of educational and outreach activities that bring
  alive our stories, including social media content, on-site displays, self-guided trails,
  signage, guided walks, talks, events or other hands-on activities.

Working together

• Recruit, induct and supervise volunteers to help grow our team’s capacity, and assist with
  the leadership of group volunteering activities as required.
• Build collaborative working relationships/partnerships with our neighbours and local
  community, including other land managers, schools, community groups and recreational users, to
  help deliver the Trust priorities.
• Support a strong health & safety culture, complying with the property’s ‘Safe System of
  Work’, risk management and emergency procedures, to safeguard yourself, colleagues and the
  public.

Funding our future

• Actively promote the value of Trust membership to existing and potential members.
• Seek and support ways to generate sustainable sources of income, including timber and venison
  sales, encouraging donations, booking events, payment of parking charges, visits to other
  properties and awareness of our fundraising campaigns.
• Not a budget holder, but expected to liaise with the line manager prior to incurring any
  expenses and be mindful of cost-effective use of Trust funds and resources.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

Essential

• Graduate level qualifications or equivalent experience in countryside management, nature
  conservation or environmental studies.
• Experience of practical land management and conservation work and of supervising others to
  conduct tasks.
• Knowledge of Scottish habitats and species, particularly upland flora and fauna, and
  ecological survey and monitoring techniques.
• Proven track record of delivering excellent visitor experiences within a countryside setting
  or engaging the public in sustainable tourism.
• Confident interacting with and influencing a wide range of staff, volunteers, visitors,
  educational groups and other stakeholders.
• The interpersonal skills to work in a team and the self-motivation to work alone with minimal
  supervision.
• Pro-active approach to driving forward ideas and projects designed to meet objectives.
• Confident in hill-craft or working in a mountain environment.
• Sound IT skills, familiarity with Microsoft Office products and social media channels.
• Full clean UK driving license.
• Understanding of and belief in, the work of the National Trust for Scotland, particularly
  with regard to the management of Highlands and Islands estates.

Desirable

• Trained to use equipment including chainsaw, brush-cutter, pesticides, woodchipper, trailers,
  ATV (sit in and sit astride) and confident user of other relevant tools.
• Deer management qualification (DMQ Level 1 or 2), practical stalking experience and holder of
  the appropriate licenses and certificates for the use of firearms in relation to this work.
• Summer Mountain Leader Certificate.
• Experience of leading groups of volunteers and visitors in an outdoor activity/learning
  environment.
• Confident financial acumen and some budgeting experience.
• First aid certificate.