JOB PURPOSE
The Seabird Ranger will undertake a programme of monitoring key seabird species in order to ascertain breeding success and obtain an accurate estimate of population size. Through monitoring, a greater understanding of the status of the colonies and the threats and issues affecting them will be achieved. This information will help in the protection of the seabirds and increase our understanding of their populations and environment. Submitted results will be collated into national datasets to inform a wider understanding of species numbers and health. The seabird monitoring programme will be guided by the NTS Senior Seabird Officer.
It is anticipated that the Seabird Ranger will work closely with one or more volunteers and be responsible for their day to day management
The Seabird Ranger will also be the face of the National Trust for Scotland on Mingulay during the busy summer months and will play a key role in welcoming visitors to help ensure their time on Mingulay is highly enjoyable and memorable, while helping to protect and enhance the island’s natural and cultural heritage.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
Nature conservation
To monitor key seabird colonies include population, breeding success and feeding studies
To collate cetacean and other marine sightings
To collect, manage and collate biological information in a consistent manner compatible with Trust and national datasets
To produce and disseminate results of monitoring, including monthly and end of season reports
To contribute to other biological monitoring programmes as appropriate
To carry out biosecurity checks following set protocols
To support NTS’s response to avian influenza
Visitor Services
• Welcoming and engaging visitors, enhancing their experience by providing information about Mingulay, its natural and cultural heritage, including strong messages around safety and respect for wildlife.
• Encourage people to further contribute to caring for Mingulay through donating or taking up membership of NTS.
• To assist with visitor management and interpretation, including participating in the guided walk programme and contributing articles for the website and newsletters
• Assist with practical countryside management including litter picks, beach cleans, maintenance and safety checks.
• Lead and assist with events such as guided walks and talks as appropriate.
Community engagement
• Build strong working relationships with Day Boat Operators, their crew members, and other local stakeholders to support consistent messaging to visitors.
Marketing & Communications
• Enthusiastically promote awareness and understanding of the role that NTS plays in protecting and caring for Mingulay and wider work across Scotland.
• Regularly update and contribute positive stories to NTS social media and other communication outlets relevant to Mingulay
Other responsibilities
• Ensure that all activities undertaken are compliant with the Trust’s health and safety policies and procedures including the Safe System of Work, Visitor Safety in the Countryside, and environmental policy and practices, mindful of impacts on people and environment.
• Contribute knowledge and experience to projects and management decisions within the NTS Plan for Nature.
• Provide occasional support to Mingulay, Pabbay & Berneray Ranger Service with projects and activities across the islands.
• Responsibility for volunteer work programme including health and safety
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
Essential
• A proven track record in seabird population and productivity monitoring
• A considerable degree of self-sufficiency and resilience needed to live and work in isolated conditions for extended periods.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to interact positively with a wide range of people in person and through other written or visual forms.
• Ability to implement work in a lone working and challenging environment, and within a small team.
• Excellent organisational, time-management skills with the ability to prioritise and be flexible according to weather and changing demands.
• Competent user of Microsoft Office and social media.
• Willingness to initiate conversational relationships with visitors and community partners, be approachable and welcoming.
Desirable
• Knowledge of and interest in the cultural and natural history of the Hebrides.
• Working knowledge of ecological survey and monitoring techniques.
• Practical land management and maintenance of small-scale rural estates infrastructure.
• Ability to think and act quickly when confronted with emergencies.
• Up to date First Aid certificate.
• Experience of managing personal safety and the safety of others in a remote and challenging environment.
DIMENSIONS AND SCOPE OF JOB
Scale
• The post holder will be the main NTS presence and point of contact on Mingulay and will work within a small team comprising the Ranger for Mingulay, Pabbay & Berneray and a number of volunteers.
People Management
• No line management responsibility but will be required to supervise volunteers.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with Day Boat Operators, visitors, NTS staff (local team and other technical/specialist advisory colleagues), contractors,
• Will have regular interaction with members of the public of all ages and abilities.
Finance Management
• Assist in making the best use of resources and ensuring best value.
• Contribute to the income of the Trust through recruiting new members and encouraging donations.
• This role is not a budget-holder.
Travel and Wellbeing
• Travel to Mingulay will be from Barra and will be provided by local boat operators.
• It is expected that the Seabird Ranger will stay on Mingulay for the duration of the contract, with only occasional trips to Barra. This may involve being the only person on the island for extended periods.
• Food and post etc can be delivered by the regular day boat operators and/ or Ranger
• NTS will provide appropriate outerwear and footwear appropriate for the environment.
• The ranger will be supplied with a Spot Locator and mobile VHF to enhance safety that will be enabled at all times when delivering the above Service.
• An appropriate check-in/ buddy system is in operation
• There is limited internet access
Place in organisational structure:
Western Isle Manager (based in Inverness)
Ranger (Mingulay, Pabbay & Berneray)
Fixed Term Seabird Ranger
The Purpose, Context, Key Responsibilities, and Person Specification reflect the requirements of the job at the time of issue. The Trust reserves the right to amend these with appropriate consultation and/or request the post-holder to undertake any activities that it believes to be reasonable within the broad scope of the job or his/her general abilities.
