Jobs

JOB PURPOSE

A Ranger plays a crucial role in ensuring that the conservation ambitions of the Trust go hand in hand with welcoming the local community and visitors from across the globe to this well-loved place.

The ranger post is responsible for encouraging enthusiasm for the outdoors and passion for the countryside with the walkers, campers and sightseers who come to explore the iconic 6,464-hectare estate during the busy summer season.

The role will work in the stunning Torridon landscape, on walking routes, in parking areas, at popular spots for camping/campervans, around Torridon village and the Countryside Visitor Centre (currently closed). The role requires the ranger to act as an ambassador for the National Trust for Scotland, building awareness and support for the charity leaving those you meet with a desire to respect, protect, and enjoy the special natural environment and an understanding of how they can help to contribute their support to the property.

There will be a requirement for lone-working and with other staff and volunteers, on a variety of practical conservation tasks to help achieve the high presentation and habitat management standards expected of a National Nature Reserve, Site of Special Scientific Interest, National Scenic Area and Geological Conservation Area.

The ranger will contribute to the long-term sustainability of Torridon’s ranger service through income generation at pay-for events, memberships and donations inspired by Trust’s work, growing capacity through volunteers and cost-effective use of resources.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Nature Conservation
 Be an enthusiastic and effective part of the ranger service, contributing to the smooth operation and ecological enhancement of Torridon.
 Carry out regular site monitoring checks and record keeping, helping to evaluate performance and plan conservation activities, including habitat and species surveys, archaeology and footpath condition checks, and people counter figures.
 Get involved with practical conservation tasks, including woodland management, footpath maintenance and fence repairs, litter clearance and property patrols.
 Seek to minimise environmental impact through sustainable working practices and sensitive use of power, equipment, transport, and other resources.

Visitor Services
 Participate in a program of 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 visitors 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 products that bring alive our stories, including on-site displays, self-guided trails, signage, guided walks, talks or other hands-on activities.

Learning
• Work with partners, for example: local schools, colleges, community groups, etc., to develop learning opportunities consistent with the objectives of the Trust at the property.
• Work with educational institutions to support and undertake research that will assist in the planning and management of the property.

Community Engagement
• Communicate with local stakeholders, neighbouring landowners, local businesses, local/regional agencies, and others to increase understanding and awareness of their and our aims and develop collaborative working relationships/partnerships to help deliver our priorities.

Marketing & Communications
• Play a central role in the marketing of the Trust and the property using a combination of methods, media and platforms including leaflets, face-to-face communication, social media, website, etc. to promote our work and encourage engagement and participation by residents and visitors.

Maintenance & Compliance
• Maintain and manage habitats, wildlife, and countryside estate infrastructure on a day-to-day basis (for example: footpaths, gates, signs, vegetation) to achieve ecological, visitor services and safety outcomes.
• Assist with the operation of the Trust’s Compliance regime at the estate, including annual tree inspections, and footpath and access infrastructure inspections.
• Maintain the 3 holiday cottages and act as a point of contact for them.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

The above outlines the key functions of the post. In addition, either knowledge of, or experience in the following is required:

Qualifications

Essential
 HND level qualifications, or equivalent experience, in one or more of the following areas: heritage or cultural studies; nature conservation, ecology, environmental studies or countryside management; rural land management; visitor services.
 Driving Licence, valid for driving within the UK.

Desirable
 Current First Aid certification.
 PA1/PA6 Certification.
 Mountain leader award.
 Brush cutter certification.

Skills & Experience

Essential
 Practical land management and maintenance of rural estates infrastructure experience.
 Experience of ecological survey and monitoring methods.
 Competent hill walker.
 Working within a small team and lone working.
 Proven track record of delivering exceptional visitor experience within a countryside context.

Desirable
 Working knowledge of Scottish habitats and species.
 Experience of leading groups of volunteers and visitors in an outdoor activity/learning environment.

DIMENSIONS AND SCOPE OF JOB

The Torridon Ranger role is positioned within the Highlands & Islands region and assists the Torridon Head Ranger with management of the Estate as well as representing the NTS in the local area.

Scale
 Primarily, the role is part of the team responsible for the day-to-day management of the 6,464 hectare Torridon Estate.
 Working with the head ranger to maintain footpath and associated infrastructure.
 Production and delivery of the summer events programme.
 Assisting with the survey & monitoring programme and Plan for Nature priorities.

People Management
 No responsibility for line management of staff.
 Responsibility for volunteers and contractors working within the property portfolio as required under the guidance of the Head Ranger.
 Liaison with other property colleagues, contractors, and the local community and some interaction with other technical/specialist advisory colleagues based in other locations and departments.

Finance Management
 Not a budget holder but will be expected to take responsibility for effective management of Trust resources in allocated areas.

Tools / equipment / systems
 Will be a frequent user of machinery, tools and equipment subject to appropriate training as required.

Physical Environment
• Responsibility for implementing the Trust’s “Health & Safety Policy”, being mindful at all times of the health & safety of self, staff, volunteers and visitors.
• Responsibility for working in a manner mindful of the Trust’s obligations to minimize impact on the environment through, for example, efficient use of water/heat/light, recycling, and the disposal of waste, and considered use of transport.

Key performance indicators and targets
The following key performance indicators and targets may be subject to change as the objectives and targets for the property evolve, but are relevant at the time of printing:
 Maintenance and conservation of the key features of the Torridon Estate.
 Increased engagement with visitors.

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.

Application Deadline: Friday 17/03/2023