Summer Ranger

**Summer Ranger - Part Time. Fixed Term**

Reference: JAN20257267
Location: Loch Ruthven

**Salary**: £24,890.00 - £26,720.00 Per Annum
Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave (pro rata)

The Summer Ranger provides a dedicated staffing presence at Loch Ruthven nature reserve during the Slavonian Grebe breeding season. The UK's breeding population of Slavonian Grebes has declined significantly in recent years and is now one of our rarest breeding birds. Your role as ranger will play a key part in securing their future

Loch Ruthven is of the best places in the UK to see breeding Slavonian Grebe, receiving an average of 4,000 visitors annually. However, due to the substantial increase in recreational use of the reserve, we are actively managing access to sensitive areas during the Slavonian Grebe breeding season. In 2025 we are anticipating some changes to this management.

You will engage with visitors in a clear, positive and persuasive manner to provide on-site advice to ensure that visitors adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and the Wildlife & Countryside Act. This will involve informing visitors about access restrictions, responsible recreational use of the reserve, and the Slavonian Grebes. This will also include working to reduce the impact of disturbance to Slavonian Grebes (particularly from recreational water users) but also potentially wild campers and climbers, and dealing irresponsible visitor behaviour such as the use of BBQs and campfires.

You will be part of a small busy reserves team that manages seven reserves across the Highlands from our office in Inverness and will often be working by yourself at Loch Ruthven requiring resilience and resourcefulness. During quieter periods at Loch Ruthven there may be opportunities to assist with tasks on the other reserves.

Applicants must be able to travel daily to Loch Ruthven which is not served by public transport.

**Essential skills, knowledge and experience**:

- Computer literate.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, to a range of audiences.
- Able to deal with challenging situations in a clear, positive and engaging way.
- Diplomatic and negotiating skills.
- Problem solving skills and ability to work under own initiative.
- Have a flexible approach to working hours required within the 30 hour week, which will include weekend, evening and morning working.
- Ability to travel to remote locations without the use of public transport.

**Desirable skills, knowledge and experience**:

- Knowledge of the Scottish Outdoor Access code and general countryside issues.
- Basic maintenance skills e.g. installing signage, basic fencing.
- A working knowledge of visitor management and engagement techniques and/or some experience of working outdoors as a countryside ranger or similar.
- Health and Safety in the work place.

**Closing date: 23:59, Tue, 4th Mar 2025**

RSPB are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 21 March 2025.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

No agencies please.

indlp

**Job Types**: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 6 months

Pay: £24,890.00-£26,720.00 per year

Expected hours: 30 per week

**Benefits**:

- Company pension
- Life insurance

Schedule:

- Day shift

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: 166630