Boat Operator / Ranger

Summary

Please note accommodation is not provided with this role so please consider where
you’ll live before applying if you do not live locally already. 

Rangers have been a part of the National Trust since the beginning, our place in the
organisations future means that we need to think long term about how we look after our special
places. As part of the wider Ranger team, we need you to think about our impact on the
environment, and find better ways to do things.

The Farne Islands National Nature Reserve is an amazing group of Islands, located off the
stunning Northumberland Coast. As one of the UK’s most important breeding sites for seabirds,
they are inundated with nesting birds during the summer months. Species which breed on the
islands include Atlantic Puffin, Common Guillemot, Razorbill, Black-legged Kittiwake, Northern
Fulmar, European Shag and Common Eider. The Islands also have one of the largest Atlantic Grey
seal colonies in the UK and every winter the islands are abundant with endearing white seal
pups which are born from October to January. There is a wealth of history linking the Farne
Islands with early Christianity, with Inner Farne designated a Scheduled Monument, and historic
buildings including St Cuthbert’s Chapel which dates back to the 14th century. Attracting
thousands of visitors, the Islands are an inspiring National Nature Reserve and a valued
Northumberland treasure. Before you apply please read this article which
explains the journey we have been on in recent years on the Farne Islands.

Contract: Fixed term contract until December 2024

Salary: £22,222pa to £23,000pa depending on your experience 

Hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week, 5 days working on the island and two
days off on the mainland (see attached document for more information about the shift patterns
you’ll work).

Interviews: in person week commencing the 29th of January

To apply, we ask candidates to answer the following questions within a cover letter.
Please use 500 words or less for each question and submit these along with your CV.

1. Why do you want to work on the Farne Islands?
2. Explain how your experience and skills will contribute towards the role of Boat Ranger?
3. What do you hope to gain from the position and what you think the biggest challenges may
   be? 

What it’s like to work here

The Islands are a diverse and unique place to work, where no two days are the same. You’ll be
part of a close-knit team working alongside rangers and act as a duty manager to the assistant
Ranger team as they welcome visitors to the islands, monitor the wildlife and manage the
habitat. Boats are used daily to gain access between the islands in order carry out monitoring
and conservation work. During the season group activities such as cliff counts, puffin census
and nest count take place, these will involve early morning and some evening work. Depending on
avian flu and building works you may occasionally stay on the island with your colleagues and
will be truly immersed in island life. 

Click here for
more information about this location.

What you’ll be doing

As boat ranger you will manage the day-to-day transport for the ranger team and lead boat
maintenance on the islands. You’ll guide and lead your team in safe boat practices and
protocols. Supported by the Area Rangers, you’ll have a variety of duties which will include
duty managing, supervising others and championing boat compliance. Aside from your main focus
of boat operations you will support the team in habitat management, infrastructure maintenance,
monitoring, and welcoming visitors to the island. You’ll be responsible for guiding the team
out for cliff counts around the island via boat and provide access to the smaller islands for
nest counts.

Due to location, we would encourage you to consider how you would travel in the area
prior to applying, public transport is not always reliable and having your own means of
transport and a driving license would be encouraged.

Who we’re looking for

1. Minimum RYA powerboat 2 ideally with 3 years of experience.
2. Commercial endorsement (not essential)
3. Practical boat maintenance and repair experience (not essential)
4. Leadership experience
5. Full UK driving License and own vehicle (due to location)

Additional boat training may be provided if necessary for new applications in line with boating
legislation.

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to
create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people
reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and
value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our
teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Tax free childcare scheme
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Perks at work discounts i.e. gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase
  scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most locations
• Independent financial advice

Click here to find out
more about the benefits we offer to support you.