Loch Ruthven Summer Ranger

The Summer Ranger provides a dedicated staffing presence at Loch Ruthven nature reserve and
plays a key role in protecting rare Slavonian Grebes from disturbance during the grebe’s
breeding season.

Loch Ruthven is of the best places in the UK to see breeding Slavonian Grebe in the UK,
receiving an average of 4,000 visitors annually. 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.

You will be engaging with visitors in a clear, positive and persuasive manner to provide
on-site advice about access restrictions, responsible recreational use of the reserve, and the
Slavonian grebes. This will include working to reduce the impact of disturbance to Slavonian
Grebes from recreational water users, wild camping, irresponsible visitor behaviour, as well as
the use of BBQs and campfires.

As part of the role you will also be helping visitors to enjoy their visit and view the
Slavonian Grebes from the small hide in conjunction with the Loch Ruthven volunteer team and
undertaking desk-based tasks such as preparing signage, emails and meetings. You may also be
required to undertake, or assist with, minor maintenance tasks such as repairing boardwalks and
litter picking

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.

This is a fixed-term role ending on 1 September 2024, working 30 hours per week. Your working
pattern will be Friday to Monday, including weekends and bank holidays. We envision a start
date in April/May for the successful candidate.

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.

This is a Fixed-Term, Part-Time role for 30 hours per week ending on 1 September 2024. 

The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising
dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from week commencing 18 March 2024.

For further information please contact [email protected].

As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including
evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels
supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world
richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of
colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate,
sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled,
we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any
additional support you may need to complete your application.

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

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.