Ranger - Handa Island

Scottishwildlifetrust; Scotland; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental conservation organization is seeking a motivated individual to manage a remote and beautiful island in Scotland. You will be responsible for overseeing the island's wildlife and coordinating work programs with volunteers. Candidates should possess excellent organizational and verbal communication skills and be comfortable working outdoors. This role offers the opportunity to live in a purpose-built accommodation while contributing to nature conservation. Flexibility and driving license are essential requirements for the role.

Benefits

Accommodation provided

Opportunity to work outdoors

Qualifications

• Ability to work under initiative and as part of a team.
• Flexibility and resilience required for the role.
• Sound knowledge of natural history is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage the remote island and its wildlife.
• Organise work programs for yourself and volunteers.
• Produce an annual report on seasonal activities.

Skills

emotional maturity

excellent people skills

initiative

organisational skills

verbal communication

practical skills

seabird monitoring

marine and terrestrial natural history knowledge

Job description

Term: 6 Month Fixed Term from March 2026 – September 2026

Hours: Individual, 35 hours per week

Anticipated start date for this role is 16th March 2026.

(Accommodation provided is suitable for one individual ranger).

Closing date: Wednesday 7th January 2026 @ 12 noon.

Interviews: Friday 16th January 2026.

An outstanding opportunity for a passionate, highly motivated and skilled individual person to effectively manage this remote and beautiful island, its wildlife and 8000-plus visitors.

This exciting role requires excellent organisational skills, coupled with a high degree of flexibility. You will be responsible for organising work programs for yourself and a team of volunteers, with the ability to constantly adapt your plan according to changing conditions. Living and working with your team, and other occasional guests, will play to your excellent people skills, and you will be comfortable in a highly sociable environment. This role at times can be physically demanding yet hugely rewarding and will more than satisfy your desire to work outdoors in a remote and stunning location. Familiarity with Handa Island would be an advantage however not essential. Weekly trips to Scourie (the nearest, but remote village) are necessary to do laundry, banking, shopping, and exchange gas bottles, therefore, a current driving licence and access to a vehicle are both essential for the role.

Accommodation for the post is provided free of charge in the purpose-built Ranger's bothy.

The successful candidate(s) will ideally:

• have a high degree of emotional maturity, resilience and flexibility
• have excellent people skills, and thrive in a very sociable environment
• be able to work under their own initiative and as part of a close-knit team
• be able to organise, supervise and motivate a small team
• have exceptional verbal communication skills to maintain relationships with stakeholders
• have good practical skills and experience to carry out or arrange necessary maintenance on the island
• have a thorough knowledge of seabird monitoring methodology and practice
• have sound knowledge of marine and terrestrial natural history
• be able to produce an annual report on the season's activities

For further details, please download the role description and person specification.

The Trust is a passionate employer, proactive about creating a culture of diversity and inclusive workplace that promotes and values equal opportunities for all. We welcome individuals from all networks of life, backgrounds, and experiences.