Ranger - Handa Island

Scottishwildlifetrust; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental organization seeks a passionate Handa Island Ranger to manage wildlife and engage with more than 8,000 visitors. The role necessitates excellent people skills and the ability to adapt work plans in a remote and beautiful setting. Successful candidates will thrive in a sociable environment and will often be physically active. A current driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential for necessary trips to the nearest village. This position offers an extraordinary opportunity to work outdoors on a stunning island.

Benefits

Accommodation provided

Unique outdoor working experience

Responsibilities

• Effectively manage the remote Handa Island and its wildlife.
• Organise work programs for yourself and volunteers.
• Adapt plans based on changing conditions.

Skills

Emotional maturity

Excellent people skills

Ability to work under initiative

Organise and supervise a team

Exceptional verbal communication skills

Practical skills for maintenance

Seabird monitoring knowledge

Knowledge of natural history

Job description

Handa Island Ranger

Location: Handa Island, Sutherland

Salary: £26,112 FTE per annum

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

Hours: Individual, 35 hours per week

Anticipated start date: 16 March 2026

Accommodation: Suitable for one individual ranger (purpose-built Ranger's bothy, free of charge)

Closing date: Wednesday 7 January 2026 @ 12 noon.

Interviews: Friday 16 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.

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