Something for the weekend: If you have already had enough of your daily commute this year and would like a job outside in the fresh air, then read on. The Scottish Wildlife Trust has begun its search for a ranger to look after the small and remote island Handa in the north of Scotland.
The lucky candidate will be responsible for managing the island, its wildlife and 8,000 visitors, and organising work programmes for them and a team of volunteers, with the potential to adapt plans according to changing conditions. They will need good practical skills and experience to carry out or arrange necessary island maintenance, a thorough knowledge of seabird monitoring methodology and practice, and marine and terrestrial natural history, and be able to produce an annual report on the season’s activities.
Applications from both job-share or individual candidates will be considered for the role, which lasts from March to September 2025 and pays £25,600 per annum pro rata. It will be 35 hours per week for one person and 24.5 hours per week for each individual in a job-share. Free accommodation is provided in the ranger’s bothy.
The trust is looking for a candidate with a high degree of emotional maturity, resilience and flexibility, excellent people and verbal communication skills to maintain stakeholder relationships in a sociable environment, and be able to work under their own initiative and as part of a close-knit team, who they need to organise, supervise and motivate.
The job advert stated: “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 the nearest village, Scourie, 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.”
This sounds like an exciting opportunity for wildlife lovers who have had enough of looking at a screen all day, with great benefits too!
