The Summer Ranger provides a dedicated staffing presence at Loch Ruthven nature reserve during the Slavonian Grebe breeding season. The UK's breeding population of Slavonian Grebes has declined significantly in recent years, and is now one of our rarest breeding birds. Your role as ranger will play a key part in securing their future Loch Ruthven is of the best places in the UK to see breeding Slavonian Grebe, receiving an average of 4,000 visitors annually. However, 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. In 2025 we are anticipating some changes to this management. You will be engage with visitors in a clear, positive and persuasive manner to provide on-site advice to ensure that visitors adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and the Wildlife & Countryside Act. This will involve informing visitors about access restrictions, responsible recreational use of the reserve, and the Slavonian Grebes. This will also include working to reduce the impact of disturbance to Slavonian Grebes (particularly from recreational water users) but also potentially wild campers and climbers, and dealing irresponsible visitor behaviour such as the use of BBQs and campfires. As part of the role you will also help visitors to enjoy their visit and safely view the Slavonian Grebes from the small hide in conjunction with the Loch Ruthven volunteer team, as well as 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. Applicants must be able to travel daily to Loch Ruthven which is not served by public transport. 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 to ensure that busy times at the reserve are staffed. 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 until September 2025. 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 21 March 2025. For further information please contact Steph Elliott steph.elliottrspb.org.uk 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. The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. 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. Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.