January 2014
Job Title: Community Ranger Business : Property and Visitor
Services
Reports to: Learning Services Manager Pay Band/Starting Salary: Band D ,
£20,906 (PRO-RATA)
Location: Bannockburn Heritage Centre, Glasgow Road,
Whins of Milton, Stirling, FK7 0LJ
Type of Contract: Permanent, parttime (20hrs /week)
Terms and conditions: The post is subject to the standard terms and conditions provided with the application pack.
CONTEXT
Bannockburn is the site of one of the most important events to have taken place on British soil. It not only shaped the history of Scotland but continues to this day to influence the thinking of its people.
The Battle took place over two days. The site of the first day of fighting is marked by a commemorative park and Visitor Centre in the care of The National Trust for Scotland.
Bannockburn is recognised as being a defining event in the history of Scotland and along with
Culloden Battlefield, Edinburgh and Stirling Castles it is one of the iconic, historic destinations for visitors as well as those who wish to learn more about the history of Scotland. The Battle of
Bannockburn Project is a joint venture by The National Trust for Scotland and Historic Scotland, on behalf of the Scottish Government, to provide a new experience for one of the most significant
Battles in Scotland’s history for the 700th anniversary in 2014. The post will contribute to the overall vision namely ''To make the Battle of Bannockburn site a source of inspiration for every visitor''.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
To assist in the management of the Trust’s property at Bannockburn by contributing to the delivery of a programme of community, educational and interpretative events and activities; supervising volunteers and enhancing the visitor experience and active engagement with local communities and stakeholders.
The post is based at the Battle of Bannockburn Centre, but it will also involve work on other sites associated with the Battle and working with local schools and communities.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Key Purposes of the placement will be met by:
1

 Contribute specifically to the delivery of the Battle of Bannockburn Project Operational Plan targets, Key Performance Indicators, HLF grant requirements, and producing reports on a quarterly and annual basis as required;
 In conjunction with the Learning Officer, plan and implement a programme of environmental educational events and develop new activities;
 Monitor and manage the impact of public access/responsible behaviour at the property by collecting data, managing recording systems and equipment, and engagement with visitors in conjunction with the Learning Manager and Property Manager;
 To assist with the practical conservation and landscaping work, visitor management/ interpretation at the property, including guided walks programmes (e.g. Battlefield walks historic trails etc ), information and contributing articles for the website and other media;
 Act as outdoor volunteer co-ordinator for the property;
 Input into annual and longer-term operational work plans in the context of the property masterplan /action plans to ensure that activities are prioritised and planned to optimise the use of resources;
 Ensure that all activities undertaken are compliant with the property’s Safe Systems of
Work and in line with stated Trust policies and approaches to ensure the health and welfare of staff/volunteers/visitors; ensuring that all health and safety, and that all related emergency procedures are regularly reviewed and implemented;
 To develop and help implement a community engagement plan for this important urban fringe property (linking with other key sites within the Stirling area) including responsible access, outdoor learning and environmental volunteering opportunities.
2

Your role is one for which the duties/responsibilities/accountabilities of the role require you to become a member of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme, which replaces the
‘Enhanced Disclosure’ check and is administered by Disclosure Scotland.
SCOPE OF ROLE
People Management:
 Not a line manager but will regularly manage and supervise volunteers (recruitment, induction, development, performance management) such that they are fully equipped and motivated to undertake their duties to the required Trust standards;
 Work closely with other property colleagues and other Trust staff/advisers (e.g. in
Conservation, Visitor Services, Finance, Learning Services and Volunteering) based at local and central support bases to ensure Trust policies and standards are implemented;
 Develop and maintain sound relationships with representatives of key bodies/organisations
(e.g. Historic Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, Local Authority Rangers, Stirling Council
Access Forum, Central Scotland Green Network, local community/social inclusion groups).
Financial Management:



Not a budget holder;
Occasional use of Trust financial systems for teh purpose of expense/purchase orders;
Contribute to income generation through increasing membership both at the property and outdoor events;
 Help with property events to contribute to and enhance visitor services and income potential.
SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
The above outlines the key skills the job holder will need to possess and exercise. In addition, either knowledge of or experience in the following is required:
Essential:



Degree (or equivalent-level knowledge) in countryside management (or similar);
Demonstrable experience in environmental education and interpretation;
Demonstrable high levels of interpersonal and communication skills and confidence in dealing with a wide range of staff, volunteers, visitors, young educational groups and other stakeholders;



Demonstrable organisational and event management skills;
Competent user of Microsoft Office products;
A proven track record in working with external bodies or stakeholders (e.g. press, local authorities, national agencies, funding partners) and in partnership with local interest groups and especially community liaison;
 A current driving licence, valid for driving in the UK.
Desirable:



Experience in countryside management on the urban fringe;
A sound knowledge of the issues affecting the conservation and management of Scotland’s environment and wildlife;
A keen interest in Scottish history and heritage.
3

The Key Responsibilities, Scope of Job, and Required Qualifications, Skills, Experience & Knowledge reflect the requirements of the job at the time of issue. The Trust reserves the right to amend these with appropriate consultation and/or request the post-holder to undertake any activities that it believes to be reasonable within the broad scope of the job or his/her general abilities.
Applications
Interested applicants should forward a completed application form to Human Resources Department
(Applications), The National Trust for Scotland, Hermiston Quay, 5 Cultins Road, Edinburgh EH11
4DF, by mail or by email via workforus@nts.org.uk, by first post (i.e. 10.00am) on 14 February
2014.
Interviews are likely to be held at Bannockburn on 21 February 2014 .
4

5