Job Description
Role: Seasonal Ranger (3 posts)
Reports to: Senior Ranger; Permanent Rangers
Location: Culzean Castle and Country Park, Maybole,
Ayrshire, KA19 8LE.
January 2015
Business Function: Properties & Visitor Services
Pay Band/Starting Salary: Band C : £17,544 pro rata
(£8.43 per hour)
Type of Contract: Fixed -term seasonal – initially 5
months (until end of August 2015), with potential for
extension until end of October 2015 (on reduced hours)
Terms and conditions
The post is subject to the standard terms and conditions provided with the application pack and the following special terms also
apply:
- The working hours are 40 per week, at such times to suit the needs of the property and will be confirmed by the line
manager of the post. This will include weekend and evening working.
- Accommodation this year comprises two spacious (2 person) flats with individual bedrooms and bathrooms and shared
living room and kitchen, situated in the private west wing of the castle. A charge of £230 per calendar month per person
will cover all rent, utilities, council tax etc.
- Holiday entitlement will be as per contract under the Working Time Regulations. All holidays must be taken during the
period of the contract. The Trust operates a No Smoking policy in all buildings.
PURPOSE:
To contribute to the management of Culzean Castle & Country Park, in line with the Trust's objectives, health and
safety and other policies and standards for conservation, access and enjoyment. To protect and enhance the
property’s natural and cultural heritage whilst facilitating access by visitors and increasing their enjoyment and
understanding by means of interpretation and education.
The National Trust for Scotland and Culzean Country Park:
The National Trust for Scotland, formed in 1931, is a charitable body which is concerned with the preservation of
land and buildings in Scotland which are of historical or natural interest. The Trust has over 100 properties open to
the public, attracting over 2 million visitors each year. It is supported by more than 230,000 members whose
subscriptions and donations form a large part of our annual income.
Formerly the home of the Marquess of Ailsa and the Kennedy family and with a history dating back to the sixteenth
century, Culzean Castle and Country Park was acquired by the Trust in 1945, and it is generally considered the
flag-ship of Trust properties. The Country Park (the first in Scotland), extending to about 286 hectares, was formed
in 1969, and is owned and administered by the Trust on behalf of the Joint Committee of representatives from the
South Ayrshire Council and the Trust. It is visited by some 250,000 visitors each year, who come to enjoy the
wildlife scenery, of which the gardens and woodland are an integral part. The Country Park is open all year and the
Castle from April to October.
The Ranger Service is based at the Visitor Centre. Its main roles are to maintain the character of Culzean by
appropriate management techniques and to offer an interpretive service through the media of guided walks, three
clubs, illustrated talks and general contact with the public out in the Park. The underlying purpose of the Service is
to manage the Park by sound conservation principles and - by informing visitors and education groups - stimulate
interest and appreciation leading to better use of the countryside. Achievements in this field have resulted in
Culzean being awarded the Sandford Award for heritage education six times. There are five permanent Rangers and
normally five seasonal rangers are appointed (two are returning from last year).
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Key Purposes of the placement will be met by:






Management of visitor facilities ensuring that the property is presented to the standards expected by the
Trust and for the maximum safety of and enjoyment by visitors;
Assisting with events and the provision of interpretation and education;
Contributing to practical conservation management of habitats and wildlife;
Helping to monitor, record and report on the flora, fauna, and physical environment within the property;
Promoting the work of the Trust and actively seeking opportunities to increase Trust membership;
Ensuring that all activities undertaken are compliant with the Trust’s health and safety policies and
procedures / environmental policy and practices.
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
Countryside Management & Interpretation





Contribute to the interpretation programme including the development, promotion, and implementation of
activities. Events include guided walks, larger family events, the Young Naturalists’ Club, ECOS Club and
Gardening and Wildlife Club;
Lead educational visits for schools (nursery to tertiary level);
Carry out practical property management including patrols, litter collection, car park duties, toilet cleaning
and informal visitor contact;
Carry out practical countryside management of woodland glades, scrub clearance, invasive species control
and heathland restoration;
Continue annual biological species monitoring and recording, providing a written report where relevant.
People Management




No direct line reports, but the post-holder may supervise volunteers (individuals and groups such as
Conservation Volunteers, Thistle Camps);
Works closely with permanent Rangers and four other Seasonal Rangers, who all are managed by the
Senior Ranger;
Works closely with property-based staff to ensure that activities are an integral part of property’s visitor
service, and to provide technical support and advice on countryside management issues;
May participate in multi-disciplinary project teams consisting of in-house staff and external
consultants/contractors.
SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
The following are the skills and attributes that are considered valuable for this role. Please use the application form
to demonstrate that you have them and be prepared to expand on them if you are invited to interview:
Essential
 Experience of practical estate management, environmental education, wildlife recording and visitor
management;
 A good understanding of countryside management practice backed by a degree (or equivalent) in a relevant
discipline (e.g. countryside management, ecology, botany, biology or zoology);
 Sound practical skills in the development and delivery of educational programmes for a wide range of ages
and abilities;
 Practical experience of habitat management and biological recording including the use of hand tools,
strimmer, recording instruments etc;
 High level of communication skills and confidence in dealing with a wide range of staff and visitors;
 Good level of general IT skills.
Desirable
 Good knowledge of British natural history;
 Enthusiasm to impart knowledge to others;
 Good team worker but equally able to work unsupervised;
 Current, clean driving licence.
Applications
Please forward a completed application form to: Derek Duncan, Countryside & Nature Conservation Administrator,
the National Trust for Scotland, Hermiston Quay, 5 Cultins Road, Edinburgh, EH11 4DF, by mail or by email to
dduncan@nts.org.uk by Monday 2nd February 2015.
Post supported by: