JOB PURPOSE
To support the delivery of practical countryside management, nature conservation, conservation grazing, and estate maintenance across Threave, Rockcliffe and Venniehill properties. To help deliver the strategic objectives of the property and wider National Trust for Scotland.
The role is primarily hands-on, practical, and physically demanding, involving year-round outdoor work across a varied working landscape. Duties include habitat management, livestock support, infrastructure maintenance, visitor engagement, and practical conservation work.
The successful candidate will work as part of the countryside team alongside staff, volunteers, tenants, contractors, and partner organisations to help care for and enhance Threave, Rockcliffe, Venniehill, Murray Isles and Bruce’s Stone for wildlife, livestock, visitors, and the wider community.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
Practical conservation and estate work
• Carry out practical habitat management including scrub control, path work, fencing, vegetation management, and woodland work.
• Assist with conservation grazing operations including livestock checks, cattle movements, fencing, water systems, and general livestock husbandry support.
• Support the maintenance and improvement of countryside infrastructure including gates, signage, access routes, bridges, hides, and boundaries.
• Operate and maintain tools, machinery, and equipment safely and responsibly, including tractors, ATVs, chainsaws, brush cutters, and other countryside machinery where qualified and appropriate.
• Assist with estate maintenance tasks across the wider property as required.
• Work outdoors year-round in a range of weather and terrain conditions.
Species and habitat monitoring
• Assist with wildlife and habitat surveys, monitoring programmes, and biological recording when required.
• Support ongoing conservation projects through practical fieldwork and data collection.
• Contribute to monitoring associated with conservation grazing and habitat restoration work.
Team working
• Work closely with the wider countryside team to deliver operational priorities safely and efficiently.
• Support and work alongside volunteers in practical outdoor tasks.
• Contribute positively to a hardworking, supportive, and safety-conscious team culture.
Visitor Experience & Engagement
• Engage positively and professionally with visitors across the estate, nature reserve and other properties.
• Help maintain high standards of visitor access, presentation, and safety across countryside areas.
• Provide practical support for visitor infrastructure including paths, signage, gates, hides, and access routes.
• Respond appropriately and courteously to visitor enquiries while promoting responsible access and enjoyment of the countryside.
• Engage positively with volunteers, tenants, contractors, partner organisations, and local communities.
• Assist and occasionally lead guided walks, public events, volunteer task days, and practical demonstrations where required.
• Help communicate the value of practical conservation, land management, and conservation grazing to a wide audience.
• Support a positive and welcoming atmosphere for volunteers and community involvement.
