Jobs

JOB PURPOSE

The role of Ranger Apprentice is a fantastic opportunity for a person to learn, train and experience real work in a professional conservation and estate management environment.

The National Trust for Scotland cares for Glencoe National Nature Reserve, a world-famous mountain landscape which attracts millions of visitors every year. Glen Coe is renowned for a varied mosaic of habitats, from summit to sea level. Its biodiversity is recognized by multiple designations, including Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation. It is also located in a Special Protection Area for Golden Eagles and the Ben Nevis & Glencoe National Scenic Area.

As an integral part of the Ranger team, our Ranger Apprentice will get involved with a range of practical conservation tasks – helping to create the conditions for healthy, sustainable, resilient habitats, and reducing the pressure popularity can place on the landscape at this busy reserve.

You will also engage with the public – out in the Glen and at our Visitor Centre – sharing your passion for this special place, encouraging responsible outdoor access, growing support for our charity’s work and generating the income we need to care for our properties. You’ll help us maximise our impact through excellent customer service and site knowledge, taking pride in presentation and communication.

The Apprentice will also study for a Modern Apprenticeship (SVQ in Estate Management at SCQF Level 6) with Rural Skills Scotland.

MORE ABOUT THE APPRENTICESHIP

You will take direction from the Senior Ranger, with two NNR Rangers and a Stalker Ranger providing day-to-day supervision. You will also work alongside other property staff.

The apprenticeship will be run in partnership with Rural Skills Scotland, who will support the successful candidate through their SVQ undertaking regular observations to allow the apprentice to meet the necessary evidence requirements.

The apprenticeship is for a fixed period of 18 months during which the successful candidate will be mentored and undertake relevant vocational training.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

 Support the rangers with practical habitat conservation and improvement tasks, including vegetation and woodland management, and invasive-species control.
 Support the estate’s deer management plan, from counting deer and assessing herbivore impact on habitats, to helping our stalker out on the hill as a ghillie if the candidate is interested. There may be scope for the candidate to learn to shoot if that is a direction they wish to go.
 Assist with survey and monitoring programmes, helping to evaluate and inform conservation management decisions.
 Help with the maintenance and presentation of estate infrastructure, including footpaths, fencing and signage.
 Participate in estate patrols at busy times and locations, including weekends and evenings, to engage with tourists, outdoor activity enthusiasts and campers, championing a “leave no trace” culture and providing practical advice based on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
 Welcome customers in our Visitor Centre Info Hub in a friendly, efficient and knowledgeable manner, answering queries and providing information about the property, facilities and the local area.
 Contribute to the development and delivery of educational and outreach activities that bring alive our stories, including social media content, on-site displays, self-guided trails, guided walks, talks, events or other hands-on activities.
 Promote the National Trust for Scotland and the benefits of Trust membership or donations.
 Always maintain excellent standards of site and personal presentation, ensuring work is undertaken in a safe and appropriate manner, wearing correct uniform, name badges, or PPE as required.

Application Deadline: Friday 24/04/2026