Jobs

JOB PURPOSE

The Ranger Apprentice position offers a valuable opportunity for a person to gain hands-on experience, training and professional development in a dynamic conservation and visitor services environment.

The National Trust for Scotland cares for Culzean Castle & Country Park. 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 its landscaped grounds was acquired by the Trust in 1945 and is generally considered one of the flagship Trust properties. The Country Park extending to about 260 hectares, is visited by around 300,000 visitors each year, who come to enjoy the wildlife and scenery, of which the gardens, woodland and coastline are an integral part.

The Ranger team plays a vital role in delivering the National Trust for Scotland’s mission by contributing to nature conservation, visitor experience, outdoor learning and community engagement. Working alongside experienced colleagues, the apprentice will develop the skills required to engage with visitors, care for our livestock and monitor, maintain & conserve our habitats and the designed landscape across the estate.

The Apprentice will also study for a Modern Apprenticeship (SVQ in Rural Skills at SCQF Level 6) with our training provider; Rural Skills Scotland.

MORE ABOUT THE APPRENTICESHIP

You will take direction from the Head Ranger, with two Rangers and a Seasonal 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 the delivery of habitat restoration works within the Country Park including the management of woodland, grassland, heathland and freshwater habitats.
• Contribute to biological survey & monitoring programmes, helping to evaluate and inform conservation management decisions.
• Help with practical countryside management including litter picks, emptying bins, maintenance of countryside estate infrastructure (e.g. paths, gates, signs, vegetation management), safety checks of visitor & access infrastructure.
• Will support the team with feeding and care of the property’s livestock; deer and llama.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of educational and outreach activities that bring alive our stories, including formal education sessions to schools, social media content, on-site displays, self-guided trails, guided walks, talks, events or other hands-on activities.
• Welcoming and engaging visitors, enhancing their experience by providing information about Culzean, its geology, natural and cultural heritage, including strong messages around safety and respect for wildlife.
• Participate in estate patrols at busy times including weekends 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.
• Assist with events such as public gatherings, NTS events and weddings.
• 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.
• Assist with the supervision of volunteers and Project Search interns.

Application Deadline: Tuesday 04/08/2026