Ranger (No Accommodation Provided)

Please note accommodation is not provided with this role so please consider where you'll live before applying if you do not live locally already.
Rangers have been a part of the National Trust since the beginning, our place in the organisations future means that we need to think long term about how we look after our special places. As part of the wider Ranger team, we need you to think about our impact on the environment, and find better ways to do things.
The Farne Islands National Nature Reserve is an amazing group of Islands, located off the stunning Northumberland Coast. As one of the UK’s most important breeding sites for seabirds, they are inundated with nesting birds during the summer months. Species which breed on the islands include Atlantic Puffin, Common Guillemot, Razorbill, Black-legged Kittiwake, Northern Fulmar, European Shag and Common Eider. The Islands also have one of the largest Atlantic Grey seal colonies in the UK and every winter the islands are abundant with endearing white seal pups which are born from October to January. There is a wealth of history linking the Farne Islands with early Christianity, with Inner Farne designated a Scheduled Monument, and historic buildings including St Cuthbert’s Chapel which dates back to the 14th century. Attracting thousands of visitors, the Islands are an inspiring National Nature Reserve and a valued Northumberland treasure. Before you apply please read this which explains the journey we have been on in recent years on the Farne Islands.
Contract: Fixed term contract until December 2024
Salary: £22,152pa
Hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week and includes weekends, evenings and bank holidays (see attached document for more information about the shift patterns you'll work).
Interviews: in person week commencing the 29th of January
To apply, we ask candidates to answer the following questions within a cover letter. Please use 500 words or less for each question and submit these along with your CV.
1. Why do you want to work on the Farne Islands?
2. Explain how your experience and skills will contribute towards the role of Seasonal Ranger?
3. What do you hope to gain from the position and what you think the biggest challenges may be?
We are developing our Ranger team on the Farne Islands and have other opportunities currently available:
Assistant Ranger x 6: job reference IRC145962
Boat Operator / Ranger: job reference IRC145984
If you would like to be considered for other roles, please do apply.
What it's like to work here
The Islands are a diverse and unique place to work, where no two days are the same. You will be part of a close-knit team working alongside rangers and act as a duty manager to the Assistant Ranger team as they welcome visitors to the islands, monitor the wildlife and manage the habitat. Your time will be spent in amongst the wildlife, taking the time to manage the habitat for the birds. You will take part in group activities which may involve early morning and evening work. You will spend 5 days working on the island and two days off on the mainland. Depending on avian flu and building works you may occasionally stay on the island with your colleagues and will be truly immersed in island life.
What you'll be doing
Supporting the management of island habitat will be a key element of your role whist carrying out delegated responsibilities such as timed predator watches, predator deterrence and vegetation management. Supported by the area rangers and rangers, you will maintain good relations with colleagues, harbour operators and stakeholders, with the ability to create a problem-solving culture and constructively take responsibility for team welfare and support the assistant rangers in monitoring and practical tasks. You will be asked to support the team with avian flu should it be necessary. Your inspiration should encourage support and enhance people’s understanding of the significance of the Farne Islands and its wildlife.
Due to location, we would encourage you to consider how you would travel in the area prior to applying, public transport is not always reliable and having your own means of transport and a driving license would be encouraged.
Who we're looking for
We’d love to hear from you if you’re:
practically experienced in conservation work, to protect and improve habitats and landscapes
happy to talk to all kinds of people about the work you’re doing, and why it matters
hard-working and willing to learn
able to work safely, using risk assessments and following guidelines
experienced in managing land, access and conservation, and working outdoors
able to use machinery and equipment, with relevant certificates
a driver with a full UK driving licence.