Head Ranger/Property Manager

Organisation: The National Trust for Scotland

Location: Ben Lomond Ardess Lodge, Rowardennan, G63 0AR

JOB PURPOSE

This is an exciting and dynamic leadership role, offering the opportunity to shape the future of one of Scotland’s most treasured landscapes. As Head Ranger and Property Manager, you will be responsible for the delivery of the Ben Lomond vision and management plan. Acting as the first point of contact and main local representative, you will embody the values of the National Trust for Scotland in this area. As a strong communicator and team leader, you will inspire trust and confidence in the organisation and its objectives. You will manage and motivate staff and volunteers, drive activities that keep the National Trust for Scotland at the forefront of upland conservation management and visitor engagement. A key part of your success will come from building strong relationships with local stakeholders and being a voice for the Trust in conservation and management of this popular landmark. In addition to estate management, you will also oversee the commercial operations of the Ardess bunkhouse and wider team working across the site.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Management of Ben Lomond, the islands of Bucinch and Ceardach ensuring the conservation and enhancement of their significant natural and cultural heritage.
• Maintain and develop visitor infrastructure such as paths, car parks and interpretation in effective and safe condition.
• Manage the Ardess Bunkhouse as a commercial venture and as a volunteer base for work programmes.
• Oversee and deliver visitor engagement to ensure their visits are as inspiring, memorable and accessible.
• Plan, manage and deliver the operational budgets, maintaining full compliance with legal and Trust requirements.
• Strengthen financial sustainability through assessing and monitoring costs, identifying efficiencies and developing new opportunities for income.
• Lead and support the site team, currently including Ranger, Property Secretary/Cleaner/Housekeeper, Seasonal Ranger, Seasonal Visitor Services Assistant and volunteers.
• Build and maintain good working relationships with partners and stakeholders including LLTNP, NatureScot, graziers and licensees, neighbouring landowners and the local community.
• Promote wider understanding of the Trust’s work and the value of supporting its mission.
• Respond to out of hours call outs for the Ardess bunkhouse as required.
• Recruit, induct, develop, motivate, and performance manage staff and volunteers to ensure they are equipped and motivated to undertake their duties to the required Trust standards, while maintaining staffing budgets.
• Instil a Health & Safety culture across the property, ensuring the teamwork within the properties’ ‘Safe System of Work’ to reduce risk of incidents and accidents to volunteers, employees and visitors.
• Ensure the Trust’s core aims are achieved namely, conservation, access and memorable visitor experiences for all visitors.
• Support the Operations Manager to develop and foster local-level stakeholder and client relationships specific to the properties.
• Ensure that lifelong learning is developed and promoted at the property through the visitor experiences we offer.
• Raise the profile of the property through local, regional and national marketing initiatives and social media.
• Take responsibility for building security, opening/closing procedures, emergency procedure implementation, duty management, and providing relief cover as required.