Summer Mountain Ranger (Summer) in Aviemore

The Cairngorm Mountain Ranger Service supports the protection, management and responsible enjoyment of the Cairngorm Mountain estate, working within a unique mountain environment in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Mountain Rangers play an important role in engaging with visitors, supporting environmental conservation and promoting safe and responsible access across the Estate. Working across the Cairngorm Mountain estate, which covers 1,418 hectares – half of which is protected under UK and EU legislation – the role offers the opportunity to work in one of Scotland’s most iconic mountain landscapes. Rangers regularly work in high mountain terrain and are expected to operate safely and confidently in challenging outdoor conditions. The role is varied and involves engaging with a wide range of visitors, from sightseeing guests to experienced mountaineers, while supporting conservation, visitor management and educational activities across the Estate.

Pay Rate: from £13.45 per hour. This is a seasonal position for the summer operations period (May to October) with both part-time and full-time hours available. Closing date for applications is Friday 15 May 2026; however, applicants will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and interviews may be held prior to the closing date.

Roles and Responsibilities

• To provide a warm welcome to all visitors and support people to enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly.
• To promote awareness, understanding and responsible use of the natural and cultural heritage of the Cairngorm Mountain estate.
• To assist in the delivery of educational visits and learning activities for groups ranging from primary school pupils to postgraduate university students.
• To support sustainable visitor management across the Cairngorms National Park in collaboration with neighbouring Ranger Services and partner organisations.
• To contribute to wider Cairngorms National Park initiatives and events where appropriate.
• To assist with resource management activities, including the maintenance of visitor infrastructure such as paths, signage and groundworks.
• To encourage and facilitate the responsible use and enjoyment of the Estate by visitors.
• To provide information, interpretation and guidance to visitors on the natural heritage, environmental sensitivities and recreational opportunities of the surrounding mountain landscape.
• To provide practical visitor safety information and guidance relating to mountain recreation and outdoor access.
• To assist visitors in emergency situations where appropriate, and liaise with the emergency services, Police and Mountain Rescue teams when required.
• To undertake environmental, visitor and operational monitoring activities, maintaining accurate records and reports.
• To work safely and follow all Company Health & Safety procedures, risk assessments and lone‑working procedures at all times.
• To work collaboratively with colleagues, supervisors, managers and external stakeholders as required.
• To understand and observe the protocols for using the 2‑way radio system.
• To undertake any other reasonable duties as may, from time to time, be required.

People Management

• Be polite, approachable and professional with all visitors, colleagues and stakeholders.
• Work positively as part of a wider team while also being able to work independently in remote environments.
• Attend team briefings, training sessions and operational meetings as required.
• Participate in annual performance management and development processes such as Performance and Development (PAD) Reviews.

Other

• Ensuring compliance with Health & Safety procedures, risk assessments and company policies.
• Maintaining continued professional development and keeping relevant qualifications up to date.

Person Specification

Experience

• The role would suit someone with experience in outdoor recreation, environmental engagement or visitor services, ideally within a mountain or countryside setting.
• The successful candidate will have a passion for the outdoors and the natural environment, with the ability to communicate confidently with a wide range of visitors while working safely in challenging mountain conditions.
• The role requires a degree of flexibility, including weekend and public holiday working.
• A good level of physical fitness is essential due to the demands of mountain walking, outdoor manual work and working in variable – and sometimes extreme – weather conditions.
• Previous experience working within a Ranger Service or leading activities safely in a mountain environment – Essential.
• Experience working with members of the public in an outdoor setting – Essential.
• A valid First Aid qualification (minimum Emergency First Aid or 2‑day qualification) – Desirable.
• Environmental education or conservation experience, including monitoring or interpretation work – Desirable.
• Full UK driving licence – Desirable.

Skills

• Ability to give clear instruction, direction and motivation to groups in an outdoor environment.
• Ability to work safely and effectively both independently and as part of a wider team.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• IT skills, including Word, Excel and Outlook, for record‑keeping and reporting.
• Knowledge of the wildlife, habitats and natural heritage of the Cairngorms National Park, particularly mountain environments.
• Experience delivering educational talks, guided walks or interpretation activities to groups with varying needs and abilities.

Personal Attributes / Behaviours

• Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in challenging weather conditions.
• Enthusiastic about the natural environment and mountain landscapes.
• Self-motivated and adaptable within a fast‑changing outdoor environment.
• Organised, personable and self‑reliant, with a friendly and welcoming attitude.
• Solutions‑focused with a positive, ‘can do’ approach.
• Honest, reliable and supportive team player.