JOB PURPOSE
To combine responsibilities on nature conservation, visitor services, learning and community engagement to help deliver the objectives of the property and wider National Trust for Scotland.
Protect the natural & cultural landscape of the Mar Lodge Estate, and to communicate and promote the work of the Trust in this regard and in general through maintenance of the key features and infrastructure of the property, visitor engagement, education and interpretation. Working with the local community, and communities of interest, is an important element of this role.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
Combine responsibilities across the following areas of work with direct implementation and by overseeing on a daily basis the work of others such as contractors and volunteers:
Visitor Services
● Engage with the public, resident and visitors, to ensure positive interactions with the Trust and the property, promoting the key elements of the estate and achieving membership recruitment.
● Work with local businesses and other partners to develop our offering to visitors and to develop and deliver an Events & Activities Programme aimed at increasing engagement with the heritage of the estate and positive visitor experiences.
● Assist with the maintenance and development of the visitor infrastructure and facilities on the estate, including the car parks and toilets at Linn of Dee and Linn of Quoich, and wider interpretation, leaflets, signage, etc.
Learning
● Work with partners, for example: local schools, colleges, community groups, etc., to develop learning opportunities consistent with the objectives of the Trust at the property.
● Work with educational institutions to support and undertake research that will assist in the planning and management of the property.
Community Engagement
● Communicate with local stakeholders, neighbouring landowners, local businesses, local/regional agencies, and others to increase understanding and awareness of their and our aims and develop collaborative working relationships/partnerships to help deliver our priorities.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
Qualifications
The above outlines the key functions of the post. In addition, either knowledge of, or experience in the following is required:
Qualifications
Essential
▪ Driving Licence, valid for driving within the UK.
Desirable
▪ Qualification in relevant land management disciple (eg countryside management, ecology)
▪ Current First Aid certification (or willingness to train and use).
Skills & Experience
Essential
▪ Experience of interacting with a wide range of staff, volunteers, visitors, educational groups, and other stakeholders.
▪ Working Knowledge of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
▪ Confidence to positively engage with visitors in potentially challenging situations.
▪ Ability to work both within a small team and individually, including lone working in remote areas.
▪ Excellent interpersonal skills, with an ability to build strong, professional relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
▪ Demonstrable experience in a public-facing role, ideally within a countryside context.
Desirable
▪ Experience of one or more of the following areas of work: heritage or cultural studies; rural land management and nature conservation; community engagement and rural community development.
▪ Working knowledge of the uplands of Scotland and associated habitats and species and cultural heritage.
▪ Knowledge of ecological survey and monitoring methods.
▪ Experience of leading guided walks and managing groups such as volunteer work parties.
▪ Confident in engaging with visitors about the value and importance of National Trust for Scotland membership.
▪ Competent user of Microsoft Office software.
▪ A good working knowledge of social media and digital communications tools.
DIMENSIONS AND SCOPE OF JOB
Scale
⬧ 29,000 ha of land
⬧ Britain’s largest National Nature Reserve
⬧ Numerous designations including National Park, SAC, SPA, Ramsar and SSSI
⬧ Significant built heritage including Mar Lodge, stable block offices, Derry Lodge plus 2 holiday cottages, workshop, biomass plant, 6 staff houses and 4 redundant buildings
⬧ At least 100,000 visitors per year
⬧ 200 miles of footpath
⬧ 7 scheduled ancient monument sites plus numerous other archaeological sites
People Management
⬧ Building and maintaining relations with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
⬧ Working closely with specialist Trust staff (e.g. nature conservation advisors) based at local and central support bases to ensure Trust policies and standards are implemented.
⬧ Management of volunteers
⬧ The role is one which the duties/responsibilities/accountabilities require staff to become a member of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme.
⬧ Working hours will include some evenings and weekends.
Finance Management
⬧ Not a budget holder but will be expected to take responsibility for effective management of Trust resources in allocated areas. The post-holder will be expected to work towards a sustainable financial future for the property and work within approved budgets, in line with the Trusts financial policies and procedures under the supervision of the Estate Manager.
Tools / equipment / systems
⬧ Will be a frequent user of machinery, tools and equipment subject to appropriate training as required.
Additional Information
⬧ For more information about the National Trust for Scotland’s manifesto and values, visit our website at www.nts.org.uk.
The Key Responsibilities, Scope of Job, and Required Qualifications, Skills, Experience & Knowledge reflect the requirements of the job at the time of issue. The Trust reserves the right to amend these with appropriate consultation and/or request the post-holder to undertake any activities that it believes to be reasonable within the broad scope of the job or his/her general abilities.
Applications
Interested applicants should forward a completed application form to the People Services Department (Applications), The National Trust for Scotland, Hermiston Quay, 5 Cultins Road Edinburgh EH11 4DF, by mail or by email via workforus@nts.org.uk, by first post on 17th February 2023.
