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selfie of Casey-Jo Zammit in a blue jacket and bright blue woollen hat
(Casey-Jo Zammit)

Job Title: Countryside Ranger with Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust

Name: Casey-Jo Zammit

Employer: Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust

Location: Isle of Gigha

 

Job Responsibilities:

  • Monitor and survey wildlife: pollinators, cetaceans, bats, birds, wildflowers
  • Develop low carbon initiatives (e.g. e-bike schemes, community zero carbon group)
  • Improve habitats for wildlife through woodland and reedbed management
  • Work to improve visitor experience, whilst promoting on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code
  • Assist with the installation of 8km of walking and cycling pathways across the island
  • Deliver environmental education through Forest School, guided walks, online engagement
  • Increase tree cover across the island
  • Remove marine litter and educate on waste management
  • Interpret the islands historical heritage through education and online engagement
  • Deliver the Gateway to Gigha project funded by National Heritage Lottery Fund and Low Carbon Travel and Transport Challenge Fund

  

Majority of time is spent doing:
Work to improve visitor experience, whilst promoting on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code
Interpret the islands historical heritage through education and online engagement

Casey-Jo sitting on a cliff top looking through binoculars to an island in the sea
(Casey-Jo Zammit)

Time is spent: 60% outdoors, 40% indoors.

There is some seasonal variation: summer is very heavily focused on visitor management and biological summer surveys. Winter months are more focused on marine litter and habitat management / conservation activities. 

 

Qualifications needed: A degree was not essential to my employment, but I have a Master’s degree in Environmental Conservation & Management.

Additional training:

  • Chainsaw maintenance and felling
  • Level 3 Beach Leader
  • Outdoor First Aid
  • PVG

Skills needed:

  • Approachable
  • Community minded
  • Problem solving
  • Organisational skills

  

Advice to anyone looking at similar roles:
Rather than going through formal education channels, practical experience is worth its weight in gold. Whilst volunteering can come at a huge personal expense in some cases, volunteering opportunities are the best way to understand the role of a Ranger and to equip people with the skills necessary. One benefit to the pandemic was the availability to online short courses, especially with regards to natural history/natural heritage, these are a fabulous way to become more informed about species and conservation efforts.
It's also really worth a prior conversation with the organisation to which one applies, because every Ranger post is so different, and many are meeting project funding outcomes or needs of local authorities/organisations. It’s worth researching and chatting to rangers before applying to ensure the role meets expectations.

If you have any queries about this role or would like to ask a question of the job holder please contact Casey-Jo on ranger@gigha.org.uk

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