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
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