The Balmacara Estate takes in the western end of the Lochalsh peninsula, and includes native woodland, open moorland, sheltered bays and pretty crofting villages. This is an exciting opportunity for you to gain valuable practical experience in a wide range of estate management and conservation tasks. You will also have the chance to work in some of Scotland’s most spectacular and beautiful scenery and be involved in outdoor work that will directly enhance and benefit the biodiversity of the area.

Information

This position will ideally be full-time (9 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday) ideally for a period of 6-12 months. However, the hours and duration of the volunteer placement can be negotiated with the Property Manager if these hours are not suitable.  As the location is remote, accommodation will be available on a rent-free basis for the duration of the role if required. The volunteer will be required to sign a ‘Conditions of Occupancy’ agreement prior to taking occupation of the accommodation, in line with current Trust policy. Said accommodation has been judged by the Trust as reasonable for the volunteer role, but is exempt from current UK taxation liabilities because the individual is carrying out volunteering activities for the National Trust for Scotland, a registered charity SC 007410, and occupancy will end when the volunteer placement/project finishes or the volunteer indicates they no longer wish to volunteer for the Trust for that volunteer placement/project (whichever is sooner).

Commitment

There is no obligation on the volunteer to work but there will be a mutual understanding and expectation that they will generally undertake the type of activities set out below on a full-time basis (9 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday) for an initial 6 months with possibility of extension. It is understood that the volunteer may terminate this arrangement, and cease to work as a volunteer for the Trust at any time without penalty or detriment.  Hours and duration are negotiable.

Purpose

Volunteers allow the team at Balmacara Estate to carry out necessary practical conservation management and monitoring of the key features on the estate and important visitor management activities.  This ensures that the conservation aims of the National Trust for Scotland are upheld and visitor enjoyment is optimised.

Support / Training

The position will be supervised by the Property Manager for Balmacara Estate.  Additional day-to-day support will be provided by the Estate Ranger. Training needs will be identified through discussions with the Property Manager and provided either on the job or through a formal course if required.

Main Types of Activity

• Work to an agreed work plan and produce interim reports as required
• Assist with guided walks and volunteer groups
• Assist with the implementation of the Estate Survey & Monitoring Programme including visitor counts.
• Assist with the maintenance of the estate (e.g. footpaths, dykes, fences) and vegetation monitoring / management (e.g. bracken, gorse, Japanese knotweed, Rhododendron ponticum, Skunk Cabbage and Himalayan balsam)
• Actively support the Trust’s “Conservation through Customer Care” programme and ensure the highest level of internal and external customer care
• Assist with property marketing and communications through social media, website, posters and other media, and working with communities and other partners
• Actively promote the value of Trust membership to existing and potential members
• Take appropriate responsibility for safety, health, and environment matters at the property
• Assist with any other general estate work identified by the Property Manager.
• Current clean driving licence
• Degree or vocational qualification in an environment, agriculture or forestry related subject
• Other equivalent qualifications or practical experience in related fields
• Experience of using MS Teams and MS Office and/or GIS

Knowledge/Experience/Support/Background

Essential:

• Current clean driving licence

Desirable:

• Degree or vocational qualification in an environment, agriculture or forestry related subject
• Other equivalent qualifications or practical experience in related fields
• Experience of using MS Teams and MS Office and/or GIS

Volunteering Policy

The Trust’s volunteer policy outlines its commitment to the volunteer programme. The Trust values volunteer input and recognises volunteers as partners in the work of the organisation.

Benefits of Volunteering

Volunteers have the opportunity to become involved in further events across the Trust, depending on their interests. They also receive:

• The opportunity to meet other like-minded people, and to gain skills, knowledge and experience in the heritage and environment sector, as well as meet people from all over the world.
• Join in social events and attend lectures organised from time to time by properties and the National Trust for Scotland.
• Learn about Scotland's history, culture and environment.
• Volunteer card entitling the holder to free entry to NTS properties, and a 20% discount in NTS shops (after 40 hours volunteering, allocated retrospectively once per annum)