Inner Hebrides Property Manager

Inner Hebrides Property Manager

Eden Scott is delighted to be working with the National Trust for Scotland, a charity established in 1931, to provide access and enjoyment to the properties, places and collections in its care. They also exist to protect what they look after for future generations to enjoy; and increasingly they are keen to act as a strong conservation voice for heritage and climate change response across Scotland.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the team at the Trust in the role of Inner Hebrides Property Manager whose remit includes the wonderful islands of Iona, Staffa, and the Burg estate on the island of Mull.

This is a broad ranging role relying on a wide range of experience and skills as it covers a mix of conservation, visitor services, staff management and community engagement.

The post holder will be required to live on the Isle of Iona and the Trust have accommodation on Iona available for the right person.

This role will lead on ensuring that both the land and built heritage owned by NTS on the Islands of Iona and Staffa, Burg and Macquarie's Mausoleum on Mull are managed to the highest standards.

You will increase their capacity to achieve conservation goals, financial sustainability and improve visitor engagement in addition to increasing the profile of NTS with communities and visitors and improve the maintenance of rented accommodation.

Local relationships are vital, so the post holder will require a good understanding of how to fit in with island community life.

The post holder will also have a specific role to manage the transition of Maol farm from the current tenancy (ended Dec 2022) and the Burg grazings to systems that ensure their ongoing sustainability and highest standards of conservation management.

Key responsibilities of the role include:

• Work with NTS colleagues and partners to protect and enhance natural and cultural heritage of Iona, Staffa, Burg and Macquarie's Mausoleum.

• Work closely with colleagues, partners, farmers and crofters to develop and promote highest standards of management on NTS land aimed at maximizing benefits for wildlife and the community.

• Maintain regular contact and good working relationships with partners including community councils, neighbouring landowners/land managers, tenants, and relevant agencies and NGOs.

• Manage the team (Currently Ranger, Staffa Seasonal Ranger and part time Visitor Services Assistant for Iona shelter).

• Increase opportunities for financial sustainability of the properties both through assessing and monitoring costs and identifying and instigating opportunities for income.

• Work with colleagues and other stakeholders to bring derelict buildings back into use for housing and enterprise for the benefit of the community and the Trust.

• Work with colleagues and contractors to ensure leased properties are well maintained by NTS and are compliant with legislation.

• Increase engagement with visitors to help ensure their visits are as inspiring and accessible as possible.

• Promote wider understanding of our role and the value of supporting the NTS.

• Work with colleagues, local residents, partners and the National Trust for Australia to enact necessary management on Macquarie's Mausoleum.

We are seeking a candidate with the following skills/experience:

Essential

• Demonstrable experience of managing land in line with conservation objectives

• Practical farming knowledge

• A love of nature, the environment and outdoors in all weathers at all times of the year.

• Personable, engaging with good people and communication skills.

• Driving License, valid for driving within the UK

• Setting budgets and managing finances

• Visitor management -assisting to raise the profile of NTS and help manage the large numbers of visitors to Staffa etc.

• Team management

Desirable

• Degree-level education in a relevant discipline for conservation and land management

• A knowledge of wildlife associated with the Hebrides

• An understanding of land-based grants & subsidies

• An interest in building restoration and maintenance

• Computer literate and competent in MS Office applications.

• Knowledge of health and safety legislation

• Supervision of contractors

This role offers an excellent competitive salary within a range of £37,253 - £41,043 plus significant company benefits and accommodation on Iona.

Eden Scott is dealing exclusively with the Trust on this vacancy so to be considered for this exciting opportunity with a truly unique and best in class employer, please submit your CV online or for an informal chat/to receive the full role information pack please call Sally on 07776 662506.

Closing date for applications 5.00pm Wednesday 12th July 2023.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview on Wednesday 2nd August 2023.