Cairngorms National Park
The Cairngorms National Park Authority is recruiting a Countryside Ranger to work across the Angus Glens and North Perthshire, supporting communities, land managers and visitors in one of the most extraordinary landscapes in the United Kingdom.
The Cairngorms is the largest national park in Britain.
It has more high mountain ground than anywhere else in the country, the largest remaining areas of Caledonian forest, pure rivers and some of the finest farmland in Scotland.
It is home to a quarter of the UK’s rare and endangered species.
The Ranger Service is part of that daily stewardship, helping people understand what makes this place special and encouraging them to enjoy it responsibly.
This is a full time permanent post working thirty five hours each week.
You will follow a rota pattern for seven months of the year from March to September.
During this period you may work two or three weekends out of every four and some days may begin at five in the morning or end at ten at night.
You will not be expected to work more than seven hours in any one day.
The role forms part of the broader Ranger Service which includes Countryside Rangers, Seasonal Rangers, Trainee Rangers, Volunteer Rangers and partner ranger services.
You will help deliver the National Park Partnership Plan and the Corporate Plan and work closely with the Ranger Manager and the wider team.
You will also support several service wide tasks including seasonal ranger recruitment, countryside surveys and site maintenance across the year.
Daily work can include welcoming people to the countryside, advising on safe and responsible access, supporting events, coordinating visitor management, engaging with communities, contributing to site maintenance, managing biodiversity functions and carrying out enforcement activity where required such as the fire byelaw.
It can also involve challenging conversations with visitors and land managers where judgement and calm communication are essential.
The job description highlights regular partnership work.
You will collaborate with a range of ranger services, land managers, volunteer groups, schools and organisations involved in outdoor learning.
You will also help deliver the Junior Ranger Project and lead outdoor learning and inclusion initiatives across the region.
You will support communications work that helps the public understand the role of the National Park and the importance of responsible access.
The area you will cover includes Glen Doll, Glen Esk, Blair Atholl, Killiecrankie and routes stretching towards Deeside.
This is a role for someone who is comfortable driving in rural settings throughout the year, managing changing conditions and working independently while still being part of a close team.
To be considered you must bring experience of working in a countryside service or similar outdoor environment with a strong customer focus.
You will need experience supervising staff, particularly in countryside activities, and a good understanding of access rights, natural and cultural heritage and visitor management.
You will also need experience in delivering learning and engagement programmes, strong negotiation skills and the ability to communicate clearly in writing and in person.
An HND or equivalent qualification is required.
A full UK driving licence or suitable alternative access is essential.
Knowledge of Gaelic is desirable.
The National Park Authority offers a strong benefits package including generous annual leave increasing with service, professional development, flexible working, use of fleet vehicles and membership of the Civil Service Pension Scheme.
This is a rare opportunity to work at the interface of people, land and nature in one of Scotland’s most remarkable landscapes.
It is a role for someone who believes in the purpose of national parks and who wants to help shape how communities and visitors experience the Cairngorms in the years ahead.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) will not be accepted.
Closing Date: 23:59 hrs, Sunday 4 January 2026
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