Site Manager - Broubster Leans

We're looking for somebody with the knowledge, passion and energy to lead RSPB Scotland's management at our three North Highland Nature Reserves: Broubster Leans, Dunnet Head and Eilean Hoan. If you have an enthusiasm to save nature and inspire people, are well organised and an independent worker, focused, resilient and a great communicator, then this could be the job for you.

Experience of land management in remote areas is crucial, but we are more interested in who you are and what you want to achieve.

This is an exciting opportunity to leave a lasting legacy across these incredible landscapes. The position will require somebody to be full time within the local area due to the practical aspects of management within the role.

What's the role about? 

The North Highland Reserves are Broubster Leans - a beautiful, farmed wetland reserve seven miles from Thurso, Dunnet Head - a stunning seabird cliff and heathland site, 13 miles east of Thurso, being the most northerly point on the British mainland and Eilean Hoan - a small island hosting both breeding seabirds and wintering Barnacle geese, three miles east of Durness in Sutherland. Working closely with the RSPB Forsinard Flows Reserve management team, you will lead our work in the planning and implementation of our ambitious conservation management and visitor objectives, looking after these three reserves with differing conservation challenges, making sure they deliver for nature and people. 

You will be:

1. Responsible for the production/delivery of reserve management plans.
2. Responsible for developing, organising and controlling on-site activities to maximise conservation outcomes, future visitor experience and income potential.
3. Take responsibility for the safe and compliant management of all site operations, overseeing systems such that risks are adequately controlled.
4. The main point of contact for the local community, neighbours and other external parties in order to build /maintain good relationships.
5. Compiling and managing the site budgets to ensure financial compliance and delivery of RSPB objectives.
6. Work actively with colleagues (e.g. Fundraising and Communications) to secure external grant income and ensure compliance with external funder requirements to deliver RSPB’s objectives for site and corporate objectives.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience: 

• Understanding of the ecological & survey requirements of key species and habitats.
• A demonstrable track record of managing land.
• Strong social, interpersonal and diplomacy skills, with the gravitas to influence internal and external stakeholders, and engage with a wide range of people face to face.  
• A demonstrable track record of managing people (contractors and/or volunteers).
• Knowledge of project and budget management.
• Experience of putting HSE/cross-compliance/risk management knowledge into practice.
• A full, manual driving licence valid in the UK is required due to the remote nature of the sites.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Educated to a degree level or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline.  
• Experience of land management within the Scottish Highlands.
• Experience of managing grazing regimes for conservation.
• Certification or experience of machinery operation, such as tractor, ATV or boat operation.

Additional Information

This is a permanent role at 37.5 hours per week. We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 23rd July 2025. For further information please contact [email protected]. - Interviews will ideally be conducted in person at the RSPB Forsinard Flows field centre.

In order to apply you will be required to upload a CV and complete a short application form. In the cover letter section of the application form please explain how you meet the criteria set above.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. 

Please note that we are actively recruiting for this vacancy, and reserve the right to close once sufficient applications have been received.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application. 

For further insight into this role please see recruitment pack on our website.