Atholl Estates Recruitment

Atholl Estates are currently recruiting for a new staff member to join the team.

Estate Rural Worker Job Description

Role:   Estate Rural Worker

Contract: Two-year Fixed Term

Reporting to: relevant department manager as appropriate

Line Manager: Estate Ranger

Overview

Atholl is an exceptional place, offering a mix of high quality and authentic visitor experiences that include Blair Castle and Gardens, a thriving holiday park, large public events and a range of idyllic self-catered accommodation, all amid spectacular scenery and a dynamic working estate.

A role has been created on a fixed term contract of two years, offering the opportunity to work within a number of departments on Atholl Estates. The role will give the candidate the opportunity to gain experience in a number of fields, whilst also offering some structured training and career development.  The role will initially involve work with the Defender Blair Castle Horse Trials, which will be the event’s final year.

Role Details

• Horse Trials (until September 2024)
  • Grass Management to include strimming, and mowing
  • Keeping tracks on the cross-country course clear of leaves and fallen branches
  • Care and maintenance of horse trials equipment, including the show jumping fences
  • Checks and basic maintenance of vehicle, equipment, and tools

• Ranger Service
  • Regular patrols of walking trails, engaging with visitors to ensure compliance with access rights
  • Checks and maintenance of paths and trails including minor repairs to steps, signage, railings, and fencing.
  • Working with volunteer groups including Junior Rangers and Scout Jamborette conservation tasks
  • Assisting when possible with delivery of family outdoor activities and guided walks
  • Mink raft checks and non-native species removal
  • Strimming and grass cutting
  • Pesticide spraying
  • Checks and basic maintenance of vehicle, equipment and tools
  • Tree planting
  • Maintenance of restored areas of peatland
  • Construction of nest boxes and squirrel feeders
  • Tree safety surveys
  • Post will require working at weekends and occasional evenings during the main season

• Other Rural Departments
  • Providing support for projects and tasks, which may include the game department, farm, or forestry teams.

Job Requirements:

• Key attributes
  • Knowledge and understanding of rural estates and the countryside.
  • Knowledge of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
  • Organisational skills and able to plan work under own initiative.
  • Willingness and ability to work in all weathers, carrying out physical tasks in sometimes challenging terrain.
  • Willingness to work at weekends and occasional evenings.
  • Experience of use of machinery or willingness to undertake training on machinery.
  • High standards of care in respect of estate property, vehicles, and equipment.
  • Good basic literacy and numeracy skills (eg Grade C at GSCE).
  • Full driving licence.
  • Willingness to undertake further training as necessary.

• Desirable attributes:
  • Tractor driving experience or willingness to undergo training
  • Quad bike ticket or experience
  • Pesticide application certificates PA1 & PA6
  • Brushcutter & strimmer ticket
  • Trailer towing experience
  • First Aid certificate.
  • Basic Tree Inspection certificate
  • Willingness to assist other departments within the rural team as required.

• Package:
  • To be discussed with short-listed candidates but will include tied accommodation on the estate.

• Please send your CV and covering letter to Julia Duncan Julia@atholl-estates.co.uk
  • Closing date for applications 20^th April
  • Interviews will be held in early May