
New job on tiny & remote Scots island up for grabs – with £30k salary
'RARE OPPORTUNITY' New job on tiny & remote Scots island up for grabs – with £30k salary
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A NATURE job on a remote Scottish island has become available - and wildlife enthusiasts could be in for a treat.
The role is on Oronsay, a small tidal isle next to Colonsay in the Inner Hebrides.
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Oronsay is home to the iconic Corncrake - known for its distinct sound
Credit: Alamy
RSPB Scotland is on the lookout for a new warden to be stationed on the island.
The wildlife charity has described the vacancy as a "rare and exciting opportunity".
The position is 12 months' maternity cover and the salary on offer is up to £32,108.
The successful applicant will be expected to live and work 37.5 hours per week on the island as part of a small team.
Accommodation is provided in the form of an on-site cottage, which is shared at points with other RSPB staff and volunteers.
Applicants are expected to have relevant ecological knowledge, estate management experience, and a full UK driving license.
It is also desirable that they have knowledge of operating machinery, be skilled in a powerboat, and have experience working in remote areas.
The whole of Oronsay is a nature reserve and is farmed under agreement with the owners of the estate.
The tiny isle is home to several bird species such as Corncrakes and rare Choughs, which are only found on the west coast of Britain.
The job listing states: "We are looking for an experienced Warden who is looking to develop their skills in a new setting (especially with livestock) or an experienced Assistant Warden looking to make the next step in their career.
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"Oronsay is in a stunning location, with awesome biodiversity that comes with unique and varied challenges: remote, isolated, and with a small cohesive team, your approach to life is as important as having the right skills.
"The ability to live and work in an extreme island setting, often in extreme weather conditions, is essential. You and the small team will form almost the entire population of the island.
"You will therefore need to be outstandingly committed, have understanding of island living, be resilient, mature and responsible, resourceful, adaptable and practically-minded. If this sounds like you, we would really like to hear from you.
"You will spend much of your time farming, helping to manage the reserve with our own in-house Luing herd and Scottish blackface sheep flock and associated feeding/cultivation/harvest.
"Your responsibilities range from undertaking most of the machinery and vehicle maintenance to completing the biodiversity monitoring on-site too. You will need to have a positive outlook, and be an active team player to be successful in this role."
Those who are interested can view or submit and application here.
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