URGENT UPDATE: The Scottish Wildlife Trust is actively recruiting a new ranger for a remarkable six-month position on Handa Island, a breathtaking seabird haven off the north west Highlands. This unique opportunity allows the successful candidate to immerse themselves in a stunning, uninhabited wildlife reserve starting on March 16, 2026.
For a competitive salary of £26,112 and free accommodation, the ranger will manage one of Scotland’s most significant wildlife sites, where tens of thousands of seabirds, including puffins and guillemots, thrive. However, this role comes with its challenges as the ranger will need to make regular trips to the mainland for essentials, including food shopping and laundry, which can be demanding given the island’s isolation.
Rab Potter, area manager for the Scottish Wildlife Trust, emphasizes the communal aspect of the role, stating,
“Handa is an isolated location, and the people you work with will also be the people you socialise with in the evening, so it needs to be someone that’s comfortable with communal living.”
Each spring, Handa Island comes alive with wildlife, attracting not only seabirds but also larger marine life, including whales and basking sharks. The ranger’s responsibilities include monitoring wildlife populations, leading a volunteer team, and managing the influx of over 8,000 visitors during the summer season.
The job requires a strong understanding of wildlife and excellent interpersonal skills, making it ideal for those who thrive in outdoor, physically demanding environments. Applicants should possess experience in seabird monitoring and natural history, along with the ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions.
Accommodation is provided in a purpose-built ranger’s bothy, suitable for one individual. The position is full-time at 35 hours per week, with applications closing at noon on January 7, 2026. Interviews are scheduled for January 16, 2026. The Scottish Wildlife Trust encourages applications from all backgrounds, promoting diversity and equal opportunities across its workforce.
This is a rare chance to work in one of Scotland’s most spectacular natural settings. For anyone passionate about wildlife and community living, this position promises to be both challenging and rewarding. Don’t miss out on this opportunity—apply now!
