The John Muir Trust exists - to conserve, protect and repair wild places for the benefit of everyone. Wild Places play an important part in rural economics, tackling the climate crisis, biodiversity loss and supporting mental wellbeing.

We manage and care for some of the finest wild places across the UK – from Sandwood in the Northwest Highlands to Thirlmere in the Lake District. We are constantly seeking and building new opportunities, partnerships, and innovative ways to deliver. We are a relatively small, agile and committed team at the forefront of leading change in policy, land and engagement all for the benefit of nature, individuals and communities.

The John Muir Trust is committed to working together to promote a more inclusive environment and we need a diverse team to realise this. Applicants are welcome from all walks of life with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to support our work on behalf of wild places.

Job Description

Primarily this position is about having oversight of two Trust properties (Quinag and Sandwood) in line with the Trust’s Strategic Plan, helping to ensure that appropriate management actions are undertaken in a timely and cost-effective manner.

The role involves community liaison, visitor management and certain aspects of land management. On Quinag there is a particular focus on the primacy of nature and showcasing exemplary ecological restoration. On Sandwood ensuring that designated sites are in favourable condition and that we exercise our duties as a crofting Landlord in an appropriate manner. Both sites have significant visitor engagement pressure that require day to day management and longer term planning.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record in community liaison, visitor management and operational delivery and ideally bring experience in land management and ecology.

Main responsibilities

Key duties operating within authorised levels of delegation

Property Management

• Managing the two properties in line with the Trust’s Strategic Plan and Three Freedoms, with a particular focus on the primacy of nature, and showcasing exemplary ecological restoration.

• Ensuring management actions are undertaken in a timely and cost-effective manner to prevent damage to land in the Trust’s care.

• Writing, consulting and maintaining the property management plans with 3 year financial forecasting.

• Assisting with Community liaison in relation to the development of Kylesku Lodges with a view to becoming a Wild Place interpretation centre.

• Developing written materials to support the Communications Team for Newsletters, Journals, Annual Reports and local issues.

• Managing information relating to the care and visitor pressure on the properties.

• Contributing to the development of funding bids for projects, then assisting in the oversight of project delivery on the properties

• Leading on delivering the Trust’s responsibilities as a crofting landlord, including being the first point of contact for any crofting enquiries and transaction requests.

Rental accommodation is available, if needed, at the John Muir Trust property at Kylesku.

For further information on the role please download the full job description at the bottom of the job overview panel on the right of this page.

We look forward to hearing from you.