Job Description – Trust Ranger
Belhelvie Community Trust (BCT)
Location: Belhelvie Parish, Aberdeenshire
Hours: Part-time 18 hours per week
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE WILL BE UNABLE TO RESPOND TO ANY ENQUIRIES UNTIL 1ST OF SEPTEMBER. Further information via candidate packs will be available from this time if required.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: TUESDAY 15th SEPTEMBER
START DATE: TUESDAY 3RD NOVEMBER 2026
About the Role
Belhelvie Community Trust is seeking an enthusiastic, passionate and community-focused Trust Ranger to become part of our growing team.
This is a unique opportunity to inspire people of all ages to connect with the outstanding natural environment, heritage and community spaces across Belhelvie Parish. Unlike a traditional Countryside Ranger role, this position places people at its heart. The Trust Ranger will encourage participation, learning and stewardship, helping local residents and visitors of all ages develop a lifelong appreciation of the landscapes, wildlife and communities that make our parish special.
Working closely with the coordinator and volunteers of The Sand Bothy, our community-owned visitor and outdoor learning hub within Balmedie Country Park, alongside Belhelvie Community Trust's many existing community groups throughout the parish, the successful candidate will help strengthen connections between people and place. They will work with our local school, families, volunteers, community groups and partner organisations to nurture a sense of pride, ownership and responsibility for our local environment.
As a rural community charity, Belhelvie Community Trust believes thriving communities and thriving natural spaces go hand in hand. The Trust Ranger will play a vital role in strengthening those connections across the whole parish.
Purpose of the Role
Inspire people of all ages to enjoy, understand and care for the natural environment throughout Belhelvie Parish.
Develop opportunities for local school children to experience regular outdoor learning, encouraging environmental stewardship from an early age.
Work alongside Belhelvie Community Trust's existing groups and projects to embed nature, wellbeing and environmental learning within community activities.
Support The Sand Bothy as the parish's key outdoor learning and community engagement hub.
Build meaningful relationships across the community to increase participation in environmental, educational and volunteering opportunities.
Help ensure everyone, regardless of age or ability, feels welcome and supported to enjoy our green and coastal spaces.
Key Responsibilities
Community Engagement
Build positive relationships with residents, schools, community organisations and partner agencies.
Work alongside Belhelvie Community Trust's existing community groups, especially the Sand Bothy in Balmedie Country Park to incorporate environmental education, outdoor activities and conservation into their programmes where appropriate.
Encourage greater participation in community projects, volunteering and environmental initiatives.
Act as a friendly and knowledgeable ambassador for Belhelvie Community Trust and The Sand Bothy.
Outdoor Learning
Develop and deliver engaging outdoor education sessions for Balmedie Primary School pupils and families.
Create opportunities for young people to explore wildlife, habitats, coastal environments and local heritage.
Foster environmental stewardship by helping people develop a lifelong sense of responsibility for the places where they live.
Supporting The Sand Bothy
Work closely with The Sand Bothy’s Coordinator and volunteers to maximise its use as an outdoor learning, volunteering and community engagement hub.
Deliver family activities, workshops, guided walks and seasonal events in partnership with the Bothy team.
Develop interpretation, educational resources and displays of the parish's natural and cultural heritage.
Community Projects & Volunteers
Recruit, support and develop volunteers across Belhelvie Community Trust's environmental programmes.
Organise conservation activities, beach cleans, citizen science projects and habitat improvement work.
Support existing Trust projects by bringing environmental education and nature-based engagement into community activities wherever possible.
Partnership Working
Work collaboratively with the local school, Aberdeenshire Council Rangers, environmental organisations, charities and community partners.
Potentially develop projects that benefit both people and nature across the parish.
Identify new opportunities to strengthen environmental education, volunteering and community participation.
Site Presence
Maintain a visible presence across Belhelvie Parish, particularly within Balmedie Country Park and other community spaces.
Provide a welcoming point of contact for residents and visitors.
Monitor sites, report maintenance issues to Aberdeenshire Council and encourage responsible enjoyment of our natural environment.
Communication
Produce engaging content for social media, newsletters and community displays.
Create educational materials promoting local wildlife, heritage and conservation.
Celebrate and promote Belhelvie Community Trust's environmental work and encourage wider participation.
Essential Experience
Experience of working with children, families or community groups.
Experience in delivering educational, environmental or community activities.
Experience in organising events or coordinating volunteers.
Experience of working independently while also contributing positively within a team.
Knowledge
Good understanding of environmental education and conservation principles.
Knowledge of local wildlife, habitats or willingness to develop expertise.
Understanding of safeguarding, health and safety, and risk assessment.
Appreciation of the importance of accessible and inclusive outdoor spaces.
Qualifications
Qualification in Environmental Education, Community Development, Countryside Management, Outdoor Learning, Ecology or equivalent practical experience.
Outdoor First Aid qualification (desirable).
Disclosure Scotland PVG Scheme membership or willingness to obtain as is essential to this role.
Full UK Driving Licence & Vehicle (essential).
Skills & Personal Qualities
Passionate about connecting people with nature.
Friendly, approachable and confident engaging with people of all ages.
Creative in designing inspiring outdoor learning experiences.
Organised and able to manage multiple projects.
Comfortable working outdoors in all seasons.
Strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.
Able to work independently using their own initiative.
Committed to inclusion, accessibility and community participation.
Enthusiastic about helping local people develop pride in their environment.
Pay: £16,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
