Dream job on tiny Scottish island with cottage provided in 'rare opportunity'
The island, which is located in the Inner Hebrides, is a nature reserve.
A job opportunity on a small Scottish island has come up, with a cottage provided for the lucky applicant. The posting has been described as a "rare opportunity".
At the moment, the RSPB is seeking a Warden on the island of Oronsay. Located south of Colonsay in the Inner Hebrides, the entire island is a nature reserve and can be accessed by foot at low tide.
The RSPB is looking to hire an "experienced" Warden in a full-time, maternity cover role. The position pays a salary of between £30,075 and £32,108 per annum.
The RSPB states that accommodation will be provided in the form of an on-site cottage. According to the job listing, this "may be shared at points throughout the year with RSPB staff and volunteers".
In addition to the accommodation, other benefits listed include life insurance and a company pension scheme. The successful applicant will also receive 26 days of annual leave pro rata.
The Warden will spend much of their time farming on the tidal island. They will help to manage the reserve's in-house Luing herd and Scottish blackface sheep flock, as well as carry out associated feeding, cultivation, and harvest tasks.
Another responsibility of the job will be undertaking most of the machinery and vehicle maintenance. Meanwhile, the Warden will also complete biodiversity monitoring on-site.
According to the RSPB, applicants must possess relevant ecological knowledge, communication and interpersonal skills, and experience with reserve or land management. A full manual driving licence that is valid in the UK is also required.
Other beneficial attributes include experience with machinery operations and equipment servicing and a record of working in a remote setting or small community. Previous experience working with tractors and rough terrain vehicles is also desirable.
When not working, there will be plenty of time to take in Oronsay's spectacular surroundings. The island is also famous for being the home of the ruins of Oronsay Priory, a 14th century monastery dedicated to St Columba.
The RSPB job listing states: "A rare and exciting opportunity is available on Oronsay. 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.
"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."
The job listing will close on Sunday, June 22. Interviews for the position will begin from June 23.
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