Visitor Services Supervisor – Estates

ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions; Achnasheen, Garve; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated individual to support the Operations Manager in managing vast landholdings. This role emphasizes sustainable management and public access, with responsibilities ranging from developing commercial opportunities to overseeing safety practices. The ideal candidate will engage with diverse stakeholders, lead volunteer initiatives, and coordinate educational programs. If you have a passion for conservation and heritage, this position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a beautiful natural environment.

Qualifications

• Experience at heritage or tourist attractions is essential.
• Must have chain-saw certificates CS30 & CS31.

Responsibilities

• Develop commercial opportunities by managing assets like woodlands and grazing.
• Oversee public access and maintain footpaths and gates.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Time Management

IT Proficiency (Word, Excel)

Education

Diploma in Estate Management

Level 3 Diploma in Land-Based Services

Tools

Tractors

ATVs

Hedge-cutters

Strimmers

Job description

Organisation: The National Trust for Scotland

Location: IV22 2LG and IV23 2AB

JOB PURPOSE

This role supports the Operations Manager (Inverewe and Corrieshalloch) in managing the Trust’s landholdings, including Inverewe Estate (55,000 acres) and Corrieshalloch Gorge. The focus is on sustainable management, legal compliance, public access, and commercial activity.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Develop commercial opportunities by managing assets such as woodlands, grazing, and car parks, and identifying new revenue initiatives.
2. Oversee public access by assessing and maintaining footpaths, gates, and vehicular routes, commissioning repairs as needed.
3. Collaborate with stakeholders like tenant farmers, forestry and heritage agencies, and utility companies.
4. Recruit, lead, and train conservation volunteers, engaging diverse groups including children and vulnerable adults.
5. Manage boundary maintenance, overseeing external contractors, volunteers, and students to preserve the estate's character.
6. Promote a Health & Safety culture, ensuring safe working practices for all staff, volunteers, and contractors.
7. Assist visitor services with management, guided walks, school visits, and content for social media and website.
8. Respond to estate emergencies promptly, providing solutions aligned with Trust policies.
9. Report opportunities and risks to the Operations Manager, maintain digital documentation, and advise colleagues.
10. Manage opening, closing, security, emergency procedures, and out-of-hours duties.
11. Develop and deliver educational programmes for schools, including indoor and outdoor learning.
12. Support recruitment, training, and performance management of volunteers and ambassadors.
13. Coordinate with other site managers to ensure smooth operation of visitor facilities.

This role requires PVG scheme membership due to regulated work with children and vulnerable adults.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

• Diploma or equivalent in estate management or Level 3 Diploma in Land-Based Services.
• Chain-saw certificates CS30 & CS31.
• Valid UK driving license, including category E if relevant.
• Experience at heritage or tourist attractions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Good organizational and time-management skills.
• Proficiency in IT tools (email, internet, Word, Excel, databases).

DIMENSIONS AND SCOPE OF JOB

Scale: Over 55,000 acres, including diverse habitats and historic boundaries.

People Management: Manage seasonal staff and volunteers, collaborate with colleagues, engage with the public, and liaise with contractors.

Finance Management: Manage estate and conservation budgets (~£100k), negotiate costs, and monitor expenditures.

Tools / Equipment / Systems

Access to IT systems, vehicles (tractors, ATVs, vans), and powered tools (hedge-cutters, strimmers).

Key Performance Indicators

• Revenue and activity KPIs, including footfall and financial contributions.
• People engagement scores and volunteer participation.
• Customer feedback via reviews and surveys.