Rural Jobs Round Up: May 2024 #1

'New job' written on pinned note to corkboard
Alan Robertson

In Rural Jobs Round Up, you can find out about some current vacancies in rural and island Scotland and jobs in rural development. Any enquiries about a post should be directed to the respective organisation. 

Trail Development Manager - Association of Northern Trails Scotland

Association of Northern Trails Scotland are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Trail Development Manager(s) to lead the development of a new trail: The North Coast Trail (NCT). The North Coast Trail serves as an extension of the JOGT, continuing westwards from John o’ Groats, across the scenic northern coast of Scotland. The Trail Development Manager will also play a key role in planning, designing, and implementing this trail, as well as promoting, maintaining and upgrading the existing John o’ Groats Trail.

This position involves working extensively with local communities and landowners in the area, as well as other partners and stakeholders. Preference will be given to candidates with an understanding of trail construction, community engagement and consultation, the funding landscape and project management. Details here


Finance & Office Administrator - Storas Uibhist

Storas Uibhist are looking to recruit a part-time Finance and Office Administrator. The successful applicant will provide support to the Finance and Office team.  

Details here

Closing date for applications is 5.00pm Monday 13th May 2024


Community Development Officer (two posts) - Highlands and Island Climate Hub

The role of Community Development Officer will be to contribute towards the effective delivery of the Highlands & Islands Climate Hub on behalf of the Scottish Government. The role will support communities to collaborate, network and assist community groups in design, development and delivery of community led climate action projects. Signposting, networking and being proactive to join people and communities together is a key aspect of the role.

  • Shetland Islands Community Development Officer
  • Inverness Community Development Officer

Details here

Closing date for applications is 5:00pm Friday 24th May.


Policy & Public Affairs Assistant - Scottish Land & Estates

Scottish Land & Estates is recruiting a Policy & Public Affairs Assistant to join our busy policy team. This role would suit someone with an interest in rural Scotland and wishes to make a positive contribution to its future. We are looking for someone who has excellent administration and organisation skills along with the ability to develop their knowledge on a wide range of rural topics. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to progress their career with potential for progression and development part of the role, within an supportive and energetic team.

Details here

Applications by Monday 20th May


Finance and Business Systems Lead - Scottish Land Commission

As a Finance and Business Systems Lead, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the financial landscape of Scottish Land Commission. You'll have the opportunity to work alongside a talented and diverse team, driving strategic financial planning and ensuring robust corporate governance.

Details here

Closing date for applications is 11:55 pm on Sunday 19 May 2024


Community Development Officer - Cove and Kilcreggan Community Council

Cove and Kilcreggan Community Council are seeking an experienced Development Officer to drive ambition and assist its continued development to at least March 2025. 

The overall purpose of their community project is to prepare a Local Place Plan for the villages of Cove and Kilcreggan. The aim of our Local Place Plan is to ensure a sustainable development future in terms of the economy, infrastructure, housing, recreation, transport, public services and the response to climate change, whilst recognising the importance of the peninsula’s heritage.

As the community work becomes more developed, it requires skills to weaving together different interests, asks and priorities emerging from community groups. The community council are looking for an individual who loves working with communities and community development at least until March 2025.

Details here

Deadline for applications: 30th May 2024


Bumblebee Conservation Trust - Senior Project Development Officer

The Bumblebee Conservation Trust is looking for a full-time Senior Project Development Officer to secure funding and develop projects to help us deliver our strategic goals.

The role involves work closely with the fundraising, conservation, science and engagement staff and external partners to identify and develop projects; identify and secure project funding through lottery, trusts and foundations; solicit and nurture unrestricted income for the Trust’s work from grant making trusts and foundations.

Details here

Closing date is 5pm Friday 24 May 2024 (applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment).


Development Manager (2 posts) - The Southern Uplands Partnership

The Southern Uplands Partnership are seeking two experienced Managers, with knowledge of current challenges and opportunities for rural communities and the environment, a passion for tackling the climate and biodiversity crises, and the ability to develop and deliver a portfolio of diverse projects in partnership with communities, land owners and managers, other NGOs and statutory agencies.

This is an exciting time to join The Southern Uplands Partnership, with significant scope to help shape our work as we embark on the next phase in our mission to catalyse rural sustainable development in south Scotland.

Our work is broad-based and cross-sectoral. We welcome applications from people with professional experience in any one or more of the sectors of: agriculture; community engagement/development; environment/ecology; economic development; and the arts, culture and/or heritage.

For more details and to apply, click here to download the Recruitment Pack. Informal enquiries in advance of applying are welcome.

Application deadline is 10.00 am on Monday 3rd June 2024.