RSPB seeking self-motivated warden to help out on Hebridean island noted for its breeding Corncrakes

                                                                     

One of the many lochs on Coll (photo: Oliver Dixon via Wikimedia Commons)

WANTED by the RSPB! An individual to act as warden for 12 months on the island of Coll, west of Mull in the Inner Hebrides.

The society is offering a salary of £30,000 - £32,000 for a  fit and willing individual  to get stuck in with day-to-day activities on its reserve which covers 1,278 ha and makes up a significant part of the island.

A two-and-a-half hour ferry ride from the Scottish mainland, Coll is about 13 miles long and three miles wide. According to the 2022 census, it has a population of 176.

Says the job description: "The key species is Corncrake - there are around 40-50 calling males on the reserve with more around the island. 

"Other important species include  Lapwing, Redshank, Snipe and Hen Harrier.

"We are looking for someone with strong interest in wildlife management that understands what it takes to work in an unusual location. 

"The candidate will be self-motivated and have a record of accomplishment working in wildlife conservation with heavy focus on practical habitat management. 

"The tenants have full responsibility for the livestock and the RSPB, as landlord, has the job of doing most of the remainder of the farm work such as crop sowing, fertilising, fencing and wetland management. 

"The bulk of the management is carried out in-house and only occasionally are specialist contractors brought over to the island."

It continues: "You will work with the site manager to achieve the habitat management of the reserve and be at the centre of running of the residential volunteering programme. 

"We are looking for someone who is organised, strongly self-motivated and fully prepared to take on a varied range of duties in a small team, where efficient timing and balanced workloads are essential.

"This role requires working on land that may be wet, muddy or uneven. it will include walking across rough terrain (wet/soft ground, rocky moorland, dunes) for up to eight km. 

"Strenuous tasks including digging, lifting, prolonged driving of farm machinery and use of power tools. 

"Candidates will need to be able to meet the rigour of the role and understand the health and safety demands of working in a wetland environment."

Accommodation is available on site for the duration of the 12-month contract.

The society is looking to conduct interviews for this position from 19 January. 2026. 

Further information is available from Ben Jones at:   ben.jones@rspb.org.uk 

                                         

Corncrake - one of the Inner Hebridean island's  special birds