Stockperson

We are looking for an experienced Stockperson to work on this large coastal upland reserve, assisting the Farm Manager in the management of livestock to the highest standards whilst meeting our conservation aims.  This is a great opportunity to work within a small team delivering high quality stock to benefit some of Scotland’s most important wildlife in a stunning location. 

What's the role about? 

This role reports to the Oa Farm Manager. You will have shared responsibility for 40 Highland cows crossed to a Whitebred Shorthorn bull and 80 X Highland cows bred to Charolais bulls along with 400 NCC hill Cheviot ewes and all associated fieldwork across this 2000 ha reserve. You will work closely with the site’s conservation team to deliver against the outcomes in the five-year management plan.

The hours will regularly be long and the work physically demanding over challenging, clifftop terrain. You should be physically able to meet these demands; able to safely and legally operate the associated range of machinery and road vehicles; be of a neat and tidy disposition; be interested in the wider elements of the position and capable of taking pride in farming to the highest standards, and in being an advocate for RSPB Scotland. You should also be prepared to learn, be hard-working and able to work as part of a large and varied team.  This is not a run-of-the-mill post; it will be challenging but also rewarding.

If you are successful, you will be part of the Argyll Area Team and may also occasionally be required to work on other reserves in the area. 

A two-bedroom, farmhouse flat is available. 

Essential skills, knowledge and experience: 

Working with the Farm Manager you will help to look after our suckler beef herd and our sheep flock on the Hebridean island of Islay.

We would expect you to have:

• Experience and knowledge of handling livestock, in particular calving and lambing and administration of veterinary medicines
• Shepherding experience with good working dogs
• Experience of tractors, sit astride ATVs and general farm machinery operation 
• Commitment to the highest standards of livestock care and welfare
• Agricultural qualification or equivalent experience
• Experience of working in an upland/hill farm setting and remote location
• Experience of general farm work and estate maintenance
• Able to work long, physically demanding hours over challenging clifftop terrain
• Ability to safely operate and maintain machinery and equipment

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Team working
• Machinery and power tools certification
• Fencing and shearing skills
• Some knowledge and/or experience of conservation management

This is a Permanent Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week. 

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 12th September 2025. For further information please contact [email protected] 

As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.