Dunecht Estates - Aberdeenshire - Rural Surveyor

Job Description:

An exciting and challenging opportunity for an enthusiastic and committed individual to join the Estate Management team at Dunecht Estates, a diverse rural property business extending across six separate Estates: Dunecht; Raemoir and Campfield; Dunnottar Castle; Forest of Birse; Edinglassie; and West Durris (totaling 50,000 acres) in Aberdeenshire. Dunecht’s interests include farming (in-hand and let farms), forestry, field sports, residential lets, commercial property, tourism, minerals, development and renewables.

The Estate Management department is involved in a wide variety of work, from traditional activities to pursuit of new opportunities. The position will encompass a broad spectrum of work across the Estates’ different interests with a focus on wildlife management and conservation. Key responsibilities will extend to the following:

Wildlife Management -

• Management of the Dunecht, Raemoir and Campfield, Lower Crathes/West Durris, Forest of Birse and Edinglassie Game Departments, including:

• Application for and management of grouse moor and muirburn licences
• Applications and returns for annual wildlife management licences/authorisations (i.e. general, raven, deer) and public notifications (i.e. muirburn)
• Implementation of and monitoring compliance with the Estates’ Wildlife Management Policy
• Ensuring staff compliance of legislation and awareness of legislation, regulation and best practice changes and updates
• Organising relevant staff training
• Recruitment and induction of staff (inc seasonal staff)

• Ensuring compliance with Estate H&S policies and protocols, including lone working system, risk assessments, COSHH assessments, near miss and accident recording
• Annual review of risk assessments and COSHH assessments
• Maintaining training matrix and organising relevant staff training
• Order and issue standard PPE and maintain records

Conservation –

• Progress peatland restoration across the Estates liaising with and overseeing the work of external consultants
• Development of watercourse/riparian restoration opportunities associated with tributaries to the River Dee

Miscellaneous Professional Work

• Management of seasonal grazings and pony park leases including; arranging repairs; arranging fertilizer applications/spraying of weeds; and preparation/management of leases
• Periodic negotiation and preparation of new farm leases (LDTs and SLDTs) – as agreed with the Chief Executive and Head of Rural Enterprises
• Agricultural rent reviews - as agreed with the Chief Executive and Head of Rural Enterprises - including inspections, preparation of proposals and negotiations
• Periodic farm maintenance inspections
• Liaising with utility companies/statutory undertakers regarding the management of existing and the grant of new wayleaves

Short Term Lets (STL)

• Manage the established STL portfolio (The Ǫueen’s Hut and The Lonach Coaching Inn) including liaison with the letting agent, managing cleaners, arranging reactive and planned maintenance, quality assurance, ensuring compliance, preparation of annual budget and monitoring/updating during the year
• Working with letting agent to promote the STL portfolio

Marketing/PR

• Proactive management of Dunecht Estates social media (‘Dunecht Estates’ Instagram and ‘Dunecht Estates’ Facebook)
• Developing content and responding to communication on these accounts. The successful applicant is expected to have the following attributes:
• Experience in rural estate management and ideally a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS) (with up to 2 years post qualification experience) however exceptional individuals approaching qualification will also be considered
• Ideally CAAV qualified or progressing towards qualification
• Able to work individually on own initiative or as part of a team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with close attention to detail
• Experience in managing/supervising staff
• A flexible and positive approach
• Desire to be a key player in a busy office
• Full UK driving licence

Remuneration Package

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Contributory pension and life assurance
• Private health insurance
• 29 days annual holiday (including public holidays) increasing to 31 days after 2 years’ service
• If not RICS or CAAV qualified support for ongoing training

Applications

To apply for the position please email your CV (with covering letter) to:

Stuart Young, Chief Executive at stuart@dunechtestates.co.uk