Summary We're looking for a Lead Ranger to lead our wildfire resilience and path restoration projects on the Mourne Mountains in County Down. This post is funded under DAERA's Environment Fund Strategic Strand, and you'll be managing a small ranger team and volunteers, helping to shape and achieve the National Trust's plans for land and nature. This is an exciting time to join the National Trust as we begin to deliver our new strategy, People and Places Thriving, with a focus on restoring nature, improving access, and inspiring communities. The Mourne Mountains are a key area for this work. You'll lead your team, working closely with internal specialists to deliver meaningful outcomes for nature. You'll also build strong partnerships to support ambitious plans for nature recovery both on and beyond our land. Alongside this, you'll help create high-quality outdoor experiences that connect people with nature. Provisional dates for interview will be week commencing 20th April. What it's like to work here You'll be part of a collaborative and creative leadership team, working with a small ranger and volunteer team on the breathtaking Mourne Mountains which cover approximately 526 hectares and form a very important part of the Eastern Mournes ASSI & SAC. The property includes the iconic Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland's highest peak, and Slieve Commedagh, both of which support complex mosaics of habitats including dry heath, flushes, wet heaths and mires, and also welcomes over 100,000 visitors annually. The post will require regular work in an upland environment including physical work on the higher slopes of Slieve Donard and Slieve Commedagh. What you'll be doing You'll plan and run a programme of work to improve the condition of the landscapes under our care in the Mournes, and you'll manage projects to restore and improve habitats. You'll be part of the conversations to develop nature-focused plans. You'll be adaptable and able to step in to help wherever your expertise is needed. You'll build strong working relationships with our tenants and graziers, as well as other key stakeholders in the Mournes. You'll lead the ranger and volunteer team from the front, supporting them in their practical work and developing their skills. You'll also take on and manage contractors where needed. You'll be thinking about the future, helping to bring our nature conservation ambitions to life. And you'll be talking to a wide range of people and organisations, promoting our work to existing and new audiences. Who we're looking for You'll need to; Deliver practical conservation work to protect and enhance the conservation status of the property Demonstrate a passion for nature, heritage and the outdoors Engage with visitors to ensure they understand the value of your work Be an experienced leader, sharing common goals, and be an excellent team player Be able to work safely, completing risk assessments, and carrying out compliance procedures Have experience in land, access and conservation management Demonstrate experience in and working in a similar outdoor setting Be competent with machinery and equipment as well as having the relevant certificates Be computer literate using Microsoft software packages, along with good GIS mapping and analysis skills Hold a full UK driving licence due to the size of the property and travel required The package The National Trust has the motto 'For everyone, for ever' at its heart. We're working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It's important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we're for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too. Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18) Rental deposit loan scheme Season ticket loan EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria) Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria. Flexible working whenever possible Employee assistance programme Free parking at most Trust places NIJobs Ends: Apr 12th To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page. To start the process, click the Apply button below to Login/Register.