Livestock Ranger - Ely Summary Important notice In line with our redeployment policy, we’ll prioritise applications from employees who are under formal notice of redundancy. As a Ranger, you’re a champion of nature conservation and the great outdoors, and you’ll play a crucial role in keeping the nation’s beloved countryside and coast in good shape, for wildlife and for people. Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve is a beautiful, wild landscape, one of Europe’s most important wetlands. You’ll be playing an integral role in helping manage one of the country’s most biodiverse sites. You’ll be required to work 1 weekend in 4, and be willing to work some bank holidays and be on call, as part of a duty ranger rota. This is a fixed term contract due to end when the postholder returns to the role. At this point we cannot confirm exactly how long this contract will last, but it is unlikely to be more than 2 years. What it's like to work here Reporting to the Livestock Manager, you will become part of a committed and dynamic Countryside team responsible for the stewardship of Wicken Fen—one of Britain’s oldest and most ecologically significant nature reserves. Wicken Fen encompasses one of the last remaining undrained fragments of fenland and holds multiple conservation designations, including Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Area of Conservation (SAC), National Nature Reserve (NNR), and Ramsar status. The wider reserve is a pioneering example of landscape-scale conservation, where extensive grazing by Highland cattle and breeding Konik ponies plays a vital role in shaping a rich and varied habitat mosaic. As part of our ambitious 100-year vision, we aim to expand the current 820-hectare site into a 5,300-hectare nature reserve through strategic partnerships and land acquisition, ultimately establishing a continuous wildlife corridor reaching the outskirts of Cambridge. What you'll be doing We are looking for a dedicated and proactive Livestock Ranger to support the Livestock Manager and a team of grazing volunteers in the daily care and management of our in-house herd, which includes 134 Konik ponies and 50 Highland cattle. This role is essential in ensuring the welfare of our livestock and maintaining compliance with all statutory obligations and cross-compliance requirements. You will work closely with veterinary professionals and tenants to uphold the health and vitality of the herd, helping to align livestock management with the ecological goals of the reserve. The position involves assisting with livestock movements, upkeep of records, tagging newborn calves, and contributing to the training and development of our enthusiastic team of livestock volunteers and supporting rangers. In addition to livestock duties, you will be responsible for maintaining key site infrastructure, including fencing, gates, and handling facilities. There will also be opportunities to assist the wider ranger team with habitat management projects during key periods, using machinery such as tractors and Softraks to carry out vegetation control. This is a hands-on, varied role ideal for someone passionate about conservation grazing, animal welfare, and sustainable land management. Who we're looking for Applications from redeployees are assessed against the minimum criteria for the role. In your application, please provide details of how you meet the minimum criteria below: ability to carry out physical tasks to protect and improve land, habitats, and access confidence in helping visitors understand and enjoy the place and its conservation work experience in working well with colleagues and supporting volunteers capability to organise work and use tools, time and materials responsibly awareness of how to help the property run well and support its long-term future a driver with a full UK driving licence knowledge of Health & Safety compliance and experience in risk assessment. Familiar with animal welfare regulations, including the Five Domains and livestock-related cross-compliance. experience working with livestock (cattle and ponies) in conservation grazing Additional criteria for all other applicants: practically experienced in conservation work, to protect and improve habitats and landscapes 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 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 Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.