Summary
This is a rare opportunity to join our Garden and Outdoors team as an Area Ranger, leading the work programme and delivery of high-quality nature conservation and estate maintenance at Hatchlands Park. The role is both practical and administrative. You will have line management responsibility for a Ranger and work closely with a Senior Gardener and Gardener at Hatchlands Park, but be part of a wider property group also including Clandon Park and Polesden Lacey. You will therefore join a broader outdoors team consisting of Garden & Outdoors Manager, 3 Senior Gardeners, 5 Gardeners, Ranger and an Apprentice Gardener.
Working closely with the Estates Team, tenant graziers, farmers, contractors and the operational team you will report to the Garden & Outdoors Manager. You will be responsible for the care, improvement and maintenance of the 400 acre parkland set within the pay for entry property barrier. As a small team at Hatchlands, you will be expected to be involved operationally when required, and working solely within a pay barrier we must always have the visitor in mind in the work we do.
Working weekends and helping with evening events comes as part of being a small team. We have a culture of mucking in to help where needed which might involve car parking over the holidays, taking on Duty Management responsibilities and generally being willing to help. We work on a 1 weekend in 3 rolling rota pattern, of which you will need to follow.
Hatchlands Park, consisting of mansion house and parkland was given to the National Trust in 1945. The parkland is Grade II listed with the garden, and the mansion house listed as Grade I. The 400 acre parkland, partly landscaped by Henry Repton, consists of ancient woodland, a bluebell wood, pasture meadows, ponds, path networks and hedgerows. You’ll also be involved with the care of our resident donkeys, Callum and Morris. Hatchlands is also home to a herd of Sussex Cattle, owned by a local farmer, and used to conservation graze the parkland
Occasional evening, weekend and Bank Holiday working will be a requirement of this position.
Salary: £26,793 - 28,509 dependent on experience.
What it's like to work here
With your endless passion for our work, you’ll help with the protection and care of habitats, wildlife and historic sites. Your enthusiasm will inspire others to love these beautiful places as much as you do. We want you to engage with visitors, making time to talk to them. As an easily identifiable member of the Ranger team, you will have the opportunity to create lasting memories for everyone. After all, your passion and dedication could fire the imagination that makes a visitor become a supporter for the rest of their life.
What you'll be doing
You could be doing such varied tasks as installing fencing and gates, practical habitat management such as bracken control and woodland management and livestock husbandry. The work will also include visitor engagement at events, working with volunteers and community involvement.
You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all of the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what’s possible in this role.
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:
1. leads practical conservation work that protects and enhances the natural and cultural value of the property
2. ensures the safety of people, places and operations through effective risk management and compliance
3. supports a team of staff and volunteers to deliver high performance and a positive working environment
4. delivers inclusive, high-quality visitor experiences that connect people with nature and heritage
5. manages budgets, contractors and work programmes to deliver value for money and support operational delivery
6. builds and maintains effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support delivery
7. applies practical countryside skills and uses tools and machinery safely and effectively to support land and visitor management
Criteria for all other applicants
8. experienced in managing land, nature conservation and access for people, including running small projects and supervising contractors
9. used to developing and running programmes of work to achieve specific goals in conservation or access
10. a strong team player, with a track record in leading and managing staff and volunteers
11. practical and skilled in looking after a range of habitats and landscapes, with certificates in chainsaw use, tractor driving and towing trailers
12. able to work safely, and take the lead on compliance – including writing risk assessments, and safety and environmental procedures
13. happy to talk – with enthusiasm and commitment – to all kinds of people about the work you do and why it matters
14. a driver, with a full UK licence.
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