Wicksteed Park is seeking a Park Ranger to manage, create, and maintain the various habitats, greenspaces, and parts of the wider estate owned by the Wicksteed Charitable Trust.
The Trust estate includes a wide variety of habitats, such as an SSSI, a County Wildlife Site, a Scheduled Monument, a 24-acre lake, an arboretum, woodland, pasture, flood meadows, and both the River Ise and Slade Brook. The Trust has ambitious plans to become a key component of a developing wider green infrastructure network, including sections of re-wilding and significant new woodland and flood meadow creation.
The Ranger will be a key player in developing and realizing these plans, establishing long-term maintenance strategies, and ensuring the successful delivery of Countryside Stewardship schemes across the estate. This includes working with tenant farmers, Natural England, the Environment Agency, the local authority, and other stakeholders to enhance environmental and land management practices.
The role also includes representing Wicksteed Charitable Trust on external working groups and attending parish council meetings, ensuring local voices are heard and the Trust's mission is effectively communicated and supported.
The Park Ranger carries out duties within the park's grounds to ensure it is well managed and welcoming for all visitors and the local community. The role supports education activities, manages a volunteer group, and upholds the highest standards of conservation, maintenance, and health and safety. This role requires a flexible approach and will include work at weekends as part of a 7-day rota.
Skills and Qualifications
Essential skills and qualifications include:
* Experience in park or countryside management, including habitat creation and maintenance.
* Proven ability to operate tools and machinery (chainsaws, tractors, etc.).
* Familiarity with conservation and landscape management practices.
* Experience in delivering small projects, managing contractors, and leading volunteers.
* Experience of working with the public and delivering education/engagement activities.
* Knowledge of health and safety legislation, risk assessment, and use of hazardous substances.
* Practical land management experience, including tree work, fencing, and path maintenance.
* IT literacy (Word, Excel, etc.).
* Experience in implementing and managing Countryside Stewardship schemes.
* Experience of liaising with tenant farmers and external organisations such as Natural England, Environment Agency, and local authorities.
* Full UK Driving Licence.
* Required certifications: Chainsaw, Strimmer, Pesticide (PA1 & PA6), NPTC Tractor & Implements.
Desirable skills and qualifications include:
* IOSH or NEBOSH Health & Safety qualifications.
* COSHH trained.
* Familiarity with policy or planning meetings, working groups, or parish council involvement.
* First aid certification.
* Ecological surveying or environmental monitoring skills.
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