Summary
We’re looking for an enthusiastic and capable Ranger to join our team at Dunham Massey, working closely with the Lead Ranger and Area Ranger to deliver high-quality conservation, land management, and visitor experiences across this remarkable estate.
The role combines day-to-day operational work with longer-term conservation activity, helping to care for landscapes where nature, heritage, and people come together. As part of our team, you will have the opportunity to help shape the future of a well-loved National Trust landscape, supporting nature recovery, historic parkland conservation, and engaging visitor experiences. Dunham Massey has a strong apprenticeship and development culture, so we’re particularly keen to hear from candidates who enjoy supporting, mentoring, and inspiring others.
Salary: £27,612 per annum
Contract Duration: Permanent
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Working Pattern: You be willing to work some weekends, bank holidays and evenings, as well as be on call.
Due to the nature of the role, a full UK driving license will be required.
What it's like to work here
Dunham Massey is a nationally important 3,000-acre National Trust estate just outside Manchester, welcoming over 500,000 visitors each year. At its heart lies a historic deer park, garden and Georgian mansion, set within a landscape of exceptional natural and cultural significance. The park is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its internationally important deadwood ecology, making it one of the North West’s most valuable places for ancient and veteran tree conservation.
What you'll be doing
As a Ranger at Dunham Massey, you’ll play a vital role in the day‑to‑day conservation of a nationally important estate. Your work will include caring for ancient and veteran trees and supporting tree safety across a busy visitor site, as well as helping to manage the fallow deer herd and protect sensitive, deadwood‑rich habitats. You’ll also maintain safe and welcoming public access, operate a range of countryside tools and machinery, and work closely with the Lead and Area Ranger. Alongside this, you’ll help mentor apprentices and support the delivery of high‑quality experiences for visitors.
You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all 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
We’d love to hear from you if you can demonstrate you can:
1. Deliver practical conservation and land management to protect and enhance habitats and landscapes
2. Work safely at all times, using risk assessments and following agreed guidance and procedures
3. Support tree safety management across the estate
4. Support the management of wildlife
5. Maintain safe, welcoming access and high standards of presentation for visitors
6. Use and maintain countryside tools, machinery and equipment, holding relevant certificates
7. Manage your own workload effectively while supporting colleagues, apprentices and volunteers
8. Engage confidently with visitors, explaining what you are doing and why it matters
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