Job Details:
Job Reference: HCC621846
Salary Range: GBP 27,780 : GBP 30,564 per annum
Work Location: Basing House, Old Basing
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 29 August 2025
Interview Date: 17 and 18 September 2025
The Role:
Hampshire County Councils Access Team is recruiting for a new Community Engagement Ranger to develop programmes of work for volunteers who help maintain and improve Hampshire's rights of way network. Covering the North West of the County, you will develop, coordinate and support a programme of activities on public rights of way, working with a variety of user groups and stakeholders to develop partnerships and build opportunities for local communities to improve access to the countryside. With significant experience of public engagement in a countryside related discipline, you will be confident in communicating with members of the public via multiple channels, including social media and have an understanding of funding applications.
You will be expected to lead practical volunteer tasks on public rights of way throughout the area, working both independently and alongside the area ranger team and have a flexible approach to your work.
A full, clean driving licence is required for this role along with access to your own vehicle.
What you'll do:
- Develop partnerships and engagement activities with user groups, parish councils, established volunteer groups and external organisations.
- Build opportunities for local communities and user groups to become engaged in volunteering to improve access to the countryside in accordance with CAP objectives.
- Identify potential grant and funding opportunities.
- Work with depot ranger team to ensure required materials are available for projects.
- Coordinate activities in accordance with CAP objectives
- Be the primary contact for all engagement activities relating to public rights of way.
- Celebrate the achievements of our volunteers via social media and use this as a tool to recruit more to the team.
- Contribute to the monthly volunteer newsletter.
- Manage small:scale projects and work packages.
- Maintain accurate up to date records of work completed using IT systems and portable devices.
- Maintain records to comply with Health and Safety and corporate requirements, including writing risk assessments for volunteer tasks.
What we're looking for:
We're looking for a confident and motivated individual with a passion for countryside engagement and public interaction. You'll need:
:A full driving licence and the ability to travel as part of the role
:Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a diplomatic and tactful approach
:The ability to work independently and as part of a team
:Proven experience in public engagement within a countryside or conservation setting
:Strong IT skills (e.g. Word, Excel) and familiarity with social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram
:Confidence in producing reports and work plans
:A good understanding of Health and Safety policies, risk assessments, and relevant legislation
Desirable qualities include:
:A degree or equivalent experience in a relevant subject
:Previous experience in a similar countryside:related role
:Outdoor practical skills
:Experience supervising staff or volunteers
:Knowledge of preparing and implementing risk assessments
Why join us?
Our Hampshire County Council authority provides high quality public services to over a million customers. Hampshire County Council is recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK. A modern, forward:looking local authority, it offers a pleasant, supportive, and collaborative working environment.
Our benefits package includes a minimum 24 days holiday and also bank holidays (pro:rata) on top of your annual leave entitlement. It also includes local government pension scheme, family friendly polic