Summary
Reporting to the Lead Ranger, you’ll be working as part of the Countryside team in the West Dorset and Cranborne Chase group. The role is being created with a specific focus to enhance and create habitat improvements on a new site at Cerne Abbas, an iconic heritage landmark with cultural, historical, and environmental significance.
What it's like to work here
This is an exciting time to join the West Dorset & Cranborne Chase Team. We’re a Restore Nature priority, with big ambitions to support nature recovery at scale across Dorset & South Wiltshire. The role of Area Ranger will work with the Lead Ranger and Area Rangers to deliver nature conservation, access and visitor experience work.
What you'll be doing
Delivering for nature, through the site management plan, you will be effective at creating work packages for contractors, rangers, and volunteers. The focus of the Area Ranger role will be to meet the Trust’s strategy for restoring nature and enabling everyone to enjoy the countryside.
Your role will have a strong project management component, with opportunity to improve habitats for some of the more threatened species present in the landscape. You’ll take the lead involving the local community in shaping ideas for the land, ensuring that future decisions reflect shared values and aspirations. This role will therefore suit someone who enjoys working with people collaboratively and holding meaningful dialogue about the land and how it could be developed to restore and protect nature. You will also build strong and positive relationships with tenants, schools, local organisations and neighbouring land managers.
Please also read the full role profile attached to this advert.
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. confidence in leading practical conservation work that protects and enhances the natural and cultural value of the property
2. ability to ensure safety of people, places, and operations through effective risk management and compliance
3. experience in supporting teams of staff and volunteers to deliver high performance and a positive working environment
4. skilled at delivering inclusive, high-quality visitor experiences that connect people with nature and heritage
5. proven track record in managing budgets, contractors, and work programmes to deliver value for money and support operational delivery
6. ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support delivery
7. confidence in applying practical countryside skills and using tools and machinery safely and effectively to support land and visitor management
8. a driver, with a full UK licence
Criteria for all other applicants: We’d love to hear from you if you’re:
9. experienced in managing land, nature conservation and access for people, including running small projects and supervising contractors
10. used to developing and running programmes of work to achieve specific goals in conservation or access
11. a strong team player, with a track record in leading and managing staff and volunteers
12. practical and skilled in looking after a range of habitats and landscapes, with certificates in chainsaw use, tractor driving and towing trailers
13. able to work safely, and take the lead on compliance – including writing risk assessments, and safety and environmental procedures
14. happy to talk – with enthusiasm and commitment – to all kinds of people about the work you do and why it matters
15. 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