Durham County Council is offering an exciting opportunity to join the Parks & Countryside team as a Ranger/LNR Officer. We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated person to help us protect and enhance some of the county’s most treasured landscapes. If you thrive in nature, love engaging with local communities, and want to make a real difference to County Durhams wildlife and biodiversity, this is your chance to join a dynamic team at the heart of conservation and countryside management in County Durham. WHAT IS INVOLVED? As a Ranger/LNR Officer in our Parks & Countryside Service, you will be responsible for delivering the daily practical and technical management of the Parks & Countryside Estate—including country parks, nature reserves, railway paths, and picnic areas. Your responsibilities will also include developing site management plans, organising work programmes, and supporting the development of small-scale projects and grant applications. This is a diverse and dynamic role where no two days are ever alike. We encourage you to contact Darryl Cox via email at darryl.cox@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role. WHAT WILL I NEED? NVQ Level 4 or equivalent in Countryside Management or directly related subject and or ability to demonstrate significant relevant experience Substantial experience delivering site maintenance, habitat improvement and environmental schemes, including assisting in the implementation of management plans. Experience of developing environmental grant applications and small-scale project plans. Experience of operating a wide range of conservation management machinery. Substantial experience of leading and working with apprentice and casual staff as well as volunteer supervision, including Friends of Groups. Experience of leading and training other staff and volunteers. Experience of developing and leading conservation activities. Experience of leading, developing and working with wide range of partners and stakeholders, including conservation organisations, landowners and government agencies. Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria. If successful, you will be required to undertake and pass an in-house driving assessment as part of our pre-employment checks before any offer of appointment can be confirmed. If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure REWARDS AND BENEFITS We offer generous rewards and benefits that are designed to help you perform at your best: Competitive salaries and 27 days holiday per year rising to 32 days after five years continuous local government service. Option to purchase up to 10 additional days annual leave per year. Excellent work/life balance through schemes including job sharing, compressed hours and flexi-time (allowing up to 13 flexi days per year). Hybrid working (home and office working). Excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Plus, top up options - Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme and standard AVC scheme for members of the LGPS. Wellbeing Portal and access to an Employee Assist Scheme. Wide range of learning and development opportunities including professional qualifications, coaching and mentoring. Employee Benefits Portal and Lifestyle Savings Scheme (discounts across a host of major retailers). Discounted DCC gym membership. Staff networks run by staff for our staff, including Race Equality and Diversity, Disability, LGBT, Armed Forces, Carers, Menopause. Trade Union membership. A range of other salary sacrifice schemes such as car leasing.Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions. Take a closer look: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26895/Rewards-and-benefits SOCIAL MEDIA Don’t see the perfect role for you right now? Keep an eye on our social media channels for updates on new opportunities at Durham County Council! Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dccjobsandcareers/ Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/durhamcountycounciljobsandcareers EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION We are a proud equal opportunities employer and recognise that a diverse, talented workforce brings new ideas and new perspectives, which will facilitate growth and improvements to services. We are committed to ensuring that our employment policies and processes are fair and equitable to all. We welcome job applications from everyone, and successful candidates are considered only on their skills and ability to do the job. As a Disability Confident Leader, we encourage applications from disabled people and provide support throughout the recruitment process. Take a closer look: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26899/Equality-diversity-and-inclusion-in-our-workforce INTERVIEWS Interviews will be held week commencing Monday 23rd June 2025. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran. HOW TO APPLY In line with the County Council's Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Applications must be submitted on-line via the Northeast Jobs portal. Please use the ‘Person Specification’ section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed. If you have any support needs or require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27 (option 4), or the Recruitment Team via email at RecruitmentNCC@durham.gov.uk We collect personal information from you when you register with North East Jobs and make an application. Details on how we process your personal data is available in our Privacy Notice. https://www.durham.gov.uk/media/24645/Privacy-notice-human-resources/pdf/PrivacyNotice-HR.pdf PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION REGARDING YOUR APPLICATION FOR THIS POST WILL BE SENT TO THE EMAIL ADDRESS THAT YOU HAVE REGISTERED WITH NORTH EAST JOBS, INCLUDING YOUR INVITE TO INTERVIEW IF YOU ARE SHORTLISTED. PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL AFTER THE CLOSING DATE FOR NOTIFICATION FROM DONOTREPLY@NORTHEASTJOBS.ORG.UK AS YOU WILL NOT BE NOTIFIED BY ANY OTHER MEANS. PLEASE ENSURE YOU CHECK YOUR JUNK MAIL. VPRS/161