Job Details:
Job Reference: HCC621549
Salary Range: £24,405 – £25,430 per annum
Work Location: Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Horndean or Basing House, Old Basing
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 8 August 2025
Interview Date: 26 -28 August 2025
Access. Explore. Improve
Hampshire County Council is recruiting two Assistant Rangers to the Countryside Service. Joining an Area Access Team, you will undertake practical maintenance and improvements on public rights of way so that they comply with statutory requirements, are easy to use and are accessible to the wider public. To assist with developing other countryside access opportunities as they arise and to promote the use of access routes to the general public.
With a flexible approach to work, you’ll be willing to work both outdoors and in, as part of a team or on your own. You will be able to undertake the physical requirements of the role; have a basic level certification in the use of machinery such as chainsaws, brushcutters and mowers and will possess a full driving licence.
The Role:
In this role, you will work alongside the Countryside Access Ranger Team carrying out a range of practical maintenance tasks. You’ll need to be enthusiastic, work on your own initiative and have a wide range of practical experience. The work will be undertaken in the diverse landscapes found throughout Hampshire, including the South Downs National Park and the South Coast, New Forest and North Wessex Downs AONB.
You will be responsible for maintaining and improving public rights of way, so they comply with statutory requirements, are easy to use and are accessible to the wider public. You will assist with developing other countryside access opportunities as they arise, and to promote the use of access routes to the general public.
What you’ll do:
You’ll carry out practical maintenance and improvement work on public rights of way, ensuring safety, accessibility, and environmental care.
This includes using and maintaining tools and machinery, supervising volunteers, and keeping accurate records of equipment and site activity.
You’ll help plan and deliver work schedules, solve on-site challenges, and liaise with landowners to secure access.
Working closely with the Countryside Access Ranger Team, you’ll also promote safe working practices, complete risk assessments, and support positive relationships with landowners and the public.
What we’re looking for:
We’re after someone with hands-on experience in outdoor practical work, ideally in countryside, estate, or land management. You’ll need a full UK driving licence, basic qualifications (GCSEs or equivalent), and confidence using tools and machinery. A good understanding of Health & Safety, including risk assessments, is essential, along with the ability to read maps and plans, keep records, and communicate well with others. A general awareness of conservation and countryside issues is also important.
You’ll be expected to complete training in First Aid, chainsaw use, trailer towing, and safe equipment handling.
Bonus if you have: relevant qualifications (BTEC, HND, or degree), certificates in chainsaw or brushcutter use, trailer towing experience, rural construction skills, or knowledge of rights of way.
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 policies and interest free travel loans and discounts. We offer a flexible, motivating and inclusive workplace. We have created an environment that you can look forward to being a part of, where you are empowered to be your best and a workplace built on teamwork where people can grow and develop in their roles.
Additional Information:
Assistant Ranger Candidate Pack
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:
Corinne Davis-Cooke, Rights of Way Officer on corinne.davis-cooke@hants.gov.uk or 07753 422898
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.