Summary
With a love for the great outdoors, you’ll enjoy working with nature and want to inspire and motivate others. You’ll help to make habitats for wildlife better and make everyone feel welcome at our places.
This is a great opportunity to develop your skills and contribute to the important work we’re doing. As part of the ranger team, you’ll need to think about our impact on the environment and how you can help.
Salary: £13.25 per hour
Contract: Fixed term contract until 30-Sep-2026
Hours/ working pattern: Seasonal, flexible, weekends. This is a zero-hour contract, meaning we can’t guarantee a set number of hours each week. While we aim to provide a consistent work pattern, flexibility is needed as schedules may change based on business needs. We’ll try to give as much notice as possible. The role includes weekends and Bank Holidays but does not require evening or split shifts.
Due to the nature of the role and the size of the property, a full UK driving license (or equivalent) is essential.
The appointment of these 2 roles is subject to confirmation of funding, and likely to commence week beginning 22nd June 2026.
In person interviews are scheduled to take place during week commencing 18th May 2026.
For this role, you’ll need to complete our online assessment instead of using a C.V. or online application form. This will help us understand more about your strengths and give you more information on the role.
What it's like to work here
This role is based at Murlough National Nature Reserve in Dundrum, close to the seaside town of Newcastle in County Down. The Ranger team includes 2 full time Rangers, plus these 2 fixed term Assistant Ranger positions, and you will report to the Area Ranger. Murlough is a designated Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC). A stunning 6000 year old sand dune system, with a network of paths through the dunes, woodland and heath. Fronted by a four mile long, golden sand beach, set beneath the Mourne Mountains. Your role will support the delivery of our Blue Flag beach status, maintaining the beach and nature reserve, whilst engaging with visitors about our conservation objectives.
Investing in you
We want you to learn, discover and develop your career. And we’ll do everything we can to offer you task based training, opportunities, and the support that you need to achieve your goals.
What you'll be doing
As Assistant Ranger, you’ll undertake different outdoor tasks in countryside management, along with visitor management across the site. Out in all weathers, this will include nature conservation, working to make habitats better for wildlife, waste management, engaging with visitors, site inspections, routine practical maintenance, supporting volunteers, and helping to deliver activities that strengthen people’s connections with the outdoors. From picking up litter to leading walks and talks you will be a vital member of the ranger team.
As no two days are the same, the nature of the role means a flexible approach is crucial to ensure the right level of support is given across the site. So, whether you’re maintaining our green spaces or talking to people, you’ll inspire others to love our beautiful places as much as you do.
You can view the full role profile in the document attached, which will 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 are:
1. able to demonstrate practical experience in land, conservation and access management to level 2 or have 6 months vocational experience
2. willing to work outside in all weathers and deliver tasks when the weather conditions aren’t ideal
3. comfortable working in a flexible and adaptable way
4. able to work alone or under direction, and as part of a team
5. positive with an approachable attitude
6. happy and willing to learn new things
7. enjoy the work you do and happy to share this with others
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.
8. Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
9. Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
10. Tax free childcare scheme
11. Rental deposit loan scheme
12. Season ticket loan
13. Perks at work discounts i.e. gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
14. Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria
15. Flexible working whenever possible
16. Employee assistance programme
17. Free parking at most locations
18. Independent financial advice
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