Countryside Ranger
Found in: beBee jobs GB - 3 weeks ago
We are delighted to advertise the opportunity to become a Countryside Ranger at Camphill
Village Trust.
As a national charity and not-for-profit organisation, The Trust, has for
almost 70 years been providing a range of care, support and accommodation for people with
learning disabilities, autism, mental health challenges and complex needs. We support around
550 adults in nine communities and through Day Opportunities across England.
Our aim is to empower people with disabilities to lead more connected,
fulfilled lives with meaning and purpose. We call this 'a life of opportunity' and we believe
that, with the right support, it is possible for everyone. Our approach is to provide Social
Farms, Gardens and Craft opportunities utilising our natural environment and creating
sustainable communities.
The Trust's long-term aim is to 'become a beacon of sustainable land management'. To make this
come to life operationally we follow five principles:
- To Enable Green Care - we will use our land to maximise life opportunities for our
beneficiaries, by inspiring them through connection with nature, enabling them to get involved
with growing food and animal care, and experiencing the healing qualities of the natural
environment. - Environmental Land Management - we will farm our land in a regenerative way with a focus on
food production that nurtures the natural resources provided by the land and minimises the use
of external inputs. In particular to ensure that improving soil health, water quality, and
wildlife interest are key priorities in management decisions and that all land-based operations
are environmentally responsible, socially just, and economically sound. - Farm to fork - we will use the food and materials that we produce on-site or as locally as
possible to minimise our food miles and we will favour crops and livestock that complement the
sustainable management of our land. - Greater involvement of volunteers - we will re-ignite our land-based volunteer programme
creating opportunities for people to strengthen our capability to achieve environmental and
social gains. - Collaboration with other partners - we will build partnerships and collaborate with
like-minded organisations to increase our impact and magnify the positive difference we can
make to our land and our people.
Purpose:
Are you passionate about the natural environment?
Do you strive to make a difference?
As the Countryside Ranger for the North, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management
and implementation of the strategic direction of the Trust's natural environment.
Based at our Botton Community and working across the Northern sites, you will implement plans
to protect and enhance the natural environment of our land. Leading a team, you'll deliver
estates management plans, look after the grounds maintenance for the communities and work on
targeted nature conservation projects, whilst enabling people to connect with those landscapes.
An example of the work programmes include:
- Habitat improvements
- Habitat maintenance
- Land infrastructure such as: hedges, walls and fences
- Nature recovery projects
- Grounds Estate management
Locations & Travel:
Botton Village (Danby, North Yorkshire)
Botton comprises extensive acreage of productive farmland intertwined with sizable expanses of
woodland. An environmentally conscious site, Botton has proudly held organic certification
since 1955, a testament to its steadfast commitment a to organic farming practices. The
farmland itself is a mosaic of improved pasture and lower-quality agricultural moorland edge
land.
Larchfield (Middlesbrough)
Larchfield is an extensive mixed farm on the outskirts of Middlesbrough, with extensive
hedgerows, wooded areas and traditional orchards, interspersed by residential properties.
Croft (Malton, North Yorkshire)
Croft is situated on a site with historical origins as an old quarry, encompassing
well-established native trees forming the outer perimeter. The central focal point of the site
comprises a productive garden, segmented into four quadrants and featuring fruit trees.
As the Countryside Ranger for the North, you will be based at Botton, however you will be
expected to travel to our communities in Malton and Middlesbrough to lead the workplans in
those communities
Duties & Responsibilities:
As the Countryside Ranger for the North you will:
- Lead and supervise Volunteers in the practical delivery of agreed work programmes.
- Produce monthly progress reports and monitor key performance indicators.
- Lead and supervise the teams of estate workers to ensure planned and scheduled land
maintenance works are carried out in accordance with set schedules. - Assist in dealing with conflicts and solving problems encountered such as including
fly-tipping, vandalism, off-road biking/driving and trespassing. - Ensure all health & safety, COSHH and other legislative and regulatory stipulations and
conditions are complied with, including all site risk assessments, safe working practices and
staff training. - When required work with the Trust's agricultural & horticultural staff regarding the
management, movement and supervision of Trust livestock to maintain high standards of animal
welfare and husbandry. - Provide practical assistance to other Trust departments, as required.
- Be involved with, and take pride in, the wider estate management and visual appearance.
- Ensure safe operation, maintenance and cleaning of equipment, machinery, and vehicles.
Carry out essential maintenance work, equipment checks, including daily and routine maintenance
and duties as trained to do so. - Drive and be responsible for a company vehicle when required and in accordance with health
and safety and fleet policy and driver's handbook, including conducting weekly vehicle checks. - Follow the Camphill Village Trust health and safety policies and procedure.
Person Specification:
Knowledge & Experience
- You will have previous experience of countryside management.
- Significant and extensive experience in relevant land, conservation and access management
with a deep understanding/knowledge of relevant habitat conservation, designated landscapes and
protected species. - You will have practical countryside management skills and a demonstrable aptitude for a
practical role. - A high level of competency in wildlife identification is desirable.
- You will be financially competent, ready to take responsibility for budgeting and
benchmarking financial performance. - You will have a full, valid, UK driving license (trailer BE is desirable).
- You will be enthusiastic about environmental Land Management, new environmental schemes,
soil management and have an interest in carbon auditing.
Key Competencies:
- Leadership, teamworking and collaboration across teams.
- You react sensitively to other people and recognise different viewpoints, beliefs, values
and opinions. - You are creative and willing to learn new skills.
- You treat people with respect, dignity, honesty and equality.
- You have a positive and driven attitude for success.
- You have excellent interpersonal skills and are able to foster team spirit and empowerment
of staff. - You will have great attention to detail and be able to manage your workload with minimal
supervision. - This is a practical hands-on role where you will need to be comfortable working on-site
outdoors within all weather conditions.
Qualifications
- A certificate of competence or higher for tractor operation is desirable.
- A formal land management or similar qualification is desirable.
The charity
As a national charity and not-for-profit organisation, Camphill Village Trust brings over 65
years of experience, knowledge, and passion to supporting people with learning disabilities,
autism, mental health challenges, and complex needs.
