Lead Ranger

This is an exciting time for Southampton’s Parks with the establishment of the first city-wide Ranger Service. As Lead Ranger you will have the challenge of developing a high performing team which will be responsible for leading the delivery of conservation management across a range of semi-natural greenspaces, including Southampton Common SSSI. Your Rangers will be approachable and knowledgeable, and their work will encourage residents to make greater use of the Greenways for informal recreation. Your team will work with existing, and develop new, Friends of groups to help communities reconnect with the natural environment.

You will be responsible for:

- Supporting the Natural Environment Manager in conserving Southampton’s biodiversity and enabling the city’s residents and visitors to enjoy improved access to the Greenways and other semi-natural greenspaces.
- Managing the new Ranger Team to produce a high performing and motivated team
- Developing and implementing biodiversity management plans for semi-natural greenspaces across the city.
- Taking the lead on all issues relating to the management of the semi-natural greenspaces
- Working with other Natural Environment Team members to deliver a comprehensive service covering ecological advice, habitat and species management, informal recreation, and environmental education.

To be successful in the role you will hold a relevant environmental qualification to a minimum of a national qualification framework level 4 or equivalent experience to undertake the job and be able to demonstrate in depth knowledge of UK flora and fauna and experience of a managing a range of lowland UK habitats. You should also have a good understanding of the challenges of delivering successful conservation management in an urban location.

You will require strong people management skills and be able to develop individual team members to form an effective and motivated team.

You will require excellent communication skills and have a high level of IT literacy. You will also need to demonstrate your ability to write technical reports, briefings and deliver recommendations to a wide range of audiences.

You will have experience of managing projects and budgets.

This is a 37 hour per week, permanent, full time contract which falls within Grade 9 of the Southampton City Council’s pay grades. This will equate to an annual salary of £35,336 - £39,570

Working for Southampton City Council will have its rewards, we are part of the Hampshire pension scheme, and the post will come with a minimum of 25 days annual leave (not including bank holidays) dependant on your length of service in Local Government. There are lots of other employee benefits open to SCC employees, from childcare vouchers and discounted travel to money off at selected restaurants, shops and salons.

You will be based at Holly Lodge Depot, on Southampton Common, which has excellent transport links to all of the surrounding area of Hampshire and beyond. Travel around the city is easy by bus or there are pool bikes that can be used. The post does come with contractual car users’ allowance and a parking space provided.

The Southampton Natural Environment Team covers all matters relating to the conservation of biodiversity within Southampton and provision of opportunities for people to enjoy the natural environment. This includes provision of ecological advice to other City Council Departments, including the Planning Department, delivery of the Natural Environment section of the Green City Plan, management of semi-natural greenspace, supporting Parks Friends of groups and running volunteer activities and co-ordinating projects to improve the accessibility of the Greenways.

If this challenge appeals to you, and you feel you have the necessary background, experience and skills to undertake this role, we would be delighted to hear from you.

If you would like an informal chat about the team and what Southampton can offer, then please contact Lindsay McCulloch on 07795 050017.

**Additional information**
- This post requires a Standard DBS check.

**This is a post working 37 hours per week. Weekend working 1 in 3 will be required.**

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