Ranger

This is an exciting time for Southampton’s Parks with the establishment of the first city-wide Ranger Service. As a Ranger you will be part of a team responsible for leading the delivery of conservation management across a range of semi-natural greenspaces, including Southampton Common SSSI. You will be approachable and knowledgeable, and your work will encourage residents to make greater use of the Greenways for informal recreation. You will also work with Friends of groups to help communities reconnect with the city’s natural environment.

You will be responsible for:

- Undertaking practical habitat management and access work to conserve Southampton’s biodiversity and provide residents and visitors with improved access to semi-natural greenspaces.
- Undertaking regular patrols of semi-natural greenspaces to provide a first point of contact for visitors and identify and deal with problems such as storm damage, fly-tipping or anti-social behaviour.
- Contributing to the development and implementation of biodiversity management plans for semi-natural greenspaces across the city.
- Working with volunteers and ‘Friends of’ groups to deliver additional resources and create a sense of ownership amongst local communities.
- 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 countryside or environment qualification to a minimum of a national qualification framework level 2, or equivalent experience, plus relevant certificates and/or proofs of technical competence.

You will also require excellent communication skills, both oral and written, and be a good team player able to work effectively with other staff, contractors and members of the public. You should have sound ecological knowledge, be competent in the use of appropriate hand tools and machinery and have experience of working with a range of volunteers and groups to enhance natural green spaces.

This is a 37 hour per week, permanent, full time contract which falls within Grade 6 of the Southampton City Council’s pay grades. This will equate to an annual salary of £22,759 - £24,920.

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 24 days annual leave (not including bank holidays) dependent upon 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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