Area Ranger

Nymans sits in the High Weald AONB in West Sussex. We have exciting plans across 110ha of farmland to unify three small farms into one, and to create and restore typical High Weald habitats where nature can thrive - restoring woodlands, wood pasture, hedgerows, meadows and ponds.

As Area Ranger you’ll have the opportunity to lead the day-to-day implementation of this project, working closely with colleagues, our tenant farmer and volunteers to bring about this transformational land management change.
**Interviews will be held on the 6th December.**

What it's like to work here:Nymans is comprised of one of the most significant gardens in the National Trust, a Grade 2 historic house and ruins, let estate cottages and 250ha of farm and woodland including SSSI. It is one of the busiest ‘pay for entry’ National Trust properties welcoming over 450,000 visitors per year to the garden and estate. Nymans is part of a portfolio with Standen, another beautiful High Weald property. We’re a dynamic team who care passionately about biodiversity and taking climate action in support of the National Trust’s ‘Land, Outdoors & Nature’ strategy.

Whilst specifically leading the project on our farmland you’ll be working in a team of five who care for our countryside at Nymans and Standen, with a focus on delivering this inspirational and fast-moving project at pace.

Click here for more information about this location

What you'll be doing:As the Area Ranger you will recruit, manage and train a small team of volunteers throughout the portfolio. Following the Estate Management Plan, you will build and manage an effective and flexible work programme for you and your team to deliver our project at pace. This will involve leading regenerative agriculture practices for wildlife, soil, water and carbon benefits. You will support your fellow rangers in undertaking engagement and conservation work, contributing towards monitoring against grant prescriptions.

You will play a key role in maintaining excellent standards of presentation and property maintenance, successfully achieving Conservation Performance Indicator targets. You'll build and maintain strong professional relationships with colleagues, contractors, tenants and neighbouring land managers.

You’ll also be responsible for helping with excellent communication of our conservation work to a wide range of audiences, both new and existing, through events, guided walks and engagement with local communities. You'll appreciate the need for our countryside sites to bring in income, so your business ideas will play an important part in the team’s success.

**Please also read the full role profile attached to this advert.**

Who we're looking forTo deliver this role successfully, you will need to;
- Have practical experience of countryside/rural skills - preferably in a regenerative agriculture context with certification in chainsaw use, tractor driving and towing trailers.
- Have evidence of good people management and leadership, including the supervision of contractors and volunteers.
- Demonstrate a passion for nature - using excellent communication skills including public presentation to aid people’s understanding.
- Have strong organisational skills including work programming.
- Able to work safely, leading on compliance including writing risk assessments as well as safety and environmental procedures.
- Have a full UK Driving licence

And you'll need to demonstrate the following experience on your CV/Application;
- Diploma/NVQ3 or higher, or equivalent experience, in countryside or environmental conservation.
- Significant experience of working with volunteers.

The packageThe 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.
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
- Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
- Tax free childcare scheme
- Rental deposit loan scheme
- Season ticket loan
- Perks at work discounts i.e. gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
- Flexible working whenever possible
- Employee assistance programme
- Free parking at most locations
- Independent financial advice

Requirements :Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK
Fixed Term f/t (37.5 hrs pw to 28/02/26)