Area Ranger

We’re looking for an experienced countryside ranger who’s ready for a new challenge. You’ll be working at the forefront of nature conservation and land management, managing a dedicated team of volunteers in a landscape that’s important for wildlife and loved by people.

What it's like to work here:Situated in the Surrey Hills, Reigate Hill and Gatton Park is a spectacular beauty spot in the North Downs. If you like the great outdoors, you'll love this stunning location with its breath-taking views and colourful wildlife. You’ll need your own transport to get here, however this is your chance to join a close-knit and small team reporting to the Lead Ranger, in a truly idyllic location.

What you'll be doing:Representing the Surrey Hills East countryside team and working with our visitor operations and other ranger teams in the Surrey Hills to manage a high visitor site and protect our rare flora and fauna.

As the Area Ranger, you’ll be managing 2 volunteer groups working across several different National Trust sites. As you develop a flexible and effective programme of work for your team, you’ll be guided both by business needs and by the Trust’s strategy for restoring nature and enabling everyone to enjoy the countryside.

You'll support your fellow rangers in undertaking engagement and conservation work, contributing towards CS (Countryside Stewardship) targets. You’ll introduce a wide variety of people to the importance of your nature conservation work through events, guided walks and engaging the local community.

A ssisting your team with tree safety and woodland management across the properties which have very significant woodland holdings, with exciting plans to make them much more self sustainable in the future.

You'll be responsible for managing the conservation grazing across the chalk grassland on Oxted Downs, Reigate Hill and Gatton Park with the support of the lead ranger. You'll build and maintain strong professional relationships with our farming tenants, graziers, contractors, partners and neighbours to deliver more for Land and Nature.

You’ll also take responsibility for compliance, including the health and safety of your team, visitors, tree safety, and environmental management, as well as setting and leading standard relating to environmental practice.

You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all of the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what’s possible in this role.

Who we're looking forWe’d love to hear from you if you’re:

- experienced in managing land, nature conservation and access for people, including running small projects and supervising contractors
- used to developing and running programmes of work to achieve specific goals in conservation or access
- a strong team player, with a track record in leading and managing staff and volunteers
- practical and skilled in looking after a range of habitats and landscapes, with certificates in chainsaw use, tractor driving and towing trailers
- able to work safely, and take the lead on compliance - including writing risk assessments, and safety and environmental procedures
- happy to talk - with enthusiasm and commitment - to all kinds of people about the work you do and why it matters
- a driver, with a full UK licence.

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)
- Rental deposit loan scheme
- Season ticket loan
- EV car lease scheme
- Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
- Flexible working whenever possible
- Employee assistance programme
- Free parking at most Trust places

Requirements :Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK
Permanent f/t (37.5 hrs pw)