Area Ranger

**Important notice**

This is a rare opportunity to join our team as an Area Ranger, leading the work programming and delivery of high quality nature conservation and estate maintenance, for the countryside team across the Island. The role is both practical and administrative. The Island has been chosen as one of the Trust’s Restore Nature Portfolio’s in recognition of the wildlife rich sites that we manage and the opportunities for working across the wider landscape.

Occasional evening, weekend and Bank Holiday working will be a requirement of this position. Along with other members of the team, you may occasionally be called upon outside of hours to respond to emergencies of livestock issues, for which you will be paid if able to respond.

What it's like to work here:We look after nearly 5000 acres of countryside and 17 miles of the coastline around the Isle of Wight including some of the best quality chalk grassland in the UK, as well as ancient woodland, heathland, coastal and wetland habitats. Most sites have large areas designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest and includes the Island’s only National Nature Reserve at Newtown Harbour. Our own flocks of Hebridean sheep and Old English goats help with the grazing of many of our places.

You'll report to the Countryside Manager. With your endless passion for our work, you’ll help with the protection and care of habitats, wildlife and historic sites. Your enthusiasm will inspire others to love these beautiful places as much as you do. We want you to engage with visitors, making time to talk to them. As an easily identifiable member of the Ranger team, you will have the opportunity to create lasting memories for everyone. After all, your passion and dedication could fire the imagination that makes a visitor become a supporter for the rest of their life.

What you'll be doing:You'll be the site manager for Dunsbury Farm Ranger Base, with staff and volunteer management a key part of your role. You'll be responsible for work planning and delivery for habitat management and estate maintenance, as day to day health & safety and compliance. You'll also be responsible for managing contractors and small projects.

You could be doing such varied tasks as installing fencing and gates, practical habitat management such as bracken control and woodland management and livestock husbandry.

The work will also include visitor engagement at events, working with volunteers and community involvement.

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.
- Leads practical conservation work that protects and enhances the natural and cultural value of the property
- Ensures the safety of people, places and operations through effective risk management and compliance
- Supports a team of staff and volunteers to deliver high performance and a positive working environment
- Delivers inclusive, high-quality visitor experiences that connect people with nature and heritage
- Manages budgets, contractors and work programmes to deliver value for money and support operational delivery
- Builds and maintains effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support deliveryApplies practical countryside skills and uses tools and machinery safely and effectively to support land and visitor management

Additional criteria for all other applicants. We’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, sh