Area Ranger

The Farne Islands National Nature Reserve is an amazing group of Islands, located off the stunning Northumberland Coast. As one of the UK’s most important seabird breeding colonies, they are inundated with nesting birds during the summer months, including Atlantic puffin; common guillemot/murre; razorbill; black-legged kittiwake; Northern fulmar; European shag and common eider. Attracting thousands of visitors, the islands are a key Northumberland holiday destination. The Islands are also home to one of the largest Atlantic grey seal colonies in the UK - every winter the islands are abundant with endearing white seal pups which are born from October to January. There is a wealth of history linking the Farne Islands with early Christianity and historic buildings include St Cuthbert’s Chapel which dates back to the 14 th century while the Inner Farne is designated a Scheduled Monument.

What it's like to work here:The islands are a diverse, beautiful, and unique place to work, where no two days are the same. As Area Ranger, you will enable everyone to feel welcome and have varied, inspirational experiences whether as a staff member or a visitor. Using your experience of complex stakeholder relationships, you will nurture strong partnerships and work alongside a wide range of people in the local community. You will nurture a problem-solving culture where individuals feel empowered to take responsibility to solve any challenge, and drive a supportive culture which is considerate of others. This is an exciting time to be working on the islands as we embark on a long-term project to improve the islands for wildlife, visitors and rangers. Your inspirational approach should encourage, support and enhance people’s understanding of the significance of the Farne Islands and its wildlife.

What you'll be doing:Your role will be to manage the Assistant Ranger team whilst also supporting the whole Farne Islands team. the wider portfolio, stakeholders, partners and consultancy staff. You will help develop future plans for the islands in relation to its wildlife, buildings and archaeology, and in turn be supported by your team, Countryside Manager, General Manager and wider consultancy team.

Following the lead from the Property’s Business Plan and Management Plan you will build and manage an effective and flexible work programme for you and your team. You will support your fellow rangers in undertaking engagement and conservation work.

You will play the key role in maintaining excellent standards of conservation, presentation and property maintenance. You will build and maintain strong professional relationships with the wider portfolio, consultancy staff, partners, contractors and stakeholders.

You will guide and lead your team in compliance, finance, conservation management and visitor engagement, working alongside, and ensuring regular communication between, island teams and the mainland.

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 and engagement with local communities. You will 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
- Have evidence of good people management and leadership
- Have excellent communication skills including public presentation
- Have strong organisational skills including work programming
- Have a proven track record of managing and leading on health and safety and environmental compliance
- Have a full UK Driving licence
- Be able to manage contractors and small projects, including budgets.

And you'll need to demonstrate the following experience on your CV/Application;
- Diploma/NVQ3 or higher in countryside or environmental conservation
- Have good wildlife identification skills
- Habitat and species surveying experience
- Empathy with, and 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 properties 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