Summary
The voice of our landscapes, conservation champions and lovers of all things outdoors, you'll help to keep the British countryside and coast wonderful. Working in some of the nation's most stunning places and spaces, come rain or shine, your love of the outdoors will inspire others as you strive to ensure that landscapes are beautifully presented and continue to take our visitors' breath away.
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £26,832
Contract: Permanent
Interviews: Interviews will be held on 3rd October on site
If you have any questions about this role please contact: .uk
What it's like to work here
The Sandscale Haws Area Ranger is part of a team of two rangers and a group of regular volunteers who look after the incredible 264ha Sandscale Haws National Nature Reserve. The role sits within the wider South East Cumbria & Morecambe bay team, reporting in to the Lead Ranger, supported by the wider Ranger team.
Sandscale Haws (Known locally as Roanhead) is one of the UK's most important and diverse Sand dune systems. The importance of this site is widely recognised and as a result holds the following designations:
- National Nature Reserve
- Ramsar (Wetland of international importance)
- Site of Special Scientific interest
- Special areas of conservation
The reserve consists of a mosaic of Sand dune and other coastal habitats and is particularly well known for the abundance and diversity of its dune slack habitats.
Over 600 different species of plant have been recorded on site, that's more than 1/3 of all plant species in the UK! Many of the plant species on site are rare, including the endemic and nationally rare Dune Helleborine and the nationally scarce Coralroot Orchid.
Sandscale is home to 6 out of the 7 native UK amphibians, including the rare Natterjack toad. Sandscale has approximately 25% of the UK's population of Natterjack toads, with an estimated population of around 1,000 adults.
There are over 350 different species of fungi, 10 of which are very rare sand dune specialist species such as the tiny earthstar fungus, making Sandscale a nationally important site for fungi.
In the winter, the shorelines are busy with wading birds as they feed out on the mudflats. Come springtime, the shingle banks become nesting grounds for species such as Ringed plovers and Oystercatchers.
Sandscale is a much-loved nature reserve by both local people and visitors from afar.
This nature abundant site will provide every opportunity to test and grow your experience as a Ranger. If you are looking for exciting and challenging work in a beautiful outdoor setting, this role could be ideal for you.
What you'll be doing
At Sandscale Haws the Area Ranger coordinates delivery of all work on site, working with volunteers, graziers, contractors, partner organisations and the wider Ranger team to successfully care for the site through the delivery of the NNR management plan that is in the process of being reviewed. Monitoring forms a key part of the role and particularly the breeding success of the significant population of Natterjack Toads. Sandscale is an important site in a national project to reintroduce dynamism to sand dune systems.
The Dynamic Dunes project has recently been delivered on site in partnership with Natural England and Cumbria Wildlife Trust. You will work with the Lead Ranger and partners to deliver the next phase of innovative change at Sandscale Haws to ensure the site can thrive in the context of climate change and increased visitor pressure.
Key work areas in the immediate future
- Managing Ranger and group of regular volunteers on site.
- Responsibility for overall daily site management including delivery of NNR management plan, carpark, signage and visitor infrastructure.
- Taking over as main point of contact and liaison for community groups, parish councils and partner organisations. This is a vital role and has become more important as the site has become under increasing threat from development.
- Leading on delivery of on site visitor engagement including implementation of visitor zoning strategy
- Supporting Lead Ranger with finalisation of new NNR management plan
- Supporting Lead Ranger with creation of new Countryside Stewardship Scheme for Sandscale Haws
- Supporting Lead Ranger with contractor management and delivery of extensive fencing project.
Please also read the full role profile and additional information attached to this advert.
Who we're looking for
To 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 package
The 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
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