Summary
Are you a dynamic and experienced countryside professional with a passion and knowledge of nature, it's conservation and the outdoors? Do you want to make a difference for a stunning stretch of the South-West Coast and its people? We are offering a rare and outstanding opportunity to lead on the delivery of our vision for a more nature rich, accessible and resilient coast.
You'll be supported by property and consultancy colleagues and find yourself working closely with our partnerships on joint strategies for nature and communities.
What it's like to work here
Brownsea Island sits with-in Poole Harbour and is a pay to enter property
The Countryside Department delivers conservation, land management and logistic operations on Brownsea Island. This highly designated site requires a careful balance between nature conservation and access to be achieved along side key Island partners. The department is in charge of getting people and materials on and off the island safely by running its own in-house boat service and logistical operations.
The Countryside team consists of Lead Ranger (this post), 2 Rangers, 4 Boat Operator/ Rangers, Relief Boat Operators, Crew and Relief Crew. The team also has 120 countryside volunteers. The wider NT team consists of 25 full time staff, up to 50 seasonal staff and around 400 volunteers.
Reporting to the General Manager you'll play a key role on the Property Leadership Team helping to drive the wider portfolio plan, including visitor experience, facilities and commercial.
The Lead Ranger will be a Key Representative on the Island fulfilling the Duty Manager role out of hours. Accommodation is available on the Island under this role. However other options can be discussed during interview.
For more information about our property please visit brownsea-island
What you'll be doing
As Lead Ranger, you'll lead a team of rangers and boat operators as well as our dedicated volunteers. You'll initiate, plan, develop and coordinate a wide range of land management, capital and cyclical management tasks; commission specialist contractors; and continually develop a programme of conservation, access and engagement projects including seeking grants such as agri-environment agreements.
You'll use your leadership skills and countryside management experience to drive forward our vision and ambitious plans for conservation.
The opportunity for personal development is exciting and you will support and help your team be the best it can. This is a great opportunity for someone with a balance of leadership, practical and engagement skills.
Who we're looking for
We'd love to hear from you if you are:
- An inspirational leader with the ability to lead and develop a team of staff and volunteers to deliver our strategy effectively
- An excellent communicator with experience in problem solving skills and motivated and adept at working to create and develop partnerships with individuals and organisations
- Able to demonstrate an understanding of nature conservation, access management and accessibility and climate mitigation and adaptation
- Customer aware and take pride in delivering excellent customer service
- Confident in managing budgets, finances, income generation and contracts
- Able to deliver the Land Outdoors and Nature priority within the National Trust's strategy and Brownsea Island's Property Business Plan.
- Able to deliver the Islands Countryside Stewardship scheme
- Experience or knowledge of renewable energy projects and/or project management is desirable
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)
- Tax-free childcare scheme
- Rental deposit loan scheme
- Season ticket loan
- EV car lease scheme
- Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
- Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
- Flexible working whenever possible
- Employee assistance programme
- Free parking at most Trust places
Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.