Summary
As a Ranger, you're the heart and soul of the National Trust in the landscapes we protect. You're a champion of nature conservation and the great outdoors, and you'll play a crucial role in keeping the nation's beloved countryside and coast in good shape, for wildlife and for people.
You should be willing to work some weekends, bank holidays and evenings, and be on call.
This role is required to work with vulnerable groups including children and any offer of employment or volunteering is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.
What it's like to work here
Wiltshire Countryside is looking for our seventh Ranger! Our team continues to grow, and a space has opened for a new member to join our enthusiastic crew specialised in conservation of chalk downland and prehistoric archaeology.
The Countryside Team looks after twelve rural properties in the Wiltshire Landscape portfolio, stretching far and wide across our beautiful county. With two operational bases in the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site, you will find opportunities to assist across the whole portfolio, but you will primarily report to Stonehenge Cottages / Countess Farm and focus on five exceptional sites in South Wiltshire.
Cley Hill, Figsbury Ring, Pepperbox Hill, White Barrow and sections of Stonehenge Landscape will be in your care, under the supervision of the Area Ranger for South Wiltshire. Coming in at 150ha combined, there's plenty to keep you occupied whilst having enough time to get to know your sites intimately. Between them, they read like a who's who of special designations: SSSI, Scheduled Monument, World Heritage Site, AONB, SPA, SAC, International Dark Sky Reserve. No two days are the same when working to protect this globally important range of features, and the opportunities for learning are endless.
It's an exciting time to join National Trust, with nature and climate being placed at the forefront for this crucial moment in history.
What you'll be doing
You will chiefly lead practical tasks shaping habitats & protecting archaeology, facilitating access, repairing estate furniture, and ensuring presentation remains at a high standard. This includes organising and maintaining tools, vehicles and equipment associated with practical work.
Volunteers are more than just assistance. Their reasons for contributing to our work are manifold and you will become a point of contact in the community for their integration, helping connect people to our places and to each other. Communication and administrative duties tied to volunteer management will be essential.
Cultivating skills in visitor experience is part of the role, and we want to develop our offer for informing and engaging. With capacity previously being limited, there is now scope to support the Area Ranger in designing and testing learning/outreach activities. As a minimum, you will use your respected position to chat to members and listen to visitors – explaining our work and responding to queries - when present on your sites.
Monitoring is an essential part of land management. We are increasingly using GIS and digital devices for ecological recording, condition surveys and estate maintenance. You would be joining at a rapidly evolving time where novel methods of data collection are being invested in.
There will be key relationships to maintain with tenants, graziers and the local community. Overall, as a Ranger you are seen as a guardian of outdoor spaces and an advocate for their importance.
Please also read the full role profile, attached to this advert.
Who we're looking for
We'd love to hear from you if you're:
- practically experienced in conservation work, to protect and improve habitats and landscapes
- happy to talk to all kinds of people about the work you're doing, and why it matters
- hard-working and willing to learn
- able to work safely, using risk assessments and following guidelines
- experienced in managing land, access and conservation, and working outdoors
- able to use machinery and equipment, with relevant certificates
- a driver with a full UK driving licence
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
- 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.