Summary
This is an opportunity to join the small team at Orford Ness as one of our Rangers.
Working on one of Europe's most important conservation sites, your love of the outdoors will inspire others as you ensure that all aspects of this landscape & it's infrastructure are sustainably managed and continue to take our visitors' breath away.
Due to the location of the site and nature of the role, you'll need to be comfortable working on/near water and be happy to train towards RYA Powerboat 2 qualifications (if not already held).
You'll be required to work weekends and Bank Holidays on a rota basis.
What it's like to work here
Reporting to the Area Ranger, you'll delivering Conservation work on this unique place on the Suffolk Coast. You'll also have the opportunity to work with colleagues across the wider portfolio of properties to support work in a variety of sites & habitats along the Suffolk and Essex Coast such as Sutton Hoo and Dunwich Heath.
Wild, remote, and exposed, Orford Ness is ranked as among the most important shingle features in the world, where rare and fragile wildlife thrive.
Orford Ness is designated as part of the Alde Ore Estuary SSSI, SPA, Ramsar site and Alde Ore & Butley SAC, as well as being an NNR. It is made up of a variety of special habitats and is home to many rare & unusual species. It is nationally and internationally important for it's wildlife and has a fascinating history as a secret 20th century military testing facility.
What you'll be doing
You'll be based at Orford Ness aa Ranger for the Lesser Black Gull project, delivering a program of practical work and visitor management, surveying & monitoring of species, and working alongside LBBG Community Engagement Ranger and a team of volunteers. You'll deliver an effective engagement campaign to support the work of increasing the breeding population of gulls on Orford Ness, including an enhanced presence at sensitive locations during the peak breeding and tourist seasons.
You'll be responsible for day to day practical and technical management of a countryside property, including equipment maintenance (machinery, vehicles & boats), habitat management, ecological monitoring, visitor experience and site presentation. Working on what is effectively an island means you'll need a 'can-do' attitude. As part of a small team, you'll be adaptable and willing to step in to help across the property.
You'll build and maintain strong professional relationships with colleagues, volunteers, contractors and partners.
You'll be responsible for helping with excellent communication of our conservation work to a wide range of audiences, both new and existing, through events, guided walks and engagement with local communities.
You'll work as part of the property Duty Management team. You'll be responsible for ensuring the property is able to open to visitors safely and that operations are running as smoothly as possible to ensure a high level of service.
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.