Summary
The National Trust works hard to conserve and protect the special places around Northern Ireland, and we are looking for a new Area Ranger to join the team.
You need to be passionate about our living environment, dedicated to preserving nature and you must love working outdoors whatever the weather.
As a Ranger for the free access sites around Strangford Lough, you'll help to maintain our countryside and coast, be a voice for nature and work with a like-minded team in an office that changes every day.
This is a practical, hands-on job requiring a high level of practical aptitude alongside a broad range of countryside/estate management skills. It is a physically demanding, outdoor job which can involve tasks as diverse as carrying heavy fence posts up hills, to working on our boats on the lough, to carefully walking over nest sites taking care not to disturb the seabirds.
Strangford Lough is one of the most heavily designated nature conservation sites on the island of Ireland and is home to a wealth of wildlife and so we are looking for someone with a genuine interest in, and knowledge of, our natural history and ecology.
What it's like to work here
As part of the National Trust East Down Property Group, you'll be working on Strangford Lough, a site of international importance.
This property carries many designations, protecting the unique habitats – and it is our job to ensure that work is done. The Lough is home to a multitude of waders and wildfowl, from breeding seabirds such as Common and Arctic Tern, to Brent Geese that overwinter here. As such, bird monitoring is a key part of the Ranger work here.
Much of a Ranger's job is spent on and around the water, working on power boats, carrying out habitat management on islands, seal counts on behalf of NIEA and moving livestock to and from islands using the Cuan Brig barge.
In addition to Strangford Lough, Rangers cover several free sites across the Ards Peninsula, from Orlock in North Down, to Ballyquintin at the tip of the peninsula. We manage coastal paths, farmland and woodland as well as engaging with the thousands of visitors who use our sites - balancing the need for access alongside nature conservation.
We are proud to have a dedicated team of volunteers who help us with our tasks, and Rangers are responsible for managing their work as they aid us in our conservation efforts.
What you'll be doing
As one of two Area Rangers you will manage a small sub-team of Ranger(s) and volunteers. Your role will include practical habitat management work, estate work and assisting with biological monitoring. Working for the Coast and Countryside Manager, under the day-to-day direction of the Lead Ranger, you will implement an agreed site management programme for you and your team.
You will play a key role in setting the standard of presentation and quality practical work. You will build and maintain strong professional relationships with colleagues, contractors, tenants and neighbouring land managers.
You'll also be responsible for helping with events, guided walks and engagement with local communities.
- Due to the extensive nature of the property, you will be required to drive a range of vehicles on a daily basis. Therefore, a full driving licence is essential.
- Although not necessary, experience of operating or assisting with boats is desirable.
- As much of our work is on the islands, you will need to be comfortable working on and around water.
Please also read the full role profile attached to this advert.
Who we're looking for
We would like the successful candidate to have:
- significant practical experience in relevant land, conservation and access management, supported by appropriate qualifications to level 4 (or equivalent level of vocational experience).
- people management skills including setting personal objectives and conducting development reviews.
- competence with machinery/equipment such as tractors, chainsaws, trailer towing and competence certificates as required by the property combined with practical skills applied across a broad range of habitats and estate management.
- effective management of budgets ,finance and small projects.
- a demonstrable passion for heritage, nature and the outdoors and experience of working on archaeologically sensitive areas and SSSI's.
- knowledge of Health & Safety legislation relevant to a countryside setting and an ability to work safely, leading on compliance including writing risk assessments as well as safety and environmental procedures.
- Herbicide & Pesticide (PA1/PA6) qualification.
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.