At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage operations at three beautiful country parks, ensuring safety and cleanliness for all visitors.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, a dynamic local authority focused on community and environmental sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community committed to making Essex a better place.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local green spaces while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in ecological management are essential.
The predicted salary is between 32852 - 38649 £ per year.
Permanent, Full Time
£32,852 to £38,649 per annum
Location: Danbury
Working Style: Operational field-based worker
Closing Date: 31st May 2026
At Essex County Council we're already making plans to ensure our long-term economic recovery. We're taking this opportunity to create a greener, more productive and fairer economy that is stronger and more resilient than ever before.
The Culture, Heritage and Green Spaces department will deliver exceptional customer experiences, increase resilience against climate change, demonstrating the benefit of Essex's strategic location, with the objective of developing a financially sustainable operation.
About the role
The Park Manager is responsible for all operational management responsibilities for Danbury Country Park, Cudmore Grove Country Park and Marsh Farm Country Park. Contribute to the development of robust business plans and Park Management Plans, ensuring opportunities for new revenue streams, using data to inform business decisions and translating these into day-to-day operational plans.
You will ensure the Country Parks are safe and clean for visitors and users, promoting and monitoring legislation, byelaws, and health and safety, whilst taking into consideration the impact of climate change, good practice green space management, and enhancing the land's nature conservation and its position as a biodiversity hub.
You will develop and deliver proactive maintenance and health and safety plans and processes, managing and controlling equipment and assets across the parks, and provide insight regarding the status of maintenance and equipment for the parks, as well as ensuring good practices for maintenance are in place.
You will be responsible for managing all day-to-day operations of the three Country Parks, ensuring they are managed within budgeted guidelines and to the agreed quality standards. As such, you will be accountable for budgetary control and financial grip for the Parks, ensuring compliance with all financial processes and good practices, and contributing to the submission of grant applications for additional funding.
You will be accountable for the implementation of consistent processes, controls, ways of working and operating practices within the Parks. Achieve the best experience for our customers with the most effective use of both people and financial resources.
As a manager, you will provide guidance to Rangers and other site staff, including recruitment, induction, training, work planning, evaluating performance, managing conduct and disciplinary matters. You will lead, manage and motivate your team to ensure service objectives are met.
As a leader, you will play a critical role in exhibiting the culture and behaviours expected within the team. You will lead change initiatives within the Country Park to embed the desired culture, managing and motivating staff, ensuring clarity on vision, expectations, standards and objectives.
Collaboration is key in this role as you will manage third party relationships and tenancies, and liaise with and manage partners, stakeholders, other borough and district councils, community groups, volunteer groups, contractors and landlords.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
We're looking for an excellent leader, with strong communication and people management skills, confident in engaging with public of all ages and abilities. You will have good understanding, knowledge and experience of ecological/habitat management and conservation issues, and an understanding of the 'Country Park' ethos and commitment to promoting enjoyment of the countryside.
Ideally, you will be educated to degree level in land management, countryside management or equivalent by experience in Country Park management, with evidence of continuing professional development.
You will have excellent attention to detail, be confident in using your initiative, with the ability to spot and resolve problems quickly and efficiently. You should be able to evidence your experience of generation income within a Country Park or equivalent.
Above all, we are looking for someone who can demonstrate considerable enthusiasm and energy, together with being highly motivated for what can be achieved, with an understanding and commitment to team working and developing a committed and motivated team.
Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means. The main base for the role is Danbury Country Park however there is an expectation for the post holder to apportion their time between the three sites accordingly.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We're committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We're also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
Once you've secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.
At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Park Manager - Danbury, Cudmore Grove & Marsh Farm Country Parks in Chelmsford employer: AgHires
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment for the Park Manager role at Danbury, Cudmore Grove, and Marsh Farm Country Parks. With a strong commitment to employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on innovation, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact in the community while promoting sustainability and conservation. Join us in shaping a greener future and enjoy the benefits of working within one of the largest local authorities in the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Park Manager - Danbury, Cudmore Grove & Marsh Farm Country Parks in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the parks and recreation field, attend local events, and connect with others on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the outdoors! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your love for nature conservation and park management. Let them see your enthusiasm and commitment to creating amazing experiences for visitors.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Essex County Council's initiatives and values. Tailor your answers to reflect how your skills align with their goals, especially around sustainability and community engagement. This will show you're not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team and contributing to the fantastic work being done at the parks.
We think you need these skills to ace Park Manager - Danbury, Cudmore Grove & Marsh Farm Country Parks in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Park Manager role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for park management and conservation shine through in your application. We want to see your commitment to creating enjoyable and sustainable green spaces for everyone.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically so we can easily see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that your application is processed correctly and gives you the best chance of being considered for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at AgHires
✨Know Your Parks
Before the interview, make sure you research Danbury, Cudmore Grove, and Marsh Farm Country Parks. Understand their unique features, challenges, and opportunities. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you discuss how you can contribute to their management.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Park Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your communication and people management skills. Be ready to discuss how you motivate staff and handle challenges.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since budget control is crucial for this role, come prepared with examples of how you've managed budgets or generated income in previous positions. Discuss any experience you have with grant applications or financial planning to highlight your capability in this area.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Sustainability
Given the focus on climate change and biodiversity, be ready to talk about your understanding of ecological management and conservation issues. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to promoting green practices and enhancing natural spaces.
