At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and enhance beautiful countryside sites while engaging with visitors.
- Company: Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, dedicated to community and environmental care.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, health care options, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with great development opportunities and a commitment to equality.
- Why this job: Work outdoors, make a difference, and enjoy nature every day.
- Qualifications: Experience in outdoor work or a willingness to learn; good communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 27694 - 27694 € per year.
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils
Address: Various countryside sites across our Babergh and Mid Suffolk districts
Salary: £27,694 per annum (pro rata for part time or fixed term)
Hours: Full Time, 37 hours per week, working pattern to include weekends and bank holidays
Contract: Permanent or Fixed Term Contract or Secondment, on a Seasonal basis from April to October 2026
Open to full time, part time, and job share applications, all of which will be assessed equally.
Join Our Team
We are looking for two Seasonal Rangers to join our Public Realm Team, helping to protect, manage and enhance our countryside sites while ensuring they remain safe, welcoming and enjoyable for all visitors. If you share our values and you are motivated to make a difference for our residents, clients, and communities, we would love to hear from you.
Public Realm Team Overview
The Public Realm Team is responsible for the day-to-day management of the District Councils’ countryside sites, parks and open spaces, including recreational sites, local nature reserves, parks and smaller picnic areas. The Team also manages Council owned play areas, tree stock, routine grounds maintenance on roadside verges and open spaces within Council housing areas, and keeps the districts clean through litter collection, mechanical sweeping and removing fly tips.
Role Overview
You will play a vital hands‑on role in the day-to‑day management of parks, open spaces and nature reserves, working outdoors in all weathers and having a positive, visible presence on site.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise and welcome visitors to countryside sites, promoting responsible use and site rules
- Carry out practical countryside management, including vegetation management, litter picking, minor repairs and habitat improvement works
- Patrol sites on foot and travel between locations as required
- Monitor site safety, undertake basic risk assessments and report issues
- Support biodiversity, conservation and site improvement projects
- Work with colleagues, contractors and volunteers to maintain high standards across sites
About You
- Enjoy working outdoors and have a genuine interest in the natural environment
- Have experience in practical countryside, grounds, environmental or outdoor work (or the willingness to learn)
- Can communicate confidently and courteously with members of the public
- Are reliable, proactive and able to work both independently and as part of a team
- Hold a full, clean driving licence and are comfortable driving between sites
- Have an awareness of Health and Safety at Work Act, practice and responsibility
- Are computer literate with the ability to use email and mobile devices
- Can maintain accurate work records
A relevant qualification (or equivalent experience) in countryside management, conservation or a related field would be desirable.
Benefits
- Generous leave entitlement (26 days a year, rising to 31 days after 5 years)
- Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme
- Wellbeing Support and Employee Assistance Programs
- Private Health Care Options
- Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
- Paid volunteering days
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (Business needs permitting)
- Great learning and development opportunities
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, providing opportunity and ambition for all, supporting and enabling our people to deliver the best possible services for our residents.
Safeguarding
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
Closing Date: 5.00 pm, 19 May 2026.
Countryside Rangers in Stowmarket employer: Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils is an excellent employer for those passionate about the natural environment, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and community engagement. With generous leave entitlements, competitive pension schemes, and opportunities for professional development, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact on local countryside management. The flexibility in working arrangements and commitment to employee wellbeing further enhance the appeal of joining our Public Realm Team.
Contact Detail:
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Countryside Rangers in Stowmarket
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role and the team! Research Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils and their Public Realm Team. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Rangers on LinkedIn or local community groups. They can provide insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for hands-on assessments! Since this role involves practical countryside management, be ready to demonstrate your skills. Brush up on your knowledge of vegetation management and safety practices, and think about how you’d handle real-life scenarios.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team. Don’t forget to highlight your passion for the outdoors and any relevant experience!
We think you need these skills to ace Countryside Rangers in Stowmarket
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Outdoors:When writing your application, let us know why you love working outdoors and how it connects to your experience. Share any personal stories or projects that highlight your enthusiasm for nature and conservation.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to align your skills and experiences with the key responsibilities listed in the job description. Use specific examples from your past work or volunteer roles that demonstrate your ability to manage outdoor spaces and engage with the public.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your sentences are easy to read. This will help us quickly see how you fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils
✨Know Your Countryside
Familiarise yourself with the local countryside sites and their unique features. Be ready to discuss how you would promote responsible use and site rules, as well as any personal experiences you've had in similar environments.
✨Show Your Passion for Nature
Demonstrate your genuine interest in the natural environment during the interview. Share stories about your outdoor experiences or any conservation projects you've been involved in to show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a role that aligns with your values.
✨Communicate Confidently
Practice your communication skills before the interview. Since you'll be interacting with the public, think of examples where you've successfully engaged with visitors or resolved issues. This will highlight your ability to represent the team positively.
✨Be Prepared for Practical Questions
Expect questions related to practical countryside management and safety. Brush up on basic risk assessment principles and be ready to discuss how you would handle various scenarios, such as litter collection or habitat improvement works.
