Countryside Rangers, STOWMARKET in Suffolk

Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils 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.

The Public Realm Team are responsible for the day-to-day management of the District Councils countryside sites, parks and open spaces. These include recreational sites, local nature reserves, parks and smaller picnic areas. In addition, the Team is responsible for Council owned play areas, management of the Councils tree stock, routine grounds maintenance on roadside verges and open spaces within Council housing areas as well as keeping the districts clean through litter collection, mechanical sweeping and removing fly tips.

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:

• Supervising and welcoming visitors to countryside sites, promoting responsible use and site rules.
• Carrying out practical countryside management, including vegetation management, litter picking, minor repairs and habitat improvement works.
• Patrolling sites on foot and travelling between locations as required.
• Monitoring site safety, undertaking basic risk assessments and reporting issues.
• Supporting biodiversity, conservation and site improvement projects.
• Working with colleagues, contractors and volunteers to maintain high standards across sites.

This is a full-time role, working 37 hours per week (pattern to be agreed) including weekend and bank holiday working.

About you:

We are looking for someone who:

• Enjoys working outdoors and has a genuine interest in the natural environment.
• Has experience in practical countryside, grounds, environmental or outdoor work (or the willingness to learn).
• Can communicate confidently and courteously with members of the public.
• Is reliable, proactive and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Holds a full, clean driving licence and is comfortable driving between sites.
• Has an awareness of Health and Safety at Work Act, practice and responsibility.
• Is 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:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 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.

For more information, visit our Employee Benefits page.

Our ways of working support flexibility and collaboration, helping our teams to thrive. 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.

How to apply:

Please ensure your application form is fully completed, including employment and education history. Your supporting statement should clearly address how you meet the criteria in the Person Specification.

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.