At a Glance
- Tasks: Help protect and enhance beautiful countryside sites while engaging with visitors.
- Company: Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, dedicated to community and environmental wellbeing.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, health care options, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to community and conservation.
- Why this job: Work outdoors, make a difference, and enjoy nature every day.
- Qualifications: Interest in the environment; experience in outdoor work is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 27694 - 27694 Β£ per year.
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.
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.
About the Public Realm Team
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.
About the role
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.
About us
At Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils we are passionate about building communities that people want to live, work, visit and invest in. We serve around 200,000 residents across our two districts and are well known for our collaboration and partnership working across public, private and voluntary sectors.
We believe that the heart of Suffolk is an incredibly special place to live and work, with:
- 60 conservation areas
- two National Landscapes
- many picturesque market towns
It is no surprise we are ranked among the top 50 places to live in the UK.
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
We believe work is what we do, not just where we go. We work in a hybrid way, with a mix of office, home, and remote based working (Business need permitting). Our hybrid working arrangements 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.
For more information
For more information or to arrange an informal discussion about this role, please email public.realm@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk
Please read the Job Description and Person Specification before applying for this job opportunity.
Closing date: 5.00 pm, 19 May 2026.
How to apply
Please ensure your application form is fully completed, including employment and education history and that your supporting statement clearly addresses 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.
Countryside Rangers in Stowmarket employer: Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council
Contact Detail:
Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Countryside Rangers in Stowmarket
β¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils. Understanding their values and projects will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their Public Realm Team.
β¨Tip Number 2
Show off your outdoor skills! If you've got experience in practical countryside management or environmental work, make sure to highlight it during your chat. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to similar projects or how you've tackled challenges in outdoor settings.
β¨Tip Number 3
Be proactive and positive! When you're out there meeting the team or during your interview, demonstrate your enthusiasm for working outdoors and engaging with the community. A friendly attitude can go a long way in making a great impression.
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our site. Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and youβll find all the info you need to ace your application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Countryside Rangers in Stowmarket
Some tips for your application π«‘
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Countryside Ranger and how your skills match up. This will help you tailor your application to stand out!
Show Your Passion for the Outdoors: We want to see your enthusiasm for working outdoors and your interest in the natural environment. In your supporting statement, share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your love for nature and countryside management.
Be Specific in Your Supporting Statement: When addressing the criteria in the Person Specification, be as specific as possible. Use examples from your past work or volunteer experiences to demonstrate how you meet each requirement. This helps us see exactly how you'd fit into our team!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It's the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you're considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council
β¨Know Your Countryside
Familiarise yourself with the local countryside sites and their unique features. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of biodiversity, conservation, and the importance of maintaining these areas. Showing genuine interest in the natural environment will impress the interviewers.
β¨Demonstrate Practical Skills
Highlight any relevant experience you have in practical countryside management or outdoor work. If you lack direct experience, express your willingness to learn and share examples of similar skills you've developed in other roles. Practical knowledge is key for this position.
β¨Communicate Confidently
Since you'll be interacting with the public, practice clear and courteous communication. Prepare for questions about how you would handle visitor inquiries or issues on site. Being approachable and friendly can set you apart from other candidates.
β¨Show Your Team Spirit
This role involves working with colleagues, contractors, and volunteers. Be ready to discuss your teamwork experiences and how you contribute to a positive working environment. Emphasising your reliability and proactive nature will resonate well with the interviewers.