Park Ranger - Wicksteed Park in Kettering

A prominent and dynamic role at Wicksteed Park responsible for managing, creating and maintaining the various habitats, greenspaces and parts of the wider estate owned by the Wicksteed Charitable Trust. The Trust estate includes a wide variety of habitats including an SSSI, a County Wildlife Site, a Scheduled Monument, a 24 acre lake, an arboretum, woodland, pasture, flood meadows and both the River Ise and Slade Brook. The Trust has ambitious plans to become a key component of a developing wider green infrastructure network including sections of re‑wilding and significant new woodland and flood meadow creation. The Ranger will be a key player in developing and realising these plans, establishing long‑term maintenance strategies, and ensuring the successful delivery of Countryside Stewardship schemes across the estate.

This includes working with tenant farmers, Natural England, the Environment Agency, the local authority, and other stakeholders, to enhance environmental and land management practices. The role also includes representing Wicksteed Charitable Trust on external working groups and attending parish council meetings, ensuring local voices are heard and the Trust’s mission is effectively communicated and supported. The Park Ranger carries out duties within the park grounds to ensure it is well managed and welcoming for all visitors and the local community. The role supports our education activities, manages a volunteer group and upholds the highest standards of conservation, maintenance, and health and safety. This role requires a flexible approach and will include work at weekends as part of a 7 day rota. Collaboration is a value of Wicksteed Park and all roles may be required to work additional or varied responsibilities to meet the needs of the Trust.

Key Responsibilities

• Customer: Carry out day-to-day practical site management and maintenance. Ensure that all work is completed to high standards and planned timescales. Uphold exceptional visitor experience and safety. Manage risk assessments, health and safety documentation, and safe use of hazardous substances. Manage external contractors in line with Health & Safety legislation. Ensure that customer and the team’s safety is maintained at all times. Support education activities such as guided talks and workshops. Communicate effectively with diverse groups of visitors and stakeholders. Assist with visitor enquiries and complaints, ensuring a positive outcome. Maintain brand standards and a clean, well‑managed visitor environment.
• Community: Manage and enhance various greenspace environments, habitats and built structures within Wicksteed Park and the wider WCT Estate. Support and lead volunteers in conservation and estate projects. Develop planting plans, orchards, and winter gardens in line with Trust ambitions. Contribute to biodiversity improvements and environmental accreditation targets (e.g., Green Flag). Deliver or support learning and engagement programmes. Promote heritage and environmental events and activities. Build positive local networks to benefit the Trust and its mission. Implement and manage Countryside Stewardship schemes in collaboration with tenant farmers and Natural England. Work in partnership with the Environment Agency, local authorities, and other external organisations to deliver conservation goals. Represent the Trust on working groups and attend parish council meetings to ensure community and stakeholder engagement.
• Collaboration: Deliver tasks aligned with Trust policies, values, and operational plans. Support volunteers and contractors in delivering environmental and maintenance work. Work flexibly and cooperatively across departments. Undertake site patrols, inspections, and ensure proper use and maintenance of tools, including those involving chemicals and biological hazards. Proactively manage budgets and procurement within assigned areas. Contribute to performance management and staff development within the park team. Maintain positive team culture and ensure compliance with all safety policies. Manage, support, and develop the Assistant Park Ranger to ensure effective day-to-day operations.
• Creativity: Champion innovation and continuous improvement in land and visitor management. Create an inclusive and motivated team environment. Share ideas and work with management to implement improvements. Embrace and lead change in line with the Trust’s long‑term vision and values.

Team

Reports to: Head of Estate
Direct Reports: Assistant Park Ranger

Skills and Qualifications

Essential: Experience in park or countryside management, including habitat creation and maintenance. Proven ability to operate tools and machinery (chainsaws, tractors, etc.). Familiarity with conservation and landscape management practices. Experience in delivering small projects, managing contractors, and leading volunteers. Experience of working with the public and delivering education/engagement activities. Knowledge of health and safety legislation, risk assessment, and use of hazardous substances. Practical land management experience, including tree work, fencing, and path maintenance. IT literacy (Word, Excel, etc.). Experience in implementing and managing Countryside Stewardship schemes. Experience of liaising with tenant farmers and external organisations such as Natural England, Environment Agency, and local authorities. Full UK Driving Licence. Required certifications: Chainsaw, Strimmer, Pesticide (PA1 & PA6), NPTC Tractor & Implements.

Desirable: IOSH or NEBOSH Health & Safety qualifications. COSHH trained. Familiarity with policy or planning meetings, working groups, or parish council involvement. First aid certification. Ecological surveying or environmental monitoring skills.

To apply: To apply, please submit your CV to Helenj@wicksteedpark.org. We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the specified date should we receive sufficient applications. If you’re interested, please complete your application as early as possible.