Reserve Ranger, Derbyshire Dales National Nature Reserve - Natural England

Natural England is seeking a highly motivated and professional individual with a real passion for nature conservation to join a small team managing over 400 hectares of the Derbyshire Dales NNR. The NNR comprises woodland, scrub, grassland and freshwater habitats across five dales, much of which is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and hosts a wide range of rare species.

Reporting to the Senior Reserve Manager and Reserve Manager, you will help deliver the day‑to‑day practical conservation and estate management of these internationally important sites. You will work both within a small team and as a lone worker, demonstrating practical aptitude and initiative alongside excellent teamwork and communication skills.

• Overseeing the implementation of the NNR Management Plan.
• Carry out day‑to‑day practical habitat management, monitoring species and environmental conditions, and maintaining records as required.
• Perform general estate work and maintain site infrastructure, including fences, dry‑stone walling, cattle handling facilities, mine shafts, paths, trackways, estate furniture, and interpretation signs.
• Operate a wide range of estate machinery, tools and equipment, and conduct associated maintenance, repairs, checks and record‑keeping.
• Manage woodland on steep terrain: tree felling with chainsaws, tree planting with logistical challenges, tractor and winch work, woodchipper operation and pesticide spraying.
• Manage scrub on steep terrain using chainsaws, brush cutters and applying pesticides.
• Install and maintain stock fencing on steep, rocky sites.
• Operate tractor and related machinery: front‑end loader, attachments, trailers, post driver, timber winch, mowers, baler and haymaking machines.
• Manage the NNR’s herd of cattle: livestock checking, handling, and herd management.

• Technical / specialist knowledge and qualifications
• Understanding of nature conservation, ecology, and habitat management for wildlife.
• Experience in delivering practical estate work and land management, ideally in the nature conservation sector, with relevant hand tools and/or machinery.
• Chainsaw qualification for small tree felling (e.g. NPTC CS30 & CS31 or equivalent) with consolidated experience.
• Experience in tractor operation with implements and attachments (ideally with NPTC or LANTRA qualification).
• Experience working around livestock and willingness to work with them.
• Good understanding of health and safety, including conducting and implementing risk assessments for site management.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• First Aid at Work qualification or willingness to undertake this once in post.
• Experience driving, reversing and manoeuvring with trailers.
• Desirable
• Level 2 (or higher) qualification in countryside management or a similar subject.
• Natural history identification skills and experience in survey and monitoring.
• Competency in animal husbandry, including handling and moving livestock.
• First Aid at Work qualification, ideally with +F.
• Off‑road driving and ATV driving qualifications (e.g. NPTC or LANTRA).
• Pesticide certificates PA1a and PA6.
• Experience in post and wire stock fencing and dry‑stone walling.
• Brush cutter operation qualification (e.g. NPTC or LANTRA).
• Advanced chainsaw qualifications (e.g. felling medium/large trees, wind blow, climbing & aerial rescue).
• Understanding of legislation relating to land management, such as SSSI regulations and protected species.

• Be ambitious, identify and implement improvements, and inspire others.
• Progress personal development and keep knowledge and expertise current.

• Understand the duty of care owed to visitors, contractors and others on the NNRs, and adhere to appropriate legislation and Natural England policies.
• Apply risk management principles and adopt safe working practices in all tasks.

• Apply appropriate management techniques to maintain or enhance site conditions.
• Recognise environmental features and designations within their environmental context.