At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Ranger team to enhance visitor experiences and manage daily operations at Durlston Country Park.
- Company: Durlston Country Park is a stunning National Nature Reserve with breathtaking views and diverse wildlife.
- Benefits: Enjoy on-site training, flexible hours, and the chance to work in a beautiful outdoor environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team, engage with visitors, and contribute to environmental education and events.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service or visitor services is preferred; strong communication and organisational skills are essential.
- Other info: This role offers hands-on experience in a vibrant park setting, perfect for nature lovers and event enthusiasts.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
We’re looking for an enthusiastic, motivated individual to join our Ranger team at Durlston Country Park, just a mile from Swanage. This stunning National Nature Reserve boasts breathtaking cliff-top views, peaceful woodland, meadows, and an activity play area. Durlston Castle is at the heart of it all, housing our Visitor Centre, Café, Exhibitions, Gallery and Duty Ranger. The park also supports a diverse range of wildlife, habitats, and visitor activities.
Our team of Rangers, employed by Dorset Council, looks after every aspect of the Country Park, including habitat management, play areas, meadows, and woodland. We also run environmental education sessions for schools, organise events, host exhibitions in our gallery, manage the Gift Shop, and provide visitor information and interpretation both on-site and through other channels.
In this role, you’ll have a hand in all aspects of our busy Country Park. You’ll focus on the day-to-day running of the Visitor Centre and its facilities, while also helping to create and deliver a wide range of engagement opportunities. Your main responsibility will be to ensure we provide a fantastic visitor experience through events, education sessions, and ongoing promotion of Durlston’s activities.
You’ll also tackle tasks such as routine facility inspections, administrative duties, answering phone enquiries, assisting with exhibitions, and generally supporting the day-to-day operations of our visitor services. Being organised, providing great customer service, and juggling a varied workload are essential skills.
Other responsibilities include supporting the site’s additional activities, such as coordinating the events guide, exhibition programme, school visits, children’s events, shop management, website updates, weddings, functions, and promotional work.
About You
You have experience in a busy, customer-facing environment and are flexible in your approach to work. You’re a confident communicator with strong organisational skills, ideally with a background in visitor services, events or Country Parks. You’re keen to learn and willing to get stuck in - we offer on-site training and plenty of opportunities to gain practical skills and knowledge.
Durlston Engagement Ranger employer: Dorset Council UK
Contact Detail:
Dorset Council UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Durlston Engagement Ranger
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Durlston Country Park and its offerings. Visit the park, explore its facilities, and engage with the current Rangers if possible. This will not only give you insight into the role but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the position during any conversations.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the visitor services and environmental education sectors. Attend local events or workshops related to conservation and visitor engagement. Building connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations for the Ranger position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your customer service skills through examples from your past experiences. Think of specific situations where you successfully managed visitor inquiries or organised events, as these will be key aspects of the Ranger role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in visitor engagement and environmental education. Follow relevant blogs, podcasts, or social media channels. This knowledge can help you contribute fresh ideas during interviews and show that you're proactive about learning in this field.
We think you need these skills to ace Durlston Engagement Ranger
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in visitor services, events, or working in a natural environment. Use specific examples that demonstrate your organisational skills and customer service abilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the park. Mention your understanding of Durlston Country Park's mission and how your skills align with their needs, particularly in engaging visitors and managing events.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any previous roles where you managed customer interactions, organised events, or worked in a team. Highlight any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to enhance visitor experiences.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dorset Council UK
✨Show Your Passion for Nature
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the outdoors and conservation during the interview. Share any personal experiences or projects related to nature, wildlife, or community engagement that demonstrate your commitment to the environment.
✨Highlight Customer Service Skills
Since this role involves a lot of interaction with visitors, be prepared to discuss your experience in customer service. Provide examples of how you've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to ensure a positive experience for customers.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Abilities
The job requires juggling various tasks, so be ready to showcase your organisational skills. Talk about specific tools or methods you use to stay organised and manage your time effectively, especially in busy environments.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Show your interest in the position by preparing thoughtful questions about the Ranger team and the activities at Durlston Country Park. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you understand if the role is the right fit for you.