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- Tasks: Manage the Visitor Centre and support daily operations at Moors Valley Country Park.
- Company: Join the Ranger team at a vibrant country park in Dorset.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training opportunities, and work in a fun outdoor environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that makes a real difference in the community.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Flexible hours with varied weekends and evenings; uniform provided.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
About the role
We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated person to join the Ranger team at Moors Valley Country Park. Moors Valley is situated on the Dorset Hampshire border, in the south of England and boasts a wealth of adventurous play, waymarked walks and cycles, a ‘Go Ape!’ high ropes course, narrow-gauge steam railway and an abundance of health and wellbeing opportunities.
The park and Visitor Centre are looked after by a team of Rangers employed by Dorset Council. They are responsible for the management of the play areas, lakes, rivers, meadows and woodland extending north up to and including Potterne Wood. They also provide environmental education sessions for school groups, operate a fleet of hire bikes, manage an 18-hole miniature golf course and electric land rover experience for children, organise and run an events programme, run a Gift Shop and provide Visitor Services assistance inside the Visitor Centre.
The successful candidate will get involved in and be responsible for all aspects of this busy Country Park, primarily the day to day running of the Visitor Centre and associated facilities. The post\’s main duty is having operational responsibility for the Visitor Centre building and being the first point of contact for all staff and on-site concessions.
You will be responsible for and have daily oversight of the Ranger team, managing the Information Point and providing Visitor Service support and cover as required. You will also be expected to deal with tasks such as regular visitor facility management, sitewide litter picking and generally supporting all day-to-day functions of the main visitor provision including communicating with contractors whilst on site.
This role is designed to help ensure the efficient delivery of an effective and reputable Country Park, so being organised, with a high level of customer service and the ability to manage the daily operations of a busy visitor destination are key attributes.
Other duties include being involved in the organisational aspect of the visitor services provision and assisting with the various add-on activities the site has to offer, such as Cycle Hire, Adventure Valley, Ranger Den and the retail section of the Country Park.
The ideal candidate will have; experience of working in a busy customer facing environment, excellent communication and organisation skills and a background in completing operational tasks within a similar working environment. Onsite training will be provided to the successful candidate, along with practical training and knowledge.
This post will involve working 37hrs per week, spread over 5 days, to include varied weekends and evenings. You must be willing to wear a uniform and work during school holidays.
Further Information
For an informal confidential discussion about this role, please contact Kerri Downton 01425 470721 or via email; kerri.downton@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk. Interviews are planned for the week commencing 10.11.25
About Us
At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.
We:
- provide essential services that support over 380,000 residents
- work in partnership to make a real difference
- value every role and the impact it has on our communities
- support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive
You will:
- be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset
- have access to a range of benefits and support
- have access to a range of training opportunities which will help with your personal development and career progression
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve.
We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible. If you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.
This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement.
If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us.
Find out more about how to apply.
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Duty Ranger employer: Dorset Council
Contact Detail:
Dorset Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Duty Ranger
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the park! Familiarise yourself with Moors Valley Country Park and its offerings. This way, when you chat with the team during your interview, you can show off your enthusiasm and knowledge about the place.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Rangers at the park through social media or local community groups. They can give you insider tips on what it’s really like working there and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your customer service skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve gone above and beyond for customers. This will help you stand out as someone who can handle the busy visitor environment at the park.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the team you could be joining!
We think you need these skills to ace Duty Ranger
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm: When writing your application, let your passion for the role shine through! We want to see how excited you are about joining the Ranger team and contributing to the amazing experiences at Moors Valley Country Park.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in customer service and operational tasks. We’re looking for candidates who can manage the Visitor Centre effectively, so showcase any similar roles you've had!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the Duty Ranger position.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Moors Valley.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dorset Council
✨Know the Park Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with Moors Valley Country Park. Understand its key features, activities, and the services offered. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you answer questions about how you can contribute to the park's operations.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role involves a lot of interaction with visitors, be prepared to discuss your previous customer service experiences. Think of specific examples where you went above and beyond to assist customers, as this will demonstrate your ability to manage visitor services effectively.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
The role requires strong organisational abilities, so come ready to discuss how you manage tasks and priorities in a busy environment. You might want to share a situation where you successfully juggled multiple responsibilities, highlighting your problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the Ranger team and the park’s future plans. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage with the interviewers on a deeper level.
