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- Tasks: Lead a team to enhance access and biodiversity in Dorset's stunning landscapes.
- Company: Dorset Council, dedicated to preserving and promoting natural beauty.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time role, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Dorset’s countryside while engaging with local communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in countryside management and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a vibrant and supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 31152 - 45091 £ per year.
Location: Dorchester
Salary: £31,152 – £45,091
Job Working Pattern: Full time
Vacancy Type: Permanent
About the role
Join Dorset Council as a Senior Countryside Ranger and help shape the future of access, biodiversity, and community connection across some of Dorset’s most treasured landscapes.
We’re looking for a passionate and experienced countryside professional to lead a dedicated Ranger team in Central Dorset. From the South West Coast Path to ancient woodlands, open pastures, and nature reserves, you’ll play a key role in promoting and enhancing the places people love.
What you’ll be doing
You’ll manage a team of Rangers and oversee nearly 1,000 miles of Public Rights of Way, while also taking responsibility for urban and rural roadside verges, nature reserves, and broader land management duties. Your work will help ensure Dorset’s landscapes remain accessible, resilient, and ecologically rich.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading staff, volunteers, and contractors.
- Enhancing access to Dorsets Countryside.
- Increasing biodiversity within the roadside verge network.
- Planning and delivering site and access improvements.
- Look for opportunities from planning applications and grants to improve access and connectivity in Dorset.
- Managing projects, budgets, and procurement.
- Ensuring compliance with health & safety, and environmental legislation.
- Engaging with communities and stakeholders to shape local priorities.
This is a chance to make a real impact — combining practical land management with strategic thinking and community engagement.
Please apply:Senior Ranger (Central) in Dorchester – Dorset Council
If you’d like to discuss the role further or have any questions, please contact:Russell Goff, Greenspace Manager, russell.goff@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk, 01305 221558
Closing Date: 2 November 2025
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Senior Countryside Ranger employer: Dorset Council
Contact Detail:
Dorset Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Countryside Ranger
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the countryside management scene, especially those who work with Dorset Council. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that Senior Countryside Ranger role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the outdoors! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or during interviews, share your experiences and stories about enhancing access and biodiversity. Let them see your enthusiasm for making a difference in Dorset's landscapes.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you’d manage a team of Rangers or tackle a project on improving public rights of way. Practising your responses will help you feel confident and ready to impress when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission to enhance Dorset’s beautiful countryside.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Countryside Ranger
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the countryside and biodiversity shine through. We want to see your genuine love for nature and how it drives your work.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in managing teams and projects. We’re looking for someone who can lead effectively, so share specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills.
Engage with the Community: Since community connection is key, include any past experiences where you’ve engaged with local stakeholders or communities. We want to know how you’ve made a difference in your previous roles.
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 ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dorset Council
✨Know Your Landscape
Familiarise yourself with Dorset's key landscapes and biodiversity. Research the South West Coast Path, ancient woodlands, and local nature reserves. Being able to discuss specific areas and their ecological significance will show your passion and expertise.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your experience managing staff, volunteers, and contractors, as well as any challenges you overcame. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the Ranger team effectively.
✨Engage with Community Insights
Think about how you can engage with local communities and stakeholders. Be ready to discuss strategies for enhancing access and promoting biodiversity. Showing that you value community input will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand Compliance and Legislation
Brush up on health & safety and environmental legislation relevant to countryside management. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your work. This knowledge is crucial for the role and will reflect your professionalism.
