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- Tasks: Manage diverse habitats and ensure safe public access across beautiful countryside sites.
- Company: Join Eastleigh Borough Council, a progressive council dedicated to community service and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25-28 days annual leave, flexible working, and a supportive work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in nature conservation while leading a passionate team outdoors.
- Qualifications: Experience in countryside roles, strong leadership skills, and a full driver’s licence required.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional development and working in stunning natural environments.
The predicted salary is between 29796 - 35755 £ per year.
Full-time, Permanent - 37hrs per week
Salary £29,796 (Band 4)
Our Countryside Team is responsible for maintaining 579 hectares of natural green space, made up of a variety of habitats across 32 Countryside sites. These include two Green Flag awarded Country Parks, a number of SSSIs & SINCs, and a portfolio of green strategic land parcels. The team is responsible for enabling safe public use of these sites, while protecting their diverse habitats.
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced and proactive individual to join us as a Senior Countryside Ranger, and at an exciting time for the service, following the acquisition of a considerable amount of new land.
It is expected that applicants will be accustomed to working outdoors and bring valuable skills from previous ranger type positions, including:
- Considerable experience managing varied habitat types and using standard tools and equipment.
- Being adept at installing and maintaining stock fencing and a range of other public access infrastructure.
- Being competent delivering work against stewardship prescriptions and in-line with management plans.
- Having the ability to assess, plan and undertake tasks in a safe and timely manner, including overseeing Arb and Agricultural contractor works.
- Familiarity with establishing site-check regimes and coordinating subsequent work programmes.
- Strong leadership and organisational skills, being outgoing and having prior experience supervising junior staff and leading volunteers.
To facilitate the day-to-day work of the team, it is essential that you:
- Hold a full driver’s license.
- Have considerable practical experience in a physically demanding countryside role(s) and in the use of grounds maintenance and conservation type tools, holding certification for the use of chainsaws, brush cutter and preferably herbicide application.
- Can demonstrate sound knowledge and skills in habitat conservation techniques, and in delivering work against CS grant schemes, including having practical experience of livestock fencing, working with graziers and in controlling invasive non-native species.
- Have some experience in managing equipment/materials resources, record keeping and contractor supervision.
- Have a working knowledge of workplace health and safety legislation.
- Are able to work well independently and to a high standard.
Holding a higher-level qualification in a conservation type field is highly desirable, as would accreditation in first-aid, vehicle trailers B+E, driving 4x4 off road vehicles, and sit-astride ATVs.
Based at Itchen Valley Country Park, you will work across all our Countryside sites, with a standard working pattern of Monday to Friday, but with some flexibility for occasional weekend working (around 2 days a month), as and when the need arises.
Eastleigh Borough Council is an ambitious and progressive council, recognised for our innovation and achievements, and proud of delivering high quality service to our visitors and the community.
Additional staff benefits include:
- 25-28 days annual leave
- Flexible rota system
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Support for continuous professional development
- Good work life balance
For an informal discussion regarding this opportunity, please contact ben.smith@eastleigh.gov.uk
To apply, submit your application via our recruitment portal here.
Interviews date: TBC
Senior Countryside Ranger in Eastleigh employer: Eastleigh Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Eastleigh Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Countryside Ranger in Eastleigh
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team and the sites! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Countryside Team and the specific areas they manage. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your experience with their needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with habitat management and tools. Bring examples of how you've successfully led projects or teams in the past, especially in outdoor settings.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical questions! Since this role is all about working outdoors and managing diverse habitats, think about scenarios where you've had to assess risks or solve problems on the job. They’ll want to see how you think on your feet!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the team’s future projects or challenges. It shows you're engaged and keen to be part of their journey. And remember, apply through our website for a smoother process!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Countryside Ranger in Eastleigh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Outdoors: When writing your application, let us see your love for nature and the outdoors shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your connection to the countryside and how you've contributed to its conservation.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail your previous ranger roles and any hands-on experience you have with habitat management. We want to know about your skills in using tools, managing habitats, and working with contractors—so don’t hold back!
Demonstrate Leadership Skills: As a Senior Countryside Ranger, you'll be leading a team. Use your application to showcase your leadership experience, whether it's supervising staff or coordinating volunteers. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and guide others!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our recruitment portal! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your journey to join our Countryside Team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Eastleigh Borough Council
✨Know Your Habitats
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of different habitat types and conservation techniques. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences managing these habitats and how you've tackled challenges in the past.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your practical skills, especially with tools like chainsaws and brush cutters. If you have certifications, mention them! They want to see that you're not just knowledgeable but also hands-on.
✨Leadership Matters
Since this role involves supervising junior staff and leading volunteers, think of examples where you've successfully led a team. Highlight your leadership style and how you motivate others to achieve their best.
✨Safety First
Familiarise yourself with workplace health and safety legislation. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure safety in outdoor environments, especially when working with contractors or managing equipment.
