Senior Ranger – Central in Dorchester

Are you passionate about Dorset’s natural environment and motivated by improving how people access the countryside? Join our Greenspace team as a Senior Countryside Ranger and play a key role in shaping how residents and visitors experience Dorset’s countryside. Whether it’s the South West Coast Path National Trail, a woodland walk, or Dorset’s rich mosaic of open landscapes, your work will support access, improve biodiversity, and have a positive daily impact on people who live, work, and visit Dorset.

What’s in it for you: As a Senior Countryside Ranger, you’ll lead on the improvement and maintenance of Dorset’s public rights of way network, helping people safely enjoy access to the coast and countryside. You’ll also manage countryside sites and roadside verges, and deliver projects that promote safe, sustainable and inclusive outdoor experiences.

You will:

• Lead and support a dedicated team of staff, volunteers and contractors to deliver daily operations and long‑term improvements.
• Shape Dorset’s countryside by delivering strategic access improvements, managing nature reserves, and securing funding for impactful projects.
• Work closely with communities, landowners, and partner organisations to achieve long‑lasting, meaningful change.
• Manage budgets, develop income‑generating opportunities and secure external funding.
• Enjoy a balance of planning, problem‑solving and hands‑on work – rarely are two days ever the same!

Benefit from Dorset Council’s supportive working culture, training opportunities, and commitment to wellbeing.

What you can expect to be doing: You’ll be responsible for a geographical area within Dorset, managing public rights of way, roadside verges, nature reserves and much more. Key tasks include:

• Coordinating staff, volunteers and contractors to deliver daily operations.
• Developing and delivering site and access management.
• Managing projects from start to finish, including procurement, budgets and reporting.
• Maintaining high standards of health and safety and environmental compliance.
• Responding to community feedback and liaising with stakeholders.

About you: We’re looking for someone with:

• A recognised qualification in countryside management, or substantial experience working within the sector.
• Proven experience in managing teams, budgets, and projects.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
• A full manual driving licence and the ability to travel across Dorset.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and health and safety practices.
• The ability to work flexibly, remain calm under pressure, and lead by example.
• Good computer literacy, including confidence using mapping software, databases, and Microsoft Office tools.

You will need to be a confident communicator, able to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and represent Dorset Council professionally. An Enhanced Basic DBS check is required prior to appointment. We’re looking for someone with a strong background in countryside management and a passion for leading positive change. If you bring experience, enthusiasm, and a collaborative mindset, we’d love to hear from you. This post requires significant travel. You must have a vehicle (or transport we deem suitable) available for use as needed. This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process.

Equal Opportunities: We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation. We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We comply with all relevant equality legislation and strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and applicants.