At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for a beautiful waterway, its wildlife, and visitors while managing conservation projects.
- Company: Join the National Trust, dedicated to preserving nature and history for everyone.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holiday allowance, and discounts on gym memberships and cinema tickets.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in conservation while enjoying the great outdoors.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of conservation, practical experience, and a passion for customer service.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 29432 £ per year.
Internally you will be known as a Lengthsperson. We’ve have an opportunity for you to join our team as a Lengthsperson. You’ll be living and working alongside a picturesque historic waterway in rural Surrey, looking after its wildlife, visitors and history for future generations.
Accommodation is provided to the postholder for the proper or better performance of their duties in accordance with Trust criteria and HMRC rules.
What it’s like to work here:
The Wey Navigations is a tranquil waterway running for nearly 20 miles through the heart of Surrey. One of the first British rivers to be made navigable, it opened to barge traffic in 1653 and joined Guildford to Weybridge on the Thames, linking into international trade routes via the London Docks. In 1764 the Godalming Navigation added a further 5 miles to the waterway.
Reporting to the Head Lengthsperson, you’ll be part of a team and based at Triggs Lock near Guildford. Some days you’ll be on your own and others you’ll be with colleagues, but either way you’ll be part of a large team working towards the same goals. We have ambitious development plans for the Wey Navigation over the next five years and this is a great opportunity to be involved in shaping our future.
What you’ll be doing:
You’ll be looking after your own length of the Navigation as well as helping the team maintain and improve the conservation value, access, and presentation of this amazing place. You could be monitoring and managing weirs and water levels (day and night when you are on duty), ensuring the Navigation is looking its best, working with colleagues and volunteers, undertaking conservation projects or just having a chat with visitors, making sure they get the most out of their time here. No two days are ever the same and it’s definitely not a 9 to 5 life here. If you’re a countryside management professional looking for a change then this role is ideal for you.
Who we’re looking for:
- A working knowledge of conservation and biodiversity.
- Practical experience in relevant land, conservation and access management, supported by appropriate qualifications or equivalent level of relevant experience.
- Competence with tools and machinery such as strimmer, mower and chainsaw.
- An ability to plan and organise your own work programme.
- A passion for conservation and high standards in customer service.
- An ability to problem solve and work independently with the support of a dedicated team.
The package:
The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary.
- Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18).
- Rental deposit loan scheme.
- Season ticket loan.
- EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria).
- Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts.
- Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
- Flexible working whenever possible.
- Employee assistance programme.
- Free parking at most Trust places.
National Trust place: Wey & Godalming Nav, Navigations Office and Dapdune Wharf, Guildford, GU1 4RR.
Requirements:
Compliance. Eligibility to Work in the UK.
Equal Opportunities Statement: The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity.
Safeguarding Statement: The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment processes to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.
IRC178341 – Ranger – Lengthsperson in Guildford employer: Elbichologo
Elbichologo is an excellent employer, offering a collaborative work culture that values ecological expertise and community engagement. Located in Fleet, England, employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth through hands-on biodiversity projects and strong support from management. The company fosters a meaningful work environment where your contributions directly impact local ecosystems and community initiatives.
