IRC178335 – Area Ranger in Stroud

This is an exciting role delivering first class forestry and woodland management and nature restoration alongside access at one of our key sites. You’ll be one of a team of Rangers based at Ebworth where you’ll be responsible for leading and managing the work programme and ensuring excellent standards of care, presentation and conservation work. You’ll work alongside the Cattle team, tenant farmers and project staff and you’ll be supported by a team of committed volunteers. A further four Rangers are based at our Sherborne property and, together, we care for countryside properties across the Cotswolds Countryside, including some nationally and internationally important sites. You will look beyond our boundaries and work with partners, tenants and stakeholders.

In this role, you’ll work some weekends, bank holidays and evenings and may be required at times to be on-call.

What you’ll be doing:

• As the Area Ranger for the Ebworth Estate, you’ll lead by example with a passion for great conservation and woodland management, quality engagement, enthusiastic commitment to partnership working and a strong eye for compliance and risk management.
• You’ll work closely with the Countryside Manager and Restore Nature Delivery Manager and also our Regional Trees & Woodland Advisor, given the importance of the Ebworth woods to the Cotswolds Commons and Beechwoods NNR.
• You will take the lead on the Woodland Management Plan, small projects, conservation work and estate presentation.
• You will draw up the work programmes and rotas to achieve this and will coordinate volunteers and contractors.
• Like the rest of the outdoor team, you’ll support work across the whole Cotswolds Countryside portfolio of places when necessary.

Who we’re looking for:

• Have practical experience of woodland management and countryside/rural skills including certification in chainsaw use, tractor driving and towing trailers and a full UK manual Driving licence.
• Have evidence of good experience managing and supervising contractors and volunteers.
• Demonstrate a passion for nature and knowledge of systems and processes for species monitoring.
• Have excellent communication skills including negotiating and influencing and be proficient in the use of MS office and comfortable using IT and GIS systems and software.
• Have strong organisational skills including work programming and managing budgets.
• Be able to work safely, leading on compliance including writing risk assessments as well as safety and environmental procedures.
• Work with partners to deliver nature outcomes.

And you’ll need to demonstrate the following experience on your CV/Application:

• Diploma/NVQ3 or higher, or equivalent experience, in countryside or environmental conservation.

The package:

• 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: Ebworth Estate, The Old Ebworth Centre, Stroud, GL6 7ES

Requirements: Compliance. Eligibility to Work in the UK.

Closing Date: 26 July 2026.

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