At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead outdoor education and community programmes while protecting and enhancing Eastbrookend Country Park.
- Company: Join a supportive Ranger Service team dedicated to nature and community engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy a varied role with opportunities for personal growth and making a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a commitment to inclusivity in engaging diverse communities.
- Why this job: Combine your passion for the outdoors with impactful conservation and community work.
- Qualifications: Experience in conservation, outdoor education, and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
This is a fantastic opportunity to combine your love of the outdoors with making a real difference for people and nature. You will be part of a small, supportive Ranger Service team, leading exciting education and community programmes, and helping to shape the future of Eastbrookend Country Park and the Dagenham Corridor.
About the Role
As Lead Countryside Ranger, you will play a key role in protecting, enhancing, and promoting Eastbrookend Country Park, the Eastbrookend Discovery Centre, and the wider Dagenham Corridor Green Belt. This is a hands-on role that combines conservation, education, and community engagement. You will help people connect with nature, support biodiversity, and ensure our green spaces remain welcoming, safe, and inspiring for everyone.
What You Will Do
- Deliver engaging, curriculum-linked outdoor learning sessions for schools.
- Lead our Forest School programme in the purpose-built outdoor classroom.
- Inspire young people and diverse learners to connect with nature.
Community Engagement & Volunteering
- Recruit, train, and lead volunteers in conservation activities.
- Organise community events, guided walks, and seasonal activities.
- Support social prescribing initiatives that promote wellbeing through nature.
Site Management & Conservation
- Help maintain high standards across the park, including repairs, signage, and safety checks.
- Contribute to habitat management and biodiversity monitoring.
- Support delivery of the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy and Green Flag Award standards.
Events & Partnerships
- Work with schools, charities, and community groups.
- Promote environmental awareness and outdoor learning through seasonal programmes.
- Build strong partnerships to expand the reach of the Ranger Service.
Special requirements for this post
- Full UK Driving Licence essential, as you will be required to travel between sites and across the borough.
- Willingness to work flexibly, including occasional evenings and weekends (time off in lieu will be provided).
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and undertake practical conservation and site maintenance tasks.
- Comfortable wearing the official Ranger Service uniform, personal protective equipment (PPE), and body-worn camera while on duty.
- Physically able to carry out manual tasks such as habitat management, site repairs, and equipment handling.
- Willingness to act as a key holder for the Discovery Centre and park facilities, including responsibility for health and safety checks.
- Commitment to equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusive community engagement.
- Understanding of, or willingness to learn about, relevant health and safety legislation, environmental regulations, and council policies.
About you
Are you passionate about the natural environment and enthusiastic about helping people connect with nature? With experience in conservation, outdoor education, or community engagement, you are confident leading groups of all ages and backgrounds, from schoolchildren to volunteers and corporate teams. This role would suit someone who thrives in a varied, hands-on position where no two days are the same, and who is motivated by making a real difference for both people and nature.
You will bring:
- A strong interest in environmental education, with the ability to deliver engaging, curriculum-linked sessions and inspire learners through outdoor experiences.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling you to build positive relationships with schools, community groups, volunteers, and partner organisations.
- Practical skills in site management and conservation, with the ability to carry out hands-on maintenance, habitat management, and biodiversity monitoring.
- Confidence in organising and leading events, guided walks, and community activities that promote health, wellbeing, and environmental awareness.
- A flexible and proactive approach, with the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
- Strong organisational skills, including the ability to manage resources, maintain accurate records, and ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
- A commitment to inclusivity, equal opportunities, and engaging underrepresented groups in outdoor learning and volunteering.
Lead Countryside Ranger employer: London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
Join a dedicated team as a Lead Countryside Ranger, where your passion for the outdoors meets meaningful community engagement in the beautiful Eastbrookend Country Park. Enjoy a supportive work culture that values conservation and education, with opportunities for personal growth through hands-on experiences and collaboration with diverse groups. This role not only allows you to inspire others but also offers the chance to make a tangible impact on local biodiversity and community wellbeing.
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Countryside Ranger
✨Tip Number 1
Get out there and network! Attend local community events or conservation workshops where you can meet like-minded folks. It's a great way to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the outdoors! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences in conservation and community engagement. Let them see how much you care about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of social media! Follow organisations related to countryside management and engage with their posts. It’s a fantastic way to stay updated on job openings and show your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing passionate candidates who are eager to join our team. Make sure to highlight your hands-on experience and commitment to community engagement in your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Countryside Ranger
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Nature:Let your love for the outdoors shine through in your application. Share personal experiences that highlight your connection with nature and how it drives your desire to make a difference.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can bring your unique talents to our Ranger Service team!
Highlight Your Community Engagement Skills:Since this role involves working with diverse groups, emphasise any experience you have in community engagement or education. Show us how you've inspired others to connect with nature in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details and gives you a chance to explore more about our mission and values!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
✨Know Your Nature
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of local wildlife, conservation practices, and environmental education. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you’ve engaged with nature or led outdoor activities will show your passion and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Community Spirit
Prepare to share experiences where you've successfully engaged with community groups or led volunteers. Highlight any events or programmes you've organised that promoted environmental awareness or wellbeing, as this aligns perfectly with the role's focus on community engagement.
✨Demonstrate Your Hands-On Skills
Since this role involves practical conservation tasks, be ready to talk about your experience with site management and habitat maintenance. Discuss any relevant projects where you’ve had to use tools or equipment, and how you ensured safety while working outdoors.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about how you would handle challenges like recruiting volunteers for a last-minute event or dealing with adverse weather conditions during an outdoor session. Showing your proactive approach will impress the interviewers.
