Lead Countryside Ranger

Be at the Heart of London’s New Species Reintroduction Programme. Are you passionate about nature recovery, outdoor learning, and inspiring communities to connect with their environment? Do you want to help bring locally extinct species back to London? We are seeking a motivated, forward thinking Lead Countryside Ranger to join our team at Eastbrookend Country Park, one of East London’s most significant ecological landscapes.

This role sits at the heart of the borough’s landmark Species Reintroduction Programme, which will return Eurasian beavers and white storks to Eastbrookend Country Park. White storks have been extinct as a breeding species in the UK since 1416, making this a rare opportunity to restore lost wildlife to the capital. Beavers once shaped Britain’s rivers, wetlands, and floodplains before being hunted to extinction in the 16th century. Now recognised as a keystone species, their return is transforming ecosystems nationwide.

At Eastbrookend, the Discovery Centre will overlook newly created beaver lakes, offering a unique living landscape for schools, families, and community groups to learn about ecology, rewilding, hydrology, and species restoration. The beaver family will live in a large, purpose built enclosure of interconnected lakes, wetland edges, and mixed woodland. This secure habitat will allow natural behaviour while ensuring responsible management, public safety, and ecological monitoring.

Reintroducing beavers will restore a vital ecosystem engineer to Dagenham for the first time in over 400 years. As Lead Ranger, you will help develop, monitor, and manage the enclosure and surrounding habitats; support ecological surveys; lead public engagement; and help deliver the environmental, hydrological, and educational benefits of beaver activity.

Working closely with the London Wildlife Trust’s Senior Species Reintroduction Officer, you will act as the Council’s lead officer, supporting the planning, delivery, monitoring, and long term stewardship of this flagship rewilding project. Based at the award winning Eastbrookend Discovery Centre, you will also help manage the wider Dagenham Corridor Green Belt, deliver environmental learning, and support community and volunteer programmes that encourage nature stewardship.

What You Will Be Doing

• Lead the Council’s work on the Eurasian Beaver and White Stork Reintroduction Programme, working daily with the London Wildlife Trust.
• Deliver curriculum linked environmental education and lead our Forest School programme.
• Coordinate and supervise volunteer conservation workdays, including corporate and social prescribing groups.
• Carry out habitat management and site maintenance to Green Flag Award standards.
• Work with schools, community groups, and partners to deliver inclusive nature based events and engagement activities.
• Maintain a visible, approachable presence in the park, promoting safety, stewardship, and community involvement.
• Support delivery of the 2025 Parks and Open Spaces Strategy and contribute to borough wide biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainability goals.

What We Are Looking For

• Experience delivering environmental education or Forest School sessions.
• Strong practical conservation skills and confidence leading volunteers and public groups.
• A passion for working with communities, young people, and diverse audiences outdoors.
• Knowledge of UK habitats, species, biodiversity, and environmental legislation.
• A proactive, flexible, collaborative approach and confidence in public facing roles.
• Enthusiasm for ecological restoration and species reintroduction.

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

You are 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.

About us

We are a small, dedicated team of Countryside Rangers with a wide range of skills, united by our passion for protecting green spaces and inspiring local people to connect with nature. From leading outdoor education and community events to conserving habitats and supporting wellbeing through nature, we thrive on making a positive difference every day. Barking and Dagenham is an excellent employer that values diversity and inclusion. We are proud to create a workplace where everyone feels welcome, supported, and able to contribute their unique strengths.