Biodiversity Ranger in Maidstone

We are looking for an enthusiastic, passionate and skilled Biodiversity Ranger to help place biodiversity and climate resilience at the heart of how our parks and open spaces are managed and cared for. Based at Mote Park and Cobtree Manor Park, you will work closely with park managers, operational teams, stakeholders, volunteers and the public to deliver meaningful environmental improvements across the borough. Maidstone Borough Council declared a Biodiversity and Climate Emergency in 2019 and has since adopted ambitious goals, including a 20% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirement for new development and a refreshed Biodiversity Action Plan (2025). As a Biodiversity Ranger, you will play a key role in implementing the Action Plan, enhancing and restoring habitats, advising on wildlife friendly maintenance practices, and developing biodiverse management plans. The role also involves planning and delivering projects that achieve biodiversity net gain, improving soil health and water quality, and supporting the management of the borough's tree stock. This is a highly engaging role that will include community involvement, events, and working with Friends Groups, so excellent communication skills are essential. Weekend working will be required as part of the role.

Responsibilities

• Implement the Biodiversity Action Plan and contribute to biodiversity net gain initiatives across sites within Maidstone Borough.
• Enhance and restore habitats, advise on wildlife-friendly maintenance practices, and develop biodiverse management plans.
• Plan and deliver environmental projects that improve soil health, water quality and tree stock management.
• Engage with the community, volunteers and partner groups; coordinate events and activities with Friends Groups and other stakeholders.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Solid foundation of knowledge and experience in horticulture, environmental conservation or habitat management, supported by relevant qualifications (e.g. RHS Level 3 or equivalent).
• Practical experience in grounds maintenance and ideally in habitat creation, biodiversity projects, or working within the environmental sector.
• Confident communicator, able to engage the public, volunteers and partner groups; motivated to take ownership of projects that make a visible difference to local green spaces.
• Full driving licence is essential.

About Maidstone Borough Council

Maidstone is situated in the heart of Kent and is the county town. Maidstone Borough Council is a confident organisation with ambition and aspirations to deliver high quality services to our residents and local businesses. We strive to make the borough an attractive place for all and secure a successful economy. We continue to build on our strengths - assets, knowledge and expertise and our track record for innovation and improvement to create a financially sustainable future so that we can continue with our undiminished plans. We will only achieve the results we are aiming for through the talents and hard work of all our people. You are encouraged to become part of our vision and in return you can expect support, training, and fair reward from us. We will give you the opportunity to develop the skills to do your job well and create a positive working environment where your ideas about improving how we do things are valued and we manage the changes needed for new ways of working well.

Our Offer / Benefits

• Generous holiday entitlement which increases after 5 years LG service plus bank holidays with the option to buy additional leave.
• Additional 3 days leave given to enable a close down of the offices between Christmas and New Year.
• Free parking.
• Invitations to staff events to celebrate success and support wellbeing that include holistic therapies and outdoor activities.
• Employee Assistance Programme which provides confidential & independent information and access to counsellors.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with valuable life cover and financial protection for your family.
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand-new car. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.
• Annual flu vaccine.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Staff benefits discounts on leisure, eating out, holidays and shopping.
• Excellent learning and career opportunities for committed individuals.
• A professional fee payment, if required for the role.

Selection Process

Following the submission of your application form, it will be reviewed by the recruiting manager. Those that are successful in securing an interview can expect job specific interview assessment, followed by an interview. Maidstone Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.