At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful landscapes and support wildlife conservation in stunning Devon.
- Company: Join the largest equine welfare charity in the South West.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days' holiday, flexible working, and a company vehicle.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference to animal welfare while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Countryside Management Diploma or equivalent experience required.
Location: Devon (five sites across the county)
Working pattern: Full-time, with occasional weekend work
Salary: G.5 £31,650 per annum, including a company vehicle with a paid fuel card.
The Mare and Foal Sanctuary is the largest equine welfare charity in the South West, dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of horses and ponies who have suffered neglect, abuse, and trauma. With five sites across Devon and ambitious plans for growth, this is an exciting time to join the team. We're looking for a skilled and practical Estate Ranger to help maintain our land and support our conservation and wildlife habitat work. If you enjoy working outdoors, take pride in a job well done, and want your skills to make a real difference to animal welfare, this could be the role for you.
What You'll Be Doing
- Site Maintenance and Estate Work
- Operate tractors and attachments for tasks including moving hay bales and clearing muck
- Carry out fencing repairs, gate installations, drainage, and ditch maintenance
- Conduct strimming, hedge cutting, and woodland management
- Use diggers, dumpers, and chainsaws for site maintenance tasks
- Wildlife and Habitat Conservation
- Support biodiversity projects including tree planting and hedgerow management
- Contribute to conservation initiatives that improve sanctuary land
- Health and Safety
- Follow all Health and Safety policies and risk assessments
- Use Shire Systems software for safety checks and maintenance records
- Identify and report hazards proactively
- Equipment and Materials
- Maintain tools, vehicles, and machinery to ensure safety and efficiency
- Source materials and obtain competitive quotes when required
- Team and Events
- Work collaboratively with the Estate and Sanctuary teams
- Assist with public events, including occasional weekend work
- Support ongoing training and development within the Ranger Team
What You'll Bring
- Countryside Management Diploma or equivalent practical experience
- PA1 and PA6 Spraying Qualification
- CS30 Chainsaw Qualification
- Proven experience in farm and land management, including tractor operation, fencing, drainage, habitat conservation, strimming, and hedge cutting
- Basic IT skills for maintenance reporting
- Full UK driving licence
What's On Offer
- 30 days' holiday including bank holidays, increasing with length of service
- Flexible working arrangements where possible
- Tailored learning and development through our Learning Management System
- Charity Workers Discount Scheme and savings at local attractions
- Employee Assistance Programme, prescription reimbursements, and wellbeing initiatives
Additional Information
This role is subject to a DBS check. Applicants must provide proof of their right to work in the UK. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace.
You may have experience of the following: Land Ranger, Countryside Ranger, Estate Worker, Groundskeeper, Farm Hand, Conservation Ranger, Wildlife Warden, Land Management Operative, Rural Estate Worker, Habitat Conservation Worker.
Estate Ranger employer: Mare and Foal Sanctuary
The Mare and Foal Sanctuary is an exceptional employer, offering a fulfilling opportunity for an Estate Ranger to contribute to vital conservation efforts across Devon. With a strong commitment to employee growth through tailored training and a supportive work culture, staff enjoy generous benefits including 30 days' holiday and flexible working arrangements, all while making a meaningful impact on animal welfare in a beautiful outdoor setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estate Ranger
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!
✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like Mare and Foal Sanctuary often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace Estate Ranger
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what Mare and Foal Sanctuary does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mare and Foal Sanctuary
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with Mare and Foal Sanctuary will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at Mare and Foal Sanctuary.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with Mare and Foal Sanctuary.
