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 in the beautiful landscapes of Devon. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, the sanctuary provides generous benefits such as 30 days' holiday, flexible working arrangements, and tailored development opportunities, all within a supportive and inclusive work culture that values the impact of your work on animal welfare.
