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- Tasks: Lead a team to manage conservation projects and enhance beautiful landscapes.
- Company: Join the National Trust, dedicated to preserving nature and heritage for everyone.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, free entry to Trust places, and discounts on gym memberships and more.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on nature recovery while working in stunning outdoor environments.
- Qualifications: Experience in land management and conservation is a plus; enthusiasm is key!
- Other info: Be part of exciting projects in a vibrant community-focused role.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Job Description
Summary
We’ve got an exciting opportunity for an Area Ranger to join our team. Working in some of the nation’s most stunning places and spaces, come rain or shine, your love of the outdoors will inspire others as you strive to ensure that landscapes are beautifully presented and maintained.
Interviews: Wednesday 31st March
The advertised salary for this role will be in effect from 1st April
What it's like to work here
Reporting to the Lead Ranger, and line managing 1 Ranger, you’ll be passionate about enhancing places for wildlife and people. There are 5 Rangers in the Saltram portfolio. It's a very exciting time at Saltram with lots of ambitious projects to deliver the Trust’s new strategy.
Saltram has a dynamic mosaic of habitats from saltmarsh and ancient woodlands to lowland meadows and wood pasture. This role is key to delivering our ambitions for nature recovery across this important heritage landscape that is a haven for wildlife and loved by people. You’ll play a key role in enhancing and protecting this landscape for future generations to enjoy.
It is a countryside gem nestled amongst Plymouth’s urban environment. Overlooking the River Plym and set in a rolling historical landscape parkland that provides precious space for nature and people to thrive. A high profile cultural destination described as an ‘oasis in the middle of the city’, this magnificent mansion and parkland near Plymouth is a popular destination that welcomes over 900,000 visitors each year with 75% of these visiting our parkland.
Saltram House is a Grade I Georgian Mansion within a Grade II Parkland. The rolling hills in this 500 acre landscape have a variety of habitats that range from wood pasture and lowland meadows to saltmarsh and coastal woodlands.
Plymbridge Woods located on the edge of Dartmoor is connected to Saltram by being a few miles upstream of the River Plym. This peaceful ancient woodland is in the heart of the Plym Valley and is home to otters, kingfishers and fascinating lichens.
Across our portfolio we are working to create more space for nature to restore and diversify our wide habitat range to support our native wildlife and increase nature connectivity in our landscape.
We work closely with our partners at Plymouth City Council through Green Communities and Plymouth Natural Grid. This has bought opportunities to have a greater impact on nature gains, bringing it to a wider, more diverse community beyond our boundaries into the City of Plymouth.
What you'll be doing
You'll be responsible for the daily operations and management of a Ranger and volunteer team. You’ll confidently plan and deliver work programmes for our conservation and estate maintenance work. You’ll lead and inspire our regular volunteer ranger groups.
You'll work closely with the Lead Ranger to deliver two habitat creation projects and the establishment of new 32 ha country park. This will involve ~15 ha lowland meadow creation and ~10 ha woodland/wood pasture creation.
This role is key to delivering our ambitions for nature recovery at Saltram. Your ability to build genuine, honest, long-term relationships with our farm tenant, partners and local communities will be fundamental to exploring opportunities for habitat restoration, and visitor management with them. Whilst some of this work is already underway with the habitat creation in the new country park, there are considerable opportunities for more. You'll work alongside the Lead Ranger to develop these plans and help coordinate the delivery of some of these projects with contractors, volunteers and the wider public
Monitoring and understanding our landscapes is essential to our work. In this role, you’ll carry out ecological surveys and assessments to monitor changes in biodiversity, species and habitat condition.
You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all of the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what’s possible in this role. Who we're looking for
We’d love to hear from you if you’re:
- experienced in managing land, nature conservation and access for people, including running small projects and supervising contractors
- used to developing and running programmes of work to achieve specific goals in conservation or access
- a strong team player, with a track record in leading and managing staff and volunteers
- practical and skilled in looking after a range of habitats and landscapes, with certificates in chainsaw use, tractor driving and towing trailers
- able to work safely, and take the lead on compliance – including writing risk assessments, and safety and environmental procedures
- happy to talk – with enthusiasm and commitment – to all kinds of people about the work you do and why it matters
- a driver, with a full UK licence.
The package
The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
•Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
•Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
•Rental deposit loan scheme
•Season ticket loan
•EV car lease scheme
•Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
•Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
•Flexible working whenever possible
•Employee assistance programme
•Free parking at most Trust places
Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.
Area Ranger employer: National Trust
Contact Detail:
National Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Ranger
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific habitats and landscapes mentioned in the job description, such as lowland meadows and ancient woodlands. This knowledge will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your genuine passion for nature conservation.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with local community groups or volunteer organizations related to conservation efforts in the Plymouth area. Building connections with these groups can provide valuable insights and show your commitment to enhancing local wildlife and landscapes.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing teams and projects. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led conservation initiatives or worked with volunteers, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the Area Ranger role.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to talk about your practical skills, such as chainsaw use or tractor driving. If you have relevant certifications, mention them during the interview to showcase your hands-on abilities and readiness to take on the role's challenges.
We think you need these skills to ace Area Ranger
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Area Ranger position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in land management, nature conservation, and team leadership. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage projects and work with volunteers.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for the outdoors and conservation. Mention specific projects or experiences that relate to the role and express your enthusiasm for enhancing landscapes for wildlife and people.
Showcase Your Skills: If you have certifications in chainsaw use, tractor driving, or other relevant skills, make sure to include these in your application. Highlight your practical abilities and any experience with ecological surveys or habitat restoration.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Trust
✨Show Your Passion for Nature
Make sure to express your love for the outdoors and conservation during the interview. Share personal experiences that highlight your commitment to enhancing landscapes and protecting wildlife.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a Ranger and volunteer team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Provide examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, especially in conservation or land management.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Discuss your experience with habitat management and conservation projects. Mention any specific skills you have, such as chainsaw use or tractor driving, and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Area Ranger position.
✨Prepare for Ecological Discussions
Be ready to talk about ecological surveys and biodiversity monitoring. Familiarize yourself with current trends in nature recovery and be prepared to share your thoughts on how to enhance habitats effectively.
