At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with volunteers and manage projects to enhance North Somerset's natural environment.
- Company: Join North Somerset Council, dedicated to creating a greener, inclusive community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, professional development, and local government pension.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth and community involvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on your community while working outdoors and supporting nature conservation.
- Qualifications: Passion for the environment, experience in volunteer management, and good communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About Us
North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.
The Role
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Parks and Countryside Ranger to join our Parks, Open Spaces and Seafronts Team. North Somerset has a diverse landscape with huge nature conservation value with the Council managing 1100 parks, open spaces and wildlife sites. It is not therefore unsurprising that our vision is to be a greener Council. To demonstrate this, we have declared an ecological emergency, started to improve biodiversity in our parks and open spaces, and published our first green infrastructure strategy. Our passionate Parks, Open Spaces and Natural Environment Teams manage green infrastructure across North Somerset through services such as parks and open spaces, seafronts, rights of way, trees, ecology and landscape.
The Ranger role will grow and develop on the work already started to deliver projects within the natural environment across NSC land, actively engaging with our large network of volunteers. The successful candidate will have an interest in the natural environment with a good history of volunteer engagement and management, including health and safety, event co-ordination, use of tools for practical conservation, and ideally experience of green social prescribing to support lower carbon healthcare. You will be working closely with the Senior Parks and Open Spaces Officer.
You should have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and be computer literate. The role also requires the ability to drive. The Council supports agile and flexible working.
Key Responsibilities
- Working alongside the Senior Parks and Open Spaces Officer to support existing NSC volunteers.
- Where possible deliver opportunities for new volunteering and community involvement opportunities on our parks and open spaces. This will involve working with Green Social Prescribing projects and other interested parties.
- Support the Parks and Seafronts, and Natural Environment Team with delivery of community projects which support our Green Infrastructure Strategy.
- Colate information relating to volunteer numbers and provide input to reports demonstrating volunteer and community projects taking place around North Somerset.
This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. Valid driving licence is essential. This position will be based in the Town Hall in Weston-super-Mare.
Work Style
At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated. This role will also include the need for occasional evening and/or weekend working.
This role falls into the category of Mobile/Field Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:
- 0-1 day in the office
- Includes field workers who primarily work remotely.
- Comes into the office for meetings or focused work. Virtual connections with the team are essential, with portable technology supporting work on the go.
About You
We are looking for an individual who is passionate about working in and improving the natural environment with others, including supporting volunteers and the local community to be involved with their local areas. Who possesses the following skills and experience:
Essential Criteria:
- NVQ level 2 literacy & numeracy or equivalent.
- NVQ level 3 or 4 units of work or equivalent to demonstrate technically specific skills.
- Practical experience of working within the service area.
- Ability to engage with and motivate stakeholders, in particular general public, NSC volunteers and Green Social Prescribing providers/participants.
- Ability to work without close supervision.
Desirable Criteria:
- Familiarisation with green infrastructure and green social prescribing.
- Hold a qualification/licence to operate specialised equipment required for service delivery where appropriate.
What We Offer
At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:
- Competitive salary and benefits.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Local Government Pension.
- Opportunities for professional development.
- Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums.
- Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year.
- Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team.
- Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes.
Parks and Countryside Ranger in Weston-super-Mare employer: North Somerset Council
Contact Detail:
North Somerset Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Parks and Countryside Ranger in Weston-super-Mare
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Parks and Countryside Ranger role inside out. Research North Somerset Council's initiatives, especially around biodiversity and community engagement. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their vision during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn, join relevant groups, and attend local events. This can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to volunteer management and community projects. Think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your skills in these areas, as they’ll be key to impressing the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the North Somerset Council team and contributing to a greener future.
We think you need these skills to ace Parks and Countryside Ranger in Weston-super-Mare
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the natural environment shine through. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission to create a greener community.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in volunteer management and community engagement. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our volunteers and the public, so share specific examples that demonstrate your skills.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps us keep track of all applicants.
How to prepare for a job interview at North Somerset Council
✨Know Your Green Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of local parks, wildlife, and conservation efforts. Being able to discuss specific projects or initiatives that North Somerset Council is involved in will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Engage with Volunteer Management
Since the role involves working closely with volunteers, think about your past experiences in volunteer engagement. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and managed volunteers, and be ready to discuss how you would encourage community involvement in North Somerset's parks and open spaces.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Excellent communication is key for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to prepare a brief presentation on a relevant topic, like a successful community project you've been part of, to demonstrate your skills.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect some practical questions or scenarios during the interview. Think about how you would handle specific situations related to health and safety, event coordination, or using tools for conservation work. Showing that you can think on your feet will impress the interviewers.