At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage nature reserves, lead a team, and engage the public in wildlife conservation.
- Company: Join Sussex Wildlife Trust, a leader in environmental conservation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible working, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply; great growth opportunities await!
- Why this job: Make a real difference for wildlife while working in stunning natural settings.
- Qualifications: Experience in nature reserve management and a passion for wildlife.
The predicted salary is between 32474 - 32474 £ per year.
Location: Rye Harbour (East)
Salary: £32,474
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday with some out of hours work as required
Closing Date: 26th June 2026
Interview Date: 7th July, Rye Harbour Discovery Centre
Sussex Wildlife Trust is committed to restoring and protecting at least 30% of Sussex land and sea for nature, inspiring one in four people to take meaningful action for wildlife, building a stronger more inclusive and diverse organisation, and becoming a net zero and climate resilient organisation. We are looking for talented individuals to join our team and help us deliver this exciting and ambitious strategy.
We particularly welcome applications from people who have an ethnically or geographically diverse background, who are non‑graduates and/or are living in economically deprived areas.
The East Portfolio Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is one of the most important wildlife sites in the UK, supporting an exceptional diversity of birds and other wildlife. It provides outstanding opportunities for wildlife conservation and public engagement.
Filsham Reedbed is one of the largest reedbeds in Sussex, containing a range of wetland habitats and is an important resource for water and flood storage. Flatropers Wood is a tranquil 38‑hectare nature reserve featuring a diverse mix of ancient semi‑natural woodland, streams, ponds, and open heathy rides. Marline Valley is a mix of semi‑natural ancient woodland, unimproved meadows, and a classic Sussex ghyll stream.
The Role:
Sussex Wildlife Trust’s (SWT) Nature Reserves team are expanding; three new Senior Ranger positions have been created for each area nature reserve management team. These roles are part of significant investment by SWT, prioritising care of our dynamic, highly designated nature reserves.
Responsibilities include:
- Delivery of day‑to‑day management of the nature reserves
- Line management of a small team of Rangers
- Assisting in overseeing annual Traineeships
- Translating management plans and projects into on-the-ground delivery of maintenance and habitat recovery works
- Managing a team of staff and volunteers, recruiting and overseeing contractors, and coordinating conservation grazing
- Working closely with the Monitoring and Evidence team to ensure appropriate ecological monitoring
- Close teamwork with your Area Manager, Rangers, and neighbouring Senior Rangers
The Person:
We are looking for an experienced Ranger with a broad background in managing dynamic nature reserves, who is passionate and can inspire inter‑team and cross‑department working. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrable personal commitment to wildlife and proven action for wildlife.
Benefits:
- 25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays each year (pro‑rated for part time staff)
- Pension – company contribution from 6% and employee contribution of 3%
- Life Assurance – Pension Scheme Members 2 x Salary, Non‑Pension Scheme Members 1 x Salary
- 2 days paid leave for volunteering each year
- Flexible working policy
- Enhanced Sick Pay
- EAP Employee discounts
- Informal car share arrangements
Apply here. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and may close the vacancy early, so please get your application in as soon as possible.
Senior Ranger (East Reserves) employer: Sussex Wildlife Trust
At Sussex Wildlife Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation, passion, and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our supportive environment that encourages diverse backgrounds and experiences, making Rye Harbour a rewarding location for those passionate about wildlife conservation. With generous benefits including 25 days of holiday, flexible working policies, and opportunities for public engagement, joining our team means contributing to meaningful change in one of the UK's most significant wildlife sites.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Ranger (East Reserves)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Sussex Wildlife Trust and their mission. Understanding their values and goals will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to 'Our Wild Sussex'.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn, attend relevant events, or join local conservation groups. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Ranger. Be ready to share specific examples of your past work in wildlife conservation and team management.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your enthusiasm for the role and keep you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Ranger (East Reserves)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Nature:When writing your application, let your love for wildlife and conservation shine through. Share personal experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to protecting nature, as this aligns perfectly with our values.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission at Sussex Wildlife Trust!
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to show your personality! We appreciate candidates who are genuine and can bring their unique perspectives to our team. Let us know what makes you tick and why you’re excited about this role.
Apply Early:Since we review applications on a rolling basis, it’s best to get your application in as soon as possible. Head over to our website and submit your application today – we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sussex Wildlife Trust
✨Know Your Nature Reserves
Familiarise yourself with the specific nature reserves in the East Portfolio, especially Rye Harbour. Understand their unique ecosystems and conservation significance. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your passion for wildlife and your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Team Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing teams, especially in a conservation context. Highlight any past roles where you led a team or collaborated with volunteers. This will show that you can inspire and coordinate effectively within the Nature Reserves team.
✨Prepare for Public Engagement Scenarios
Since public engagement is key, think of examples where you've successfully communicated with diverse audiences about conservation. Be ready to share how you would handle challenging conversations while maintaining professionalism and fostering relationships.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Sustainability
Articulate your personal commitment to wildlife and sustainability. Discuss any relevant projects or initiatives you've been involved in that align with the values of Innovation, Passion, Collaboration, and Inclusion. This will resonate well with the interviewers and show you're a great fit for their ambitious strategy.
