At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage wildlife and engage the community at Ridgetop Park while promoting outdoor activities.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to conservation and community engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension scheme, and discounts on leisure activities.
- Other info: Flexible working in all weathers with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in wildlife conservation and connect with nature lovers.
- Qualifications: Driving license, countryside management qualification, and event planning experience required.
The predicted salary is between 27694 - 29540 £ per year.
We are looking for a Countryside Ranger for the exciting new Ridgetop Park site in Matford, near Exeter. This site is a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) and is designed to absorb some of the visitor pressure from the Exe Estuary and Dawlish Warren internationally protected nature sites.
You will have a full valid driving license, a countryside management qualification, and strong practical habitat management experience and skills. Diverse practical estate, habitat management and access maintenance work at Ridgetop Park will be a key part of the role, and on occasions will involve working within the wider team across the district's diverse countryside parks and nature reserves, in return for team assistance at Ridgetop.
You will be physically fit to access all terrains and carry out practical site management works. You will need a positive 'can do' attitude and flexible approach to accommodate the vagaries of the British weather and associated changes of priority. You will be capable and willing to work in all weathers (PPE supplied). You will have an excellent regard for your own safety and that of others.
The role will also involve community outreach to raise the site's profile and encourage more people to visit, planning, promoting and leading regular guided walks, engaging events and volunteering opportunities, with support from the Senior Ranger. You will liaise with key stakeholders, including visitors, local groups and residents, The Land Trust and South-East Devon Habitat Regulations Partnership colleagues, to link with their related work and maximise the benefits of events and site promotion.
You will have experience of, and an enthusiasm for, planning and leading public events and activities, a genuine liking for people and a keen interest in British wildlife and the countryside, and a passion for sharing it. You will be organised with good time management and ICT skills to prepare event posters and risk assessments, maintain mailing lists and communicate with colleagues and external organisations by Outlook and Teams.
What we are looking for in a candidate:
- A full driving license
- Substantial practical experience in a ranger role and related environmental/countryside management qualification/training certifications
- Experience of, and an enthusiasm for, planning and leading events and activities, a genuine liking for people and an interest in British wildlife and the countryside, with a strong passion for sharing it
- The ability to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders to identify the best ways of promoting the site and ensuring its continued success into the future
Benefits:
- Generous Local Government Pension Scheme
- Generous annual leave and wellbeing package
- Heavily discounted membership at Teignbridge District Council Leisure Centres
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Opportunities for career and self-development
- 24/7 employee discount access and employee assistance support
We are an equal opportunities employer committed to a diverse and inclusive organisation. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, caring responsibilities, and socio-economic status. We also welcome applications from military veterans and their families.
No agencies please.
Closing Date: Friday 19th June 2026 (6pm)
Interview Date: Monday 6th July 2026 (in person)
Ridgetop Park Countryside Ranger: Community & Wildlife employer: Teignbridge District Council
Join us as a Countryside Ranger at the stunning Ridgetop Park in Matford, near Exeter, where you will be part of a dedicated team committed to wildlife conservation and community engagement. We offer a supportive work culture with generous benefits, including a Local Government Pension Scheme, ample annual leave, and opportunities for career development, all while working in a beautiful natural environment that encourages a passion for the outdoors and wildlife. Our inclusive approach ensures that every employee feels valued and has the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community.
Contact Details:
Teignbridge District Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ridgetop Park Countryside Ranger: Community & Wildlife
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Ridgetop Park site and its community! Familiarise yourself with the local wildlife and the people who visit. This will help you connect during interviews and show your genuine passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Rangers, local groups, or even volunteers at Ridgetop Park. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by thinking about how you can promote the site and engage the community. Have some ideas ready on events or activities you’d love to lead – it’ll show your enthusiasm and creativity!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Ridgetop Park Countryside Ranger: Community & Wildlife
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Wildlife:Make sure to highlight your love for wildlife and the countryside in your application. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through, so share any relevant experiences or activities that showcase your connection to nature.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to match the job description. We’re looking for specific skills and experiences, so make it clear how you fit the bill.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary to make your key skills and experiences stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Teignbridge District Council
✨Know Your Wildlife
Brush up on your knowledge of British wildlife and the local ecosystem. Be prepared to discuss specific species or habitats relevant to Ridgetop Park, as this will show your genuine interest and expertise in the role.
✨Showcase Your Event Planning Skills
Think of examples from your past experience where you successfully planned and led community events. Be ready to share how you engaged with participants and promoted these activities, as this is a key part of the job.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Since the role involves working with a diverse team, highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Share stories that illustrate your teamwork skills and how you’ve contributed to group success in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about practical habitat management and how you would handle various scenarios in the field. Think through your past experiences and be ready to discuss how you approach challenges, especially in changing weather conditions.
