Wildlife Ranger Trainee

Wildlife Ranger Trainee

RSPB

Lowther, Cumbria

Salary: £24,571 – £26,231 per annum

Contract: Fixed Term, Full Time

Closing date: Sun, 5 Oct 2025

Overview

Cumbria Connect is a landscape-scape nature restoration programme in eastern Cumbria. Working with partners Forest England, Lowther Estates, RSPB and National Trust we are looking for someone who is passionate about the countryside with an ambition to bring nature back through careful wildlife management to take up the role of Wildlife Ranger Trainee.

What\’s the role about?

During this 18-month role you will be part of the Cumbria Connect team, and work with our partners across the north of England learning essential skills for wildlife management including:

• managing deer populations and venison production
• control of predators
• safe use of firearms
• ecology and habitat management
• working with dogs
• wildlife reintroductions and wildlife law
• 4WD and ATV handling
• basic wildlife identification and surveying and monitoring techniques

If you do not currently hold a valid firearms certificate, you will be required to obtain one during the early stages of your training. Applicants should not proceed if they are aware of any reason that may prevent them from being granted a certificate. Additional eligibility checks will be carried out for the successful candidate following the interview stage.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience

• A keen, demonstrable interest in wildlife, countryside management, and nature conservation.
• Travel to partners\’ sites across Cumbria and unsocial hours working including early mornings, evenings and weekends. You will need a full driving licence valid for use in the UK and access to a vehicle. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience

• An understanding of woodland management and ecology
• Understanding of deer management and carcass preparation
• Experience of working in a woodland environment
• Competent user of IT including Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Excel and Word
• A recognised deer management qualification
• A shotgun and/or firearms certificate
• A qualification in wildlife or conservation land management

This is a fixed-term full-time role for 18 months, 37.5 hours per week, based at Lowther, near Penrith.

The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

Application process and further information

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position on 21st October 2025. For further information please email [email protected] or phone 07568 116392.

As part of this application you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete a short form. Please provide a cover letter with your application, include this at the end of your CV document upload.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB and encourage applicants from all backgrounds. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship. The successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK to be offered employment.

Before applying for this role, please read the candidate guidance notes.