An opportunity has arisen for a Mountain Ranger to join our team in the Mourne Mountains. Whether you are an Assistant Ranger ready to step up, or an experienced Ranger or countryside professional seeking a new challenge, we’d love to hear from you.
You’ll play a key role in the conservation and restoration of one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic upland landscapes - the Eastern Mournes ASSI & SAC, including Slieve Donard and Slieve Commedagh. As part of our dedicated ranger and volunteer team, you’ll help protect internationally important upland habitats, support sustainable access, and contribute to the long‑term resilience of this heavily visited environment.
Salary: £27,612 per annum
Contract: Fixed term contract until 31-Mar-2028
Hours/ working pattern: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week. You should be willing to work some weekends, bank holidays and evenings.
Interview: week commencing 6th July 2026.
Due to the size of the property a full UK driving license, or equivalent, is essential.
What it's like to work here:Working in the Mourne Mountains means being immersed in one of Northern Ireland’s most dramatic and culturally significant upland landscapes. From steep granite slopes and montane heaths to peatland mosaics, upland flushes, and fragile mires, the property supports rare habitats, priority species, and over 100,000 visitors annually.
The role involves extensive work on the higher slopes of Slieve Donard and Slieve Commedagh within the Eastern Mournes. You’ll be part of a small, skilled team delivering practical conservation tasks including upland path repair, erosion control, habitat restoration, and survey work.
You’ll also work closely with our volunteers, tenant farmers, and local partners to support the delivery of our management strategy, habitat monitoring programmes, and wider conservation objectives for this nationally important mountain landscape.
What you'll be doing:As a key member of the Mournes Ranger Team, you’ll work within a small, skilled group delivering upland path repair, erosion control, and habitat restoration across the National Trust – Mournes property. Your work will directly protect the fragile upland habitats of Slieve Donard, Slieve Commedagh, and the surrounding slopes - areas that experience some of the highest visitor pressure in Northern Ireland.
With a practical mindset and a strong problem‑solving approach, you’ll support the planning and delivery of work programmes that maintain and repair upland paths, stabilise eroding slopes, and enhance the resilience of priority habitats. You’ll contribute to the implementation of the wildfire management strategy, assist with habitat and condition monitoring, and help ensure safe, sustainable access for the thousands of people who climb Donard each year.
This is a hands‑on, physically demanding role that offers the rare opportunity to make a lasting impact on one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic mountain landscapes.
A full role profile is attached to this advert. You don’t need to meet every criterion listed - these outline the full scope of what’s possible in the role.
Who we're looking forWe’d love to hear from you if you’re:
- practically experienced in conservation work, to protect and improve habitats and landscapes
- happy to talk to all kinds of people about the work you’re doing, and why it matters
- hard-working and willing to learn
- able to work safely, using risk assessments and following guidelines
- experienced in managing land, access and conservation, and working outdoors
- able to use machinery and equipment, with relevant certificates
- a driver with a full UK driving licence
The packageThe 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
- EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
- 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
#NIJOBS
Requirements :Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK
Fixed Term f/t (37.5 hrs pw to 31/03/28)
