We’re looking for an experienced countryside ranger who’s ready for a new challenge. You’ll be working at the forefront of nature conservation and land management, working with a dedicated team of rangers in a landscape that’s important for wildlife and loved by people.
What it's like to work here:The South Downs West team based near Midhurst cover over 2000 hectares of woodland, heathland, downland and other wonderful habitats. You’ll be joining a Ranger team who are passionate about managing habitats and heritage features for wildlife and visitors, with ambitious visions for the future including a wide ranging programme for species recovery and reintroduction.
The team consists of a Lead Ranger, 3 Area Rangers, Two Rangers, an Apprentice Ranger, a Senior Farm Manager and their assistant and numerous groups of volunteers. You would report in to the Lead Ranger.
What you'll be doing:As Area Ranger for Woolbeding, you’ll work as part of a dedicated small team of rangers that covers the wider South Downs West Property group. You’ll help plan an effective work programme shaped by business needs and the Trust’s goals for nature recovery and public access.
With such large and varied sites, you’ll work efficiently at pace, prioritising tasks, managing contractors, and motivating the team. You’ll uphold the Trust’s high standards for presentation and maintenance, building strong relationships with colleagues, contractors, tenants, and neighbouring land managers.
You’ll help people understand the value of conservation through events, guided walks, and community engagement, while also seeking funding through grants and new business ideas. Across all work, by staff, volunteers, or contractors, you’ll ensure best practice, legal compliance, and safe, environmentally responsible operations.
You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all of the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what’s possible in this role..
Who we're looking forWe’d love to hear from you if you’re:
- ability to ensure safety of people, places, and operations through effective risk management and compliance
- ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support delivery
- a passion for nature and wildlife with a keen interest in species recovery
- a driver, with a full UK licence
- experienced in managing land, nature conservation and access for people, including running small projects and supervising contractors
- experience in supporting teams of staff and volunteers to deliver high performance and a positive working environment
- practical and skilled in looking after a range of habitats and landscapes, with certificates in chainsaw use, tractor driving and towing trailers
- confidence in applying practical countryside skills and using tools and machinery safely and effectively to support land and visitor management
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
Requirements :Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK
Permanent f/t (37.5 hrs pw)
