We’re looking for an experienced and committed countryside ranger ready to take on an exciting new challenge along the beautiful River Bure in Norfolk. This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of nature conservation and land management, helping to restore and protect an internationally rare chalk stream.
In this role, you’ll lead on environmental monitoring and volunteer engagement, while playing a hands-on role in delivering ambitious pond and river restoration projects. You’ll be working in a landscape rich in wildlife and deeply valued by local communities, helping nature recover while inspiring people to connect with these special places.
What it's like to work here:You’ll be part of a small, dedicated Blickling Countryside Team, managed by the Countryside Manager and reporting to the Riverlands Project Manager. Based primarily at Blickling, your work will take you across the Upper Bure catchment, both on and off National Trust land.
No two days will be the same. You’ll be out in the landscape delivering surveys, leading monitoring programmes, managing contractors, and working alongside volunteers. You’ll build meaningful relationships with landowners, farmers and partner organisations, contributing to an ambitious, landscape-scale programme that is shaping the future of this river catchment.
This is a full-time, fixed-term role until the end of February 2028, with occasional evening and weekend work as part of a varied and rewarding role.
What you'll be doing:As Area Ranger for Riverlands, you’ll play a central role in driving forward nature recovery across the catchment. You’ll lead and support a dedicated network of volunteers and contractors, working across multiple National Trust sites and beyond.
You’ll develop a flexible and impactful programme of work, guided by national strategy and local priorities, ensuring that conservation action is both effective and inspiring. Delivering high standards of habitat restoration and site presentation will be a key part of your work, alongside building trusted relationships with colleagues, tenants, contractors and land managers.
You’ll also bring the project to life for others, engaging communities through events, guided walks, and hands-on opportunities to get involved. Alongside this, you’ll seek out creative ways to generate income and support the long-term sustainability of the Trust’s work.
Who we're looking forWe’d love to hear from you if you’re:
- experienced in managing land, nature conservation and access for people, including running small projects and supervising contractors
- experienced in ecological surveying and environmental monitoring, particularly in river and floodplain environments.
- used to developing and running programmes of work to achieve specific goals in conservation or access
- a strong team player, with a track record in leading and managing staff and volunteers
- practical and skilled in looking after a range of habitats and landscapes, with certificates in chainsaw use, tractor driving and towing trailers
- able to work safely, and take the lead on compliance – including writing risk assessments, and safety and environmental procedures
- happy to talk – with enthusiasm and commitment – to all kinds of people about the work you do and why it matters
- a driver, with a full UK 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
Requirements :Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK
Fixed Term f/t (37.5 hrs pw to 29/02/28)
