Assistant Ranger

Hampshire County Council is hiring a temporary Assistant Ranger for 12 months at Lepe Country Park, Southampton. The role involves conservation tasks, leading school visits and volunteer groups, and conducting ecological surveys. Candidates should be flexible, enjoy outdoor work, and have knowledge of ecological principles. The position requires working weekends and bank holidays, with a salary range of £24,405 – £25,430 per annum.
Job Details:

Job Reference: HCC621132

Salary Range: £24,405 – £25,430 per annum

Work Location: Lepe Country Park, Southampton

Hours per week: 37

Contract Type: Temporary for 12 months

Closing Date: 28 May 2025

The Role:

Lepe Country Park is a 50-hectare coastal site located in the New Forest National Park, featuring a shingle beach, conservation area, and clifftop meadows. The site includes multiple conservation designations such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s), Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), and RAMSAR sites. Each year, approximately 400,000 visitors come to the park.

Nestled on the stunning Solent coastline, Lepe Country Park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich history. Our park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring wildflower meadows, scenic picnic spots, and captivating walking trails. Visitors can explore historic sites, enjoy a meal at our award-winning café, The Lookout, or simply breathe in the refreshing coastal breeze.

We are currently recruiting for a maternity cover Assistant Ranger role on a 12 month temporary contract. The Assistant Ranger will be working with the Senior Ranger and wider team to perform conservation and land management tasks, lead school visits, lead volunteer groups, and engage with visitors. An additional key element to this role is assisting and conducting ecological wildlife surveys and research.

The successful candidate will have a flexible approach to work, a willingness to work outdoors in all weathers both in a team setting and on their own. They will also be used to working in a physically active environment leading environmental education and public engagement and possess knowledge of ecological principles and relevant protected species. Working alternate weekends and bank holidays is a requirement alongside a current full UK drivers’ license.

What We Can Offer You:

We offer a flexible, motivating and inclusive workplace, where talent is truly recognised and developed.

This role offers a fantastic opportunity to begin or enhance their career in conservation and work in one of Hampshire’s most beautiful and ecologically significant areas. If you are passionate about conservation, enjoy working outdoors, and have a strong commitment to environmental education and community engagement, we encourage you to apply.

Join us in preserving the charm and tranquillity of Lepe Country Park while contributing to its vibrant community.

To find out more about what we can offer you in return, please see our Benefits Package.

Additional Information:

Assistant Ranger Job Description and Person Specification

Vetting Requirements:

This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Abigayle Young, Senior Ranger on abigayle.young@hants.gov.uk

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

We are a Disability Confident Employer – committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.