IRC163009 – Area Ranger

The National Trust is seeking an experienced Area Ranger for their Dorking location in the UK. The role involves nature conservation, land management, and leading a team of volunteers in maintaining natural environments. Candidates should have experience in land management, strong leadership skills, and a full UK driving licence. This is a full-time, permanent position requiring weekend work on a rota basis, situated in a scenic outdoor setting.
Summary

We’re looking for an experienced countryside ranger who’s ready for a new challenge.

You’ll work at the forefront of nature conservation and land management, in a landscape that’s crucial for wildlife to thrive, and welcomes everyone.

This is a great opportunity to utilise your skills and contribute to the essential work we’re doing.

What it’s like to work here

Situated near to Surrey’s Harewoods Estate consists of about 2600 acres of Tenanted mixed farmland, Woodland & Common Land.

If you like the great outdoors, you will love this stunning location with its hidden woodlands, lush green meadows, tranquil ponds and an ancient common fantastic walks and colourful wildlife.

We’re a close-knit and small team in a truly idyllic location, and you’ll play a crucial role in preserving natural environments and ensuring that visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Due to the nature of the role, a full UK driving licence is essential.

This is a full time, permanent opportunity, working weekends on a rota basis as required.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll have a variety of responsibilities focused on the protection and management of natural and cultural resources.

As the Area Ranger you’ll lead a small team of volunteers who work alongside you, following the Property’s Business plan and new National Trust Strategy. You’ll support your fellow rangers with engagement, conservation and compliance work.

You’ll play a key role in maintaining excellent standards of presentation and property maintenance, successfully achieving Conservation Performance Indicator targets.

You will also develop strong professional relationships with colleagues, contractors, tenants (especially farmers), and neighbouring land managers.

Additionally, you will help communicate Harewoods conservation efforts to diverse audiences through events, guided walks, and community engagement.

Understanding the need for our countryside sites to generate income, your business ideas will be crucial to the team’s success.

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 for

We’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

• 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 package

The 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

• Season ticket loan

• EV car lease scheme

• 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

National Trust place

NT Estate Office, Outwood Common, Outwood, RH1 5PW

Documents

Area Ranger – Career Level B.pdf

Requirements

Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK

Additional information

Closing Date: 11 May 2025

To apply for this vacancy simply click the ‘apply’ button in the top right hand side of the page.

If you need any help with your application, i.e. due to technical difficulties, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at recruitmentenquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk

If you require an adjustment to the application process, for example due to disability or medical condition, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at adjustments@nationaltrustjobs.org.uk and we’ll support you as best as we can. For examples of how, please see our supporting you page.

Equal Opportunities Statement

The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here.

Safeguarding Statement

The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment processes to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.

Please note we reserve the right to close this advert early and therefore we encourage you to apply for this position early.