IRC175210 – Lead Ranger

The National Trust is seeking a Lead Ranger to manage a team of rangers and volunteers across Quarry Bank and Cheshire Countryside East in the UK. The role involves improving habitats, managing projects, and ensuring visitor safety and experience. Candidates should have experience in land management and conservation, strong leadership skills, and the ability to work with diverse groups. This position is not remote, as it requires on-site presence.
We’re looking for a Lead Ranger to work across both Quarry Bank (3 days) and Cheshire Countryside East (2 days). You’d be managing a team of rangers and volunteers across both properties, and helping to shape and achieve the National Trust’s plans for land and nature. Alongside this, you’ll need to be focussed on the fact that these sites welcome many thousands of visitors each year, so ensuring safe access and supporting the core visitor experience will also be critical to the role.


You’ll be a key member of the Property Leadership team at both portfolios.


As part of your application, please ensure you include a cover letter.


What it’s like to work here


Quarry Bank combines a giant industrial heritage cotton mill with a picturesque garden and the homes of both the mill owners and the workers. This busy visitor attraction sits within an extensive wider estate including woodlands, grassland and and river valley. The staff and volunteer ranger teams look after the whole estate supporting the daily visitor offer and the conservation work.


The east area of the Cheshire countryside group spans over 300 hectares across ten sites, from the northern tip of Greater Manchester to the Staffordshire border in the south. It includes woodlands, parkland, tenanted farms, grassland, and heathland. All with footpaths and viewpoints that are enjoyed by many. The places are cared for by staff and volunteer teams working from two main countryside bases at Alderley Edge and Hare Hill.


What you’ll be doing


You’ll plan and run a programme of work to improve the condition of the habitats and landscapes we look after, and you’ll manage projects to create new habitats. You’ll be part of the conversations to develop nature-focused plans at National Trust sites. As part of a small team, you’ll be adaptable and able to step in to help wherever your expertise is needed.


You’ll build strong working relationships with our tenants and graziers. You’ll lead the ranger and volunteer teams from the front, supporting them in their practical work and developing their skills. You’ll also take on and manage contractors where needed.


You’ll be thinking about the future, helping to bring our nature conservation ambitions to life whilst also supporting our visitor growth targets. And you’ll be talking to a wide range of people and organisations, promoting our work to existing and new audiences.


An assessment day for this post will be held on Wednesday 10 June 2026.


Who we’re looking for


We’d love to hear from you if you’re:



a good manager of people, able to lead a team to achieve their goals
experienced in managing land, nature conservation and access for people
enthusiastic, knowledgeable and inspiring, someone who’s happy to work with people of all ages and backgrounds, including volunteers
familiar with health and safety and compliance requirements to do with the countryside and people’s activities
organised and self-motivated, able to manage a fast-paced workload with competing demands on your time
confident in managing budgets, finances and contracts.

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 (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


National Trust place


Quarry Bank Mill, Styal, Wilmslow, SK9 4LA


Documents


Requirements


Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK


Additional information


Closing Date: 17 May 2026


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 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 .


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.