Area Ranger

Summary

You will play a key role in maintaining our special places and ensuring they are presented to the highest possible standard. Based at the Countryside Office at West Kennett Farm your work will be split between the Avebury Estate and the wider North Wiltshire properties. 

What it's like to work here

You will be working on internationally important archaeological sites and species rich chalk grassland habitats at Avebury and beyond. 

Avebury is a complex, and incredibly special place. At its heart is Europe's largest megalithic stone circle which attracts people from all over the world. In the wider Avebury estate, you will be working among many significant prehistoric features of the landscape such West Kennet Longbarrow, West Kennet Avenue and Windmill Hill. 

Further afield you will find rolling chalk downland and dry coombe valleys with an abundance of species rich chalk grassland flowers and butterflies, diverse scrub and woodland habitats and breath-taking panoramic views of the Wiltshire landscape.

Throughout the portfolio you will be working alongside skilled and experienced colleagues with opportunities to soak up the specialist knowledge of our archaeologists and wildlife advisers.

There is lots going on, including scrub management, practical estate maintenance work, regular volunteer work parties and ecological surveying, to name but a few elements of this exciting ranger role.

What you'll be doing

With line management of two rangers to assist you, you will be involved with the protection and care of outstanding archaeology in the northern half of the World Heritage Site, as well as helping to deliver conservation outcomes across our many important grassland habitats. 

It is all about getting the best out of your team whilst looking after our heritage and nature and making our sites accessible for our many visitors. You will be working closely with our property staff, archaeologists and nature conservation advisers as well as overseeing the countryside volunteering offer ensuring we make best use of the many groups and individuals who want to volunteer with the team .

With your endless passion for our work, you will help with the protection and care of habitats, wildlife, property and machinery, and your passion will inspire others to love this beautiful place as much as you do. We want you to engage with visitors and stakeholders, making time to talk to them, not rushing away to the next task.

You’ll make sure that, at every twist and turn of these fantastic landscapes, we’re delivering outstanding outdoors experiences and excellent conservation work. You’ll share our common goal with customers and build relationships in the local community, proudly representing the National Trust.

In this role, you’ll work some weekends, bank holidays and evenings. A full UK driving licence will be essential to fulfil the requirements of this role. 

Please also read the full role profile attached to this advert.

Who we're looking for We'd love to hear from you if you have:   

• significant practical experience in relevant land, conservation and access management, supported by appropriate qualifications to level 4 (or equivalent level of vocational experience). 

• people management skills including setting personal objectives and conducting development reviews. 

• competence with machinery/equipment such as tractors, chainsaws, trailer towing and competence certificates as required by the property combined with practical skills applied across a broad range of habitats and estate management. 

• effective management of budgets ,finance and small projects. 

• a demonstrable passion for heritage, nature and the outdoors and experience of working on archaeologically sensitive areas and SSSI’s. 

• knowledge of Health & Safety legislation relevant to a countryside setting and an ability to work safely, leading on compliance including writing risk assessments as well as safety and environmental procedures.

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)

• Tax-free childcare scheme

• Rental deposit loan scheme

• Season ticket loan

• 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

• Independent financial advice

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.