Ranger

Summary

We have an exciting opportunity for a Ranger to join the team at Ashridge Estate, helping us
focus on our practical woodland management work and deliver our ambitions to help nature thrive
in the largest single area of woodland cared for by the National Trust.

With your practical skills and love of nature and the great outdoors, you’ll work in this
stunning woodland, come rain or shine, and will play a crucial role in keeping this much loved
landscape in good shape, for wildlife and for people.

Salary: £22,152 – £28,275 depending on experience

What it’s like to work here

Reporting to one of our Area Rangers, you’ll work with other Rangers on the team to manage our
chalk grassland priority habitats and to maintain visitor infrastructure to a high standard.

Ashridge contains a fantastic diversity of habitats, not least the 1,000ha of woodland which
make up half the Estate, most of which is highly designated as SSSI or SAC. Famous for its
bluebells and beech trees and ranging in character from ancient woodlands to wooded commons,
there’s plenty of variety. Over 1,000 ancient and veteran trees have been individually tagged
and are carefully managed to ensure that they thrive for as long as possible.

In the north of the Estate the hills are covered with the flower-rich chalk grasslands that are
typical of the Chilterns. These are home to numerous rare species of plants and insects
including the Pasqueflower and Duke of Burgundy butterfly. With several Scheduled Monuments on
site, some of which date back to the Bronze Age, there is a fantastic depth of history on the
Estate, including within the grade II* Ashridge Park. There are many stories to tell, and this
is a very popular destination for visitors looking to get out into nature.

What you’ll be doing

With your skills and experience in woodland management you’ll be helping to deliver our
ambitious plans to restore our woodlands and make them as good as they can be for wildlife.
You’ll be working with machinery including chainsaws and tractors to remove non-native
conifers, widen rides and diversify the woodland structure. You’ll also install tree boxes,
signage and fencing, and monitor key wildlife species.

You’ll use and maintain machinery safely, manage regular volunteer groups, and make sure that
the conservation work and outdoor experiences on the land in your care are of the highest
standard. You’ll work alongside a team of Rangers and also assist them in clearing scrub and
removing invasive species on the chalk grasslands.

Please click apply to read the full role profile, attached to the advert.

Who we’re looking for

We’d love to hear from you if you’re:

• practically experienced in woodland management, access and conservation work, having worked
  outdoors in a countryside/ rural setting
• experienced in using and maintaining machinery, including chainsaws and tractors, with
  relevant certificates
• happy to talk to all kinds of people about the work you’re doing, and why it matters
• able to work safely, using risk assessments and following guidelines
• a lover of the outdoors with an interest in nature
• experienced in working with and managing volunteers
• a driver with a full UK driving licence

Please submit a cover letter alongside your CV. 

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 i.e. 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 locations
• Independent financial advice

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