Ranger

As a Ranger, you’re the heart and soul of the National Trust in the landscapes we protect. You’re a champion of nature conservation and the great outdoors, and you’ll play a crucial role in keeping the nation’s beloved countryside and coast in good shape, for wildlife and for people. Working within Dartmoor National Park, come rain or shine, your love of the outdoors will inspire others as you strive to ensure beautiful presentation and conservation successes continue to take our visitors’ breath away.

You should be willing to work some weekends, evenings and bank holidays.

What it’s like to work here

As a pay to enter countryside site with over 70,000 visitors during its busy season, Lydford Gorge is an amazing temperate rainforest, steeply sided and the deepest gorge in the south west hosting a stunning 30 metre high waterfall and swirling ancient potholes at the Devils Cauldron. This SSSI site is home to many rare and internationally important species, unusual geology and unique geomorphological features. Sitting within the Dartmoor National Park, it is a highly valued destination for many visitors. This is a unique and special place.

As well as its famous waterfall and Devils Cauldron, Lydford Gorge has a successful bookshop and café. As part of a wider West Dartmoor team, you will also support our work at Dewerstone Woods, Cadover Bridge and Lower Cadworthy Farm and work with our tenants, partners, stakeholders and volunteers to achieve our conservation and public enjoyment aims. This is a great opportunity for a dynamic individual as you work alongside our volunteers and other departments on site and within Dartmoor National Park where no two days are the same.

What you’ll be doing

With your endless passion for our work, you’ll help with the protection and care of habitats, wildlife, property and machinery, and your passion will inspire other to love this beautiful place as much as you do. We want you to engage with visitors, making time to talk to them, not rushing away to the next task. As an easily identifiable member of the Ranger team, on your best day you will be creating lasting memories for everyone.

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 will be responsible for day to day estate management and maintenance, maintaining excellent standards of presentation and access infrastructure. You’ll share our common goal with customers and build relationships in the local community, proudly representing the National Trust.

Working with a team of volunteers, you’ll also share and promote the work that we do here, ensuring special places like these are here to be both protected and enjoyed by everyone for ever. This will see you responding to queries and explaining the value of the work being undertaken. After all, your passion and dedication could fire the imagination that makes a visitor become a supporter for the rest of their life.

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’re:

• practically experienced in conservation work, to protect and improve habitats and landscapes
• happy to talk to all kinds of people about the work you’re doing, and why it matters
• hard-working and willing to learn
• able to work safely, using risk assessments and following guidelines
• experienced in managing land, access and conservation, and working outdoors
• able to use machinery and equipment, with relevant certificates
• a driver with a full UK driving 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)
• 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.