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 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 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.
To apply for this job please visit careers.nationaltrust.org.uk.