Access Ranger (Cumbria South)

Yorkshire Dales National Park Authorty; England; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent national park authority in England is seeking an Access Ranger to enhance public access to the stunning landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales. This full time position involves maintaining rights of way, collaborating with local communities, and supervising volunteers. Candidates should have practical experience in countryside projects and excellent communication skills. Offering competitive salary and benefits include generous leave and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Generous leave: 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays

Flexible working arrangements: Flexi-time scheme

Excellent pension: Local Government Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (LGPS)

Wellbeing support: Subsidised Healthcare scheme

Free parking and relocation allowance

Qualifications

• Practical experience in planning and delivering countryside projects.
• Strong understanding of health, safety, and welfare requirements.
• Full driving licence necessary due to travel requirements.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the public rights of way network and other access routes.
• Liaise with landowners and farmers to coordinate efforts.
• Engage with users and local communities to promote access initiatives.
• Manage and supervise contractors and volunteers.
• Coordinate and deliver practical projects in the park.

Skills

Proficiency in IT, including Microsoft Office

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Experience in supervising volunteers

Operating small plant machinery

Job description

Location: Orton, near Tebay

Hours: Full Time - 37 hours per week

Salary: £26,402 – £29,540 per annum

Would you like to work in one of Britain’s most stunning landscapes – famous for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and endless opportunities for outdoor enjoyment? Are you ready to take on the challenge of delivering front-line countryside management services for local communities and visitors to the National Park? If so, we have a rare opportunity for you to join the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s Ranger Service as an Access Ranger.

This role is based at Orton, near Tebay, in the Western area of the Yorkshire Dales National Park – an area celebrated for its distinctive limestone scenery and vibrant rural communities. The vacancy has arisen because the current post-holder has progressed internally, reflecting our commitment to career development and progression.

About Us

We are the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, an organisation that protects, enhances and promotes the immense beauty, wildlife and character of the Yorkshire Dales. Set against expansive heather moorland tops, each valley has its own distinct charm, from crags and waterfalls to an underground labyrinth of caves and will provide an enviable setting for your career in countryside management.

Benefits

• Generous leave: 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
• Flexible working arrangements: Flexi-time scheme
• Excellent pension: Local Government Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Wellbeing support: Subsidised Healthcare scheme, employee assistance programme, cycle to work scheme and staff discounts
• Free parking and relocation allowance (if applicable)

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity to work primarily in the South Cumbria area of the park. You’ll focus on maintaining the public rights of way network, other access routes, open access areas and estate management for the Authority.

• Liaising with landowners and farmers
• Carrying out high‑quality practical work to enhance public access
• Engaging with users and local communities
• Managing and supervising contractors and volunteers
• Coordinating and delivering practical projects
• Weekend and bank holiday work will be required as part of a rota

About You

You’ll bring practical experience in planning and delivering countryside projects, such as building stiles, path construction, fencing, and walling. You’ll also have a strong understanding of health, safety, and welfare requirements, including risk assessments.

• Proficiency in IT, including Microsoft Office
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A full driving licence (due to travel requirements)
• Experience in supervising volunteers and operating small plant machinery would be an advantage

This role is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply and join us.

For an informal chat about this vacancy, please contact Steve Hastie, Area Manager, on 01539 756611 or [e-mail].

The closing date for completed applications is 11pm on Sunday, 25 January 2026 and the anticipated interview date is Monday, 2 February 2026.