Area Ranger

Location: Brimham Rocks, Summerbridge, Harrogate, HG3 4DW

Contract Type: Fixed-term / full-time

Reference/IRC: IRC163240

Closing Date: 4th May 2025

Salary: £28,509 pa

We’re looking for an experienced countryside ranger who’s ready for a new challenge. You’ll be working at the forefront of nature conservation and land management at a busy visitor attraction, managing a ranger and a team of countryside volunteers, in a landscape that’s important for wildlife and loved by people.

What it's like

As Area Ranger, you'll be a key member of the small core staff team based on-site all year round. Brimham Rocks is an SSSI site, part of a portfolio with nearby Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. You'll be based at Brimham Rocks but have close links to the ranger team at Fountains Abbey, sharing resources at times.

A moorland plateau topped by a jumble of fantastically shaped rocks, Brimham Rocks can't fail to delight and inspire. Home to rare species of heather and a moorland habitat that supports a wide variety of wildlife, Brimham sits within the countryside of the Nidderdale National Landscape.

What you'll be doing

You’ll manage a ranger and a team of countryside volunteers. As you develop a flexible and effective programme of work for your team, you’ll be guided both by business needs and by the Trust’s strategy for restoring nature and enabling everyone to enjoy the countryside. Part of the duty management team, you'll ensure that day-to-day operations run smoothly, and our visitors have a fantastic day out.

Your role is crucial in meeting the Trust’s high standards of presentation and property maintenance. You’ll build strong and positive relationships with colleagues, contractors, and neighbouring landowners.

You’ll introduce a wide variety of people to the importance of your nature conservation work, working alongside the visitor experience team to offer events, guided walks and engage the local community. You'll ensure the Countryside Stewardship Agreement deliverables are achieved and evaluated.

Who we're looking for

1. Experienced in land management, nature conservation, and access for people, including running small projects and supervising contractors.
2. Used to developing and running programmes to achieve specific goals in conservation or access.
3. Strong team player, experienced in leading and managing staff.
4. Practical and skilled in looking after a range of habitats and landscapes, with certificates in chainsaw use, tractor driving, and towing trailers.
5. Can work safely and lead on compliance – including writing risk assessments, and safety and environmental procedures.
6. Happy to talk – with enthusiasm and commitment – to all people about the work you do and why it matters.
7. Driver with a full UK licence.

Apply: IRC163240 - Area Ranger