Assistant Ranger

Dorset Council; Blandford Forum; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in the UK is seeking an Assistant Countryside Ranger to play a vital role in protecting and enhancing natural spaces in Dorset. Responsibilities include managing public rights of way, conducting habitat management, and supporting community projects. Ideal candidates will be hard workers with a commitment to environmental conservation and relevant qualifications. This position offers opportunities for professional growth and a collaborative team environment.

Benefits

Professional Growth Opportunities

Supportive Work Environment

Community Impact Projects

Qualifications

• Must be physically fit for outdoor work in various weather conditions.
• Relevant qualifications in countryside management or environmental science are required.
• Previous experience in habitat management and public engagement is essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage public rights of way and trails.
• Conduct habitat management on nature reserves.
• Assist with cutting roadside verges.

Skills

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Physical fitness

Environmental care

Education

Qualifications in countryside management or environmental science

Job description

Joining our team as an Assistant Countryside Ranger in either North Dorset or the Purbecks means you'll play a crucial role in protecting and enhancing Dorset's natural spaces. You'll work on our nature reserves and greenspaces, as well as manage 3,000 miles of public rights of way, including National Trails like the King Charles III England Coast Path. You'll be part of a team that helps cut over 2 million square meters of roadside verges, boosting biodiversity and supporting green initiatives. You'll gain hands‑on experience and qualifications with a variety of tools and machinery such as ride on mowers, tractors, strimmer’s and other power tools.

You’ll Benefit From

• Professional Growth Opportunities: Access to training and industry‑standard certification.
• Supportive Work Environment: A collaborative and innovative team culture.
• Community Impact: Work on projects that directly benefit the local community and economy.
• Being part of the team that manages Dorset’s greenspaces

What You Can Expect To Be Doing

As an Assistant Countryside Ranger, you'll help maintain and improve Dorset's green spaces. Your key tasks will include:

• Managing public rights of way and trails
• Habitat management on nature reserves
• Cutting roadside verges

You'll also work on vegetation management, habitat restoration. Additionally, you'll support our green asset management plan, addressing climate and nature issues. This role makes a significant difference to people, communities, and the environment. Our Assistant Rangers play a vital role in making Dorset a wonderful place to live, work, and visit.

About You

We are looking for individuals who:

• Is a hard worker, who enjoys being out an all‑weather delivering practical, physically demanding work.
• Has a can‑do attitude, with a strong team, and problem‑solving ethos.
• Care about the environment and have a commitment to conservation
• Have relevant qualifications in countryside management, environmental science, or a related field
• Bring practical experience in habitat management, vegetation control, and public engagement
• Are physically fit, as the role involves outdoor work in various weather conditions
• Hold a valid full driving license
• If you are enthusiastic, dedicated, and ready to make a difference, we encourage you to apply.

Further Information

Graham Stanley Senior Ranger North And Purbeck

• [email protected]
• 01258456970
• 07957557311

Closing date Sunday 14th Dec 25 Interview date Thursday 8th Jan 26

About Us

At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.

We

• provide essential services that support over 380,000 residents
• work in partnership to make a real difference
• value every role and the impact it has on our communities
• support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive

You Will

• be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset
• have access to a range of benefits and support
• have access to range of training opportunities which will help with your personal development and career progression

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible. If you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.

This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement.

If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us.