Assistant Ranger

Dorset Council UK; Blandford Forum; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council authority in Blandford Forum is seeking an Assistant Countryside Ranger to help protect and enhance natural spaces. The role involves managing public rights of way, conducting habitat management, and cutting roadside verges. Ideal candidates should have relevant countryside management qualifications and a strong commitment to conservation. This position offers hands-on experience and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Supportive work environment

Community impact projects

Qualifications

• Practical experience in habitat management.
• Experience in vegetation control.
• Public engagement skills required.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Hard work

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Physical fitness

Commitment to conservation

Education

Relevant qualifications in countryside management

Environmental science or related field

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

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

You will also work on vegetation management, habitat restoration. Additionally, you will 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

• 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.