Assistant Ranger

Shared Services Partnership; Yateley; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Hampshire Countryside Service is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Assistant Ranger to join our North Sites Team, helping to manage and enhance some of North Hampshire's most important nature reserves and green spaces.

You’ll work with local communities, volunteers and contractors to carry out countryside management, site inspections, habitat surveys and conservation projects, while maintaining high standards of health, safety and visitor experience.

Qualifications

• Experience in countryside management and conservation preferred.
• Strong communication skills and ability to engage with volunteers and communities.
• Good organisational and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Carry out practical countryside management tasks and habitat conservation work.
• Support volunteers and contractors; undertake site inspections and monitor livestock.
• Engage with visitors, schools and community groups; help deliver site management plans.

Job description

Job Details:

Job Reference: HCC624948
Salary Range: £26,018 - £27,111 per annum
Work Location: Yateley Common Depot, Yateley
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 11 October 2026
Interview Date: 21 October 2026
Help create and care for high-quality, welcoming natural spaces for communities across Hampshire.
Hampshire Countryside Service is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Assistant Ranger to join our North Sites Team, helping to manage and enhance some of North Hampshire's most important nature reserves and green spaces.

The Role:

Our team works closely with local communities and volunteer groups to care for a diverse range of sites, from internationally important heathlands and woodlands such as Castle Bottom National Nature Reserve and Yateley Common Country Park, to local nature reserves including Herbert Plantation and Zebon Copse. We balance the needs of wildlife conservation with providing high-quality visitor experiences across these special places.

What you’ll do:

You'll play a key role in the day-to-day management and conservation of countryside sites, helping to protect and enhance valuable natural spaces for wildlife and local communities. The role involves carrying out practical countryside management tasks, supporting volunteers and contractors, undertaking site inspections, managing livestock, and contributing to habitat surveys and conservation projects. You'll also engage with visitors, schools and community groups, assist with educational activities and events, and help deliver site management plans while ensuring high standards of health, safety and environmental compliance. Working closely with Rangers and wider conservation teams, you'll support the effective management, maintenance and promotion of countryside sites across the service.

What we’re looking for:

We are seeking a practical, motivated individual with a passion for the environment and countryside management. You will enjoy working outdoors in a range of conditions and be confident working with people from different backgrounds.

• Ability to work independently and as a team
• Community engagement and working with young people in environmental education
• Good communication skills and experience of working with volunteers
• Puts people first and values community relationships
• Is passionate about nature, conservation, and outdoor spaces
• Works well in a collaborative team and builds strong partnerships
• Brings fresh ideas, initiative, and a problem-solving mindset
• Has the ability to motivate others and support staff wellbeing and development
• Has strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Has proven experience in countryside management, conservation, or a related field
• Has a strong understanding of habitat management and environmental practices
• Demonstrates the ability to manage tasks effectively and work independently
• Has good organisational skills and attention to detail
• Has strong IT skills to support effective communication and record-keeping

Why join us?

We offer a flexible, motivating and inclusive workplace, where talent is truly recognised and developed. We have created an environment that you can look forward to being a part of and where you are empowered to be your best and believe in creating a workplace built on teamwork where people can grow and develop in their roles.

Additional Information:

Assistant Ranger Candidate Pack

Vetting Requirements:

This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Nichola Paton, Area Team Leader on [e-mail]

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.