Assistant Senior Ranger - Country Parks

Thurrock Council; Grays; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

LGPS

Flexible/hybrid work

Training & development

Wellbeing support

Staff discounts

Inclusive environment

Job summary

The Ranger Service within Thurrock Council's Place Directorate is seeking an Assistant Senior Ranger to support management, conservation and engagement across council parks and countryside sites.

You will carry out practical countryside work, supervise volunteers, ensure health and safety, and help run guided walks and public events while protecting biodiversity and open spaces.

Qualifications

• LANTRA/NPTC Level 2 Chainsaw qualification or equivalent.
• Full UK manual driving licence with Category C1 entitlement, or pre-1997 licence.
• Desirable degrees in environmental studies or countryside management.

Responsibilities

• Support the management and operation of council parks and countryside sites, deputising for Senior Ranger as needed.
• Ensure health and safety compliance, including risk assessments and safe systems of work.

Skills

Countryside management

Tractor operations

Chainsaw skills

Grassland management

Environmental legislation

Volunteer coordination

IT skills

Flora and fauna knowledge

Education

Foundation Degree / HND / Degree in Environmental Studies or Countryside Management

Countryside Worker Level 2 Apprenticeship or Ranger Level 4 Apprenticeship

Other relevant certifications (pesticide application, etc.)

Job description

The Ranger Service sits within Thurrock Council's Place Directorate and is responsible for managing, conserving and protecting sites which are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Scheduled Ancient Monuments. The team works to protect and enhance biodiversity, maintain high-quality public open spaces and provide engaging opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy the countryside. The Assistant Senior Ranger plays a key role in supporting these objectives through practical site management, conservation work and visitor engagement.

About the Role

• Supporting the management and operation of council-managed parks and countryside sites, including deputising for the Senior Ranger/Site Manager when required.
• Taking responsibility for health and safety compliance, including risk assessments, safe systems of work and site inspections.
• Undertaking practical countryside management activities including woodland management, tree planting, grassland maintenance, haymaking and watercourse management.
• Operating and maintaining tractors, chainsaws and a wide range of land-management machinery and equipment.
• Supervising rangers, trainees, students and volunteers where required.
• Carrying out site patrols and monitoring compliance with byelaws, environmental legislation and the Countryside Code.
• Welcoming visitors, schools and community groups, delivering guided walks, educational activities and public events.
• Assisting with visitor centre operations, public engagement activities and the production of interpretive information.

This role offers the chance to make a real difference by helping to protect and enhance Thurrock's natural environment while providing high-quality experiences for visitors and local communities.

We're looking for someone who has:

• Proven experience in countryside management, estates management or conservation work.
• Competence in operating tractors and land-management machinery.
• Practical chainsaw skills to LANTRA or NPTC Level 2 standard, including cross-cutting and felling.
• Experience of grassland management and haymaking operations.
• Knowledge of environmental legislation, the Countryside Code and health and safety requirements including PUWER and COSHH.
• Experience working with volunteers and supporting public events and activities.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and Microsoft Teams.
• Knowledge of flora and fauna, including tree and wildflower identification.

Essential Qualifications:

• LANTRA or NPTC Level 2 Chainsaw qualification (including cross-cutting and felling) or equivalent demonstrable competence.
• Full UK Manual Driving Licence with Category C1 entitlement, or a Full UK Driving Licence obtained before January 1997.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Foundation Degree, HND or Degree in Environmental Studies, Countryside Management or Conservation.
• or
• Countryside Worker Level 2 Apprenticeship or Countryside Ranger Level 4 Apprenticeship.
• Relevant tractor, machinery or pesticide application certifications.

At Thurrock Council, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
• Staff discounts and local offers
• A supportive and inclusive working environment