Assistant Senior Ranger - Country Parks

Thurrock Council; Thurrock; Hybrid; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave entitlement

Flexible and hybrid working

Ongoing training and development

Employee assistance programme

Staff discounts and local offers

Supportive and inclusive environment

Job summary

Thurrock Council is seeking an Assistant Senior Ranger to support country parks and countryside sites across Thurrock. You will deputise for the Senior Ranger, oversee safety, and lead practical conservation tasks including woodland and grassland work while engaging visitors and communities.

The role includes operating tractors and machinery, supervising volunteers, and delivering educational activities and events. A strong background in countryside management and valid licences are essential.

Qualifications

• LANTRA/NPTC Level 2 Chainsaw qualification (including cross-cutting and felling).
• Full UK Manual Driving Licence with Category C1 entitlement, or a Full UK Driving Licence obtained before January 1997.
• Foundation Degree, HND or Degree in Environmental Studies, Countryside Management or Conservation.
• Experience in countryside/estate management or conservation.
• Health and safety knowledge 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 and site inspections.
• Undertaking practical countryside management activities including woodland management, tree planting, grassland maintenance and haymaking.
• Operating and maintaining tractors and a range of land-management machinery and equipment.
• Supervising rangers, trainees, students and volunteers where required.
• Carrying out site patrols and monitoring compliance with byelaws and environmental legislation.
• Welcoming visitors and groups, delivering guided walks, educational activities and events.
• Assisting with visitor centre operations and interpretive information production.

Skills

Countryside management

Health and safety compliance

Volunteer coordination

IT skills (MS Office/MS Teams)

Public engagement / events

Education

LANTRA/NPTC Level 2 Chainsaw

Full UK Manual Driving Licence (Cat C1 or earlier)

Foundation Degree / HND / Degree in Environmental Studies

Tools

Tractors

Chainsaw equipment

Machinery operation

Pesticide application certifications

Job description

Job Title: Assistant Senior Ranger - Country Parks

Grade: D

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Hours: 37 hours per week

About the Department

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

As an Assistant Senior Ranger, you will be responsible for:

• 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.

What We're Looking For

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

• Relevant tractor, machinery or pesticide application certifications.

DBS Check: Basic DBS required.

Benefits of Working with Us

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

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• 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

Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 19th October 2026

Closing Date (Internal & External): 8th November 2026

Interview Date: To Be Confirmed

Additional Information

If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact:

Christopher Griffiths-Beven - Senior Ranger and Site Manager

07749 101545 |