Assistant Senior Ranger – Parks & Countryside (Hybrid)

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

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.