Avon Heath Country Ranger

Dorset Council UK; Ringwood; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Ringwood is offering a student placement for Year 10 to Year 13 students. This role provides hands-on experience at an award-winning Country Park, focusing on visitor services, engagement, and conservation tasks. Successful candidates will assist with event planning, customer care, and general site maintenance. Flexible hours (37 hours/week) and necessary training is provided, along with personal protective equipment. A self-arranged transport is required to and from the park.

Qualifications

• Wear clothing that may get dirty and sturdy shoes.
• Ability to assist with conservation tasks and engage with visitors.
• Complete training and demonstrate professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Welcome visitors and provide information.
• Assist with planning and organizing events.
• Help with conservation tasks and maintenance.

Skills

Customer care skills

Event planning

Conservation knowledge

Communication

Job description

Key Elements of the Role

Placement Length

• 1 to 2 weeks for Year 10 to Year 13 students (Key Stages 4/5).
• Longer placements are available for students in further or higher education.

Goal Of The Placement

• This placement gives you real experience in a workplace. You’ll learn new skills, build confidence, and make decisions that could help with future career choices.

Overview Of The Experience

• While on placement, you’ll work at Dorset Council’s award-winning Country Parks Avon Heath.
• The park is managed to support both nature and people, focusing on conservation, recreation, and tourism.
• You’ll get to experience different roles, including Visitor Services, Visitor Engagement, and Conservation and Park Maintenance.

Student Tasks

Visitor Services

• Information Point: Welcome visitors and give them helpful information.
• Gift Shop: Serve customers, tidy, and restock.
• Car Park System: Learn how to operate the car park system.
• Marketing: Assist with things like data entry and visitor surveys.
• Customer Care: Learn customer care skills and procedures.

Visitor Engagement

• Events: Help plan, prepare, and organize materials for events.
• Nature Education: Assist with school and group sessions.

Conservation and Park Maintenance

• Conservation Tasks: Use hand tools to help with conservation tasks.
• Working with Groups: Assist and work with volunteer groups.
• Flora and Fauna: Learn about local plants and animals.
• Safety Checks: Help with facility inspections and safety checks.
• Site Maintenance: Assist with repairs and maintenance.
• Early/Late Duties: Help with litter picking, unlocking the Visitor Centre, and watering plants.

Additional Responsibilities

• Training and Safety: Complete an interview, induction, and training on health and safety.
• Professionalism: Represent Dorset Council and maintain its good reputation.
• Other Duties: You may be given other reasonable tasks.

Requirements

• Clothing: Wear clothes that might get dirty. T-shirts and badges will be provided. Wear sturdy shoes (no sandals). PPE, waterproofs, and sun protection will be provided, but be prepared to work in all weather conditions.
• Working Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday to Sunday.
• Food: Bring a packed lunch and drinks in a bag you can carry around.
• Travel: You’ll need to arrange your own transport to and from the park each day.
• Mobile Phones: You can bring your phone but only use it during breaks for personal time.