Biodiversity Ranger

Children's Social Care, Wokingham; Hurst; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking a Biodiversity Ranger to join their Countryside Service team. The role focuses on biodiversity conservation, habitat management, and supporting ecological projects across various countryside sites. Candidates must have a relevant qualification, experience in habitat management, and excellent organizational skills. The position offers a salary between £36,363 - £39,862 per annum, along with numerous employee benefits including generous leave and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Generous annual leave of up to 33 days

Local government pension scheme

Employee assistance programme

Onsite gym access

Salary sacrifice schemes

Qualifications

• Qualification in ecology, conservation, countryside management or a related field.
• Practical experience in habitat management and wildlife surveying.
• Ability to record data and produce clear reports.

Responsibilities

• Deliver biodiversity and habitat surveys for site management.
• Implement meadow management and conservation tasks.
• Support funding and grant opportunities.

Skills

Ecology expertise

Wildlife surveying

Habitat management

Organizational skills

Data recording

Education

Qualification in ecology, conservation, or related field

Job description

Employer: Wokingham Borough Council

Salary: Grade 7 £36,363 - £39,862 Per Annum, Plus Benefits

Location: Dinton Pastures Country Park, Davis Street, Hurst, Wokingham, RG10 0TH

Contract: Permanent

Working Pattern: Full Time

Hours: 37 hours per week.

DBS Check: Enhanced

Closing Date: 01/02/2026 at 23:30

Reference: 713325

We have an exciting opportunity available for a motivated and experienced Biodiversity Ranger, to join us as key members of the Countryside Service team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full-time, Permanent basis.

Location: Based at Dinton Pastures Country Park, working across Wokingham Borough Council’s 35+ countryside, parks and public open space sites.

Protect nature. Restore habitats. Make space for wildlife to thrive.

Healthy countryside doesn’t happen by accident. Meadows need managing, habitats need monitoring, and good data is essential to making the right decisions for wildlife and people.

About The Role

This is a hands-on, specialist role focused on supporting biodiversity conservation and habitat management across the council’s countryside estate. Working under the direction of the Countryside Officer (Operations), you will help deliver surveying, reporting and land management that underpin effective site management and Biodiversity Net Gain outcomes.

You will carry out wildlife and habitat surveys, maintain monitoring systems and produce reports that inform management plans and funding bids. Alongside this, you’ll deliver practical habitat management, including meadow management, grazing arrangements and wider estate tasks, working closely with colleagues, contractors and external partners.

The role combines fieldwork, data handling and coordination, with opportunities to shape how biodiversity projects are delivered across a diverse portfolio of sites. You’ll also support and supervise Estate Rangers and seasonal staff, contributing to a collaborative and skilled ranger service.

This role suits someone who is organised, knowledgeable and motivated by achieving real outcomes for wildlife through a balance of practical delivery and informed planning.

Benefits

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

• ⭐ A generous annual leave entitlement of 28 days (rising to 33 days after 5 years continued local government service), plus Bank Holidays
• ⭐ Enrolment to an excellent local government pension scheme
• ⭐ An employee assistance programme including 24/7 wellbeing helpline
• ⭐ A range of local & lifestyle discounts
• ⭐ Use of a free onsite gym (located at Shute End office)
• ⭐ Salary sacrifice car & cycle to work schemes
• ⭐ And much more!

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver biodiversity and habitat surveys, monitoring and reporting to support site management and Biodiversity Net Gain objectives.
• Implement meadow and habitat management, including grazing agreements, hay cutting and practical conservation tasks.
• Maintain and manage site infrastructure that supports conservation, such as stock fencing, gates and access features.
• Work with contractors, farmers, graziers and partner organisations to deliver biodiversity and land management projects.
• Support funding and grant opportunities, contributing to applications and project delivery where appropriate.

Candidate Requirements

Essential Skills & Experience

• Qualification in ecology, conservation, countryside management or a related field
• Practical experience in habitat management and wildlife surveying
• Ability to record data and produce clear reports and management information
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience delivering Biodiversity Net Gain or grant-funded conservation projects
• Knowledge of meadow management, grazing systems and livestock fencing
• Experience working with contractors, farmers or external partners
• Competence with machinery and power tools
• Experience supervising staff or volunteers

Our Area

Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.

We’re home to a range of high performing schools including 69 primary and 21 secondary, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. We have a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

Simon Bartlam, Countryside Officer Operations

Closing Date

Sunday 1st February 2026

Interview Date

TBC

How to apply

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

Important Information

Applications will be reviewed on a daily basis and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

This role requires proof of right to work in the UK and satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks including DBS.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.