Coastal Habitat Lead Ranger

National Trust; Orford, Dunwich; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Trust is seeking a Senior Ranger to lead the countryside team across Orford Ness and Dunwich Heath. This hands-on leadership role shapes habitat management, ecological monitoring and public engagement across two iconic coastal landscapes.

You’ll line-manage one Ranger and 2.5 FTE external posts, manage budgets and contracts, and collaborate with partners and volunteers to deliver conservation, access and visitor experiences.

Qualifications

• A relevant Level 4 or 5 qualification, or equivalent practical experience.
• Confident leadership and staff and volunteer development skills.
• Substantial experience in countryside, conservation, access and land management.
• A track record in nature recovery and visitor-focused projects.
• Strong communication, engagement and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of habitat management, ecological monitoring, health and safety, and countryside compliance.
• Experience managing budgets, projects, contracts or grant-funded schemes.
• A full UK driving licence, as regular travel between sites is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and management of outdoor places across both sites, protecting their habitats, species and landscapes while providing safe, inspiring visitor experiences.
• Turn portfolio priorities into practical nature recovery programmes, including habitat management, ecological monitoring, species surveys, partnership projects and public engagement.
• Line-manage one Ranger and 2.5 FTE externally funded Ranger posts, while supporting volunteers involved in ecological monitoring, archaeological survey, visitor engagement and habitat management.
• Manage budgets, equipment, contractors and projects, support grant-funded work and stewardship schemes, and maintain high standards of health, safety and compliance.
• Build productive relationships with partners, communities and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Staff development

Conservation

Communication

Budgeting

Project coordination

Education

Level 4 or 5 qualification or equivalent experience

Job description

The National Trust is seeking a Senior Ranger to lead the countryside team across Orford Ness and Dunwich Heath. This hands-on leadership role shapes habitat management, ecological monitoring and public engagement across two iconic coastal landscapes.

You’ll line-manage one Ranger and 2.5 FTE external posts, manage budgets and contracts, and collaborate with partners and volunteers to deliver conservation, access and visitor experiences.