Community Engagement Ranger

Hampshire County Council; Basingstoke; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council authority in Basingstoke seeks a Community Engagement Ranger to develop volunteer programs for public rights of way. The role involves partnership development, project management, and community engagement. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree, experience in public engagement, and excellent communication skills. A full driving license is required, and the position offers a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Minimum 24 days holiday

Local government pension scheme

Interest-free travel loans

Qualifications

• Full driving licence required
• Confidence in producing reports and work plans
• Experience supervising staff or volunteers

Responsibilities

• Develop partnerships with user groups and organizations
• Coordinate volunteer activities on public rights of way
• Manage small-scale projects and maintain records

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Proven experience in public engagement

Strong IT skills

Knowledge of risk assessments

Education

Degree or equivalent experience in relevant subject

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Social media platforms

Job description

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Community Engagement Ranger

Job Reference: HCC621846
Salary Range: £27,780 – £30,564 per annum
Work Location: Basing House, Old Basing
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 29 August 2025
Interview Date: 17 & 18 September 2025

The Role:

Hampshire County Council's Access Team is recruiting for a new Community Engagement Ranger to develop programmes of work for volunteers who help maintain and improve Hampshire’s rights of way network. Covering the North West of the County, you will develop, coordinate and support a programme of activities on public rights of way, working with a variety of user groups and stakeholders to develop partnerships and build opportunities for local communities to improve access to the countryside. With significant experience of public engagement in a countryside related discipline, you will be confident in communicating with members of the public via multiple channels, including social media and have an understanding of funding applications.

You will be expected to lead practical volunteer tasks on public rights of way throughout the area, working both independently and alongside the area ranger team and have a flexible approach to your work.

A full, clean driving licence is required for this role along with access to your own vehicle.

What you’ll do:

• Develop partnerships and engagement activities with user groups, parish councils, established volunteer groups and external organisations.
• Build opportunities for local communities and user groups to become engaged in volunteering to improve access to the countryside in accordance with CAP objectives.
• Identify potential grant and funding opportunities.
• Work with depot ranger team to ensure required materials are available for projects.
• Coordinate activities in accordance with CAP objectives
• Be the primary contact for all engagement activities relating to public rights of way.
• Celebrate the achievements of our volunteers via social media and use this as a tool to recruit more to the team.
• Contribute to the monthly volunteer newsletter.
• Manage small-scale projects and work packages.
• Maintain accurate up to date records of work completed using IT systems and portable devices.
• Maintain records to comply with Health and Safety and corporate requirements, including writing risk assessments for volunteer tasks.

What we’re looking for:

We’re looking for a confident and motivated individual with a passion for countryside engagement and public interaction. You’ll need:

• A full driving licence and the ability to travel as part of the role
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a diplomatic and tactful approach
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proven experience in public engagement within a countryside or conservation setting
• Strong IT skills (e.g. Word, Excel) and familiarity with social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram
• Confidence in producing reports and work plans
• A good understanding of Health & Safety policies, risk assessments, and relevant legislation
• A degree or equivalent experience in a relevant subject
• Previous experience in a similar countryside-related role
• Experience supervising staff or volunteers
• Knowledge of preparing and implementing risk assessments

Our Hampshire County Council authority provides high quality public services to over a million customers. Hampshire County Council is recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK. A modern, forward-looking local authority, it offers a pleasant, supportive, and collaborative working environment.

Our benefits package includes a minimum 24 days holiday and also bank holidays (pro-rata) on top of your annual leave entitlement. It also includes local government pension scheme, family friendly policies and interest free travel loans and discounts. We offer a flexible, motivating and inclusive workplace. We have created an environment that you can look forward to being a part of, where you are empowered to be your best and a workplace built on teamwork where people can grow and develop in their roles.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.