Country Park Ranger - Work Experience Durlston

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

Job summary

A local government organization is offering a placement in Swanage for students to gain real work experience in conservation and visitor services. The role includes welcoming visitors, assisting with events, and performing conservation tasks, all within a 37-hour workweek. Previous clothing and transport preparations are necessary, with flexibility in working hours. This role is ideal for those looking to build confidence and skills in a professional environment.

Qualifications

• Wear clothes that might get dirty.
• Be prepared to work in all weather conditions.
• Flexible working hours between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Responsibilities

• Welcome visitors and provide helpful information.
• Assist with events planning and preparation.
• Use hand tools for conservation tasks.
• Complete training and safety inductions.
• Represent the council professionally.

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 Park,Durlston
• 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 session

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.