Country Park Ranger - Work Experience Durlston

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

Job summary

A local government agency in Swanage is offering a work experience placement for students, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in visitor services, engagement, and conservation tasks. This opportunity includes working for 37 hours a week with flexible hours. Ideal for anyone looking to build confidence and learn new skills while contributing to community services.

Qualifications

• Ability to follow instructions and take responsibility for learning.
• Must be adaptable to various tasks and work environments.
• Willingness to engage with the public and represent the council's values.

Responsibilities

• Assist with visitor services and customer care tasks.
• Help in organizing events and nature education activities.
• Participate in conservation and park maintenance duties.

Skills

Communication

Customer service

Teamwork

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.

Further Information

Who can apply?

We welcome everyone, including students, unemployed individuals, and those looking to change careers. We aim to support the local community by offering valuable work experience opportunities.

What will be expected of you

• follow all council rules and health and safety guidelines
• take responsibility for your learning and ask for help when needed
• follow instructions from your placement manager
• attend work at the agreed times during your placement
• stay motivated and make the most of this opportunity to show what you can do

About You

What you will gain from a work experience placement

• confidence: get used to the workplace and build your confidence
• new skills: learn new skills or improve the ones you already have
• networking: meet new people and make professional connections
• CV boost: show teamwork and customer service skills on your CV
• references: gain valuable references for future job applications
• share skills: use your unique skills to help our team

About Us

At Dorset Council, we’re passionate about making Dorset a great place to live, work, and visit. Working for us should be no exception. If you want to make a real difference in your community, a work experience placement with us is a great opportunity. Working in local government is rewarding and offers the chance to solve important challenges.

Why work with us?

• provide more than 450 services to over 300,000 residents
• have ambitious aspirations and are excited about our future
• care deeply about Dorset and all the people who live here
• know that all roles make a difference and that our employees are key to our success

Join us at Dorset Council and start making a difference in your community today.