Countryside Ranger (Recreation)

Wokingham Borough Council; England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the United Kingdom is seeking a motivated Countryside Ranger to join their Dinton Pastures Country Park team. The role involves overseeing day-to-day management of recreational facilities, ensuring they are safe and welcoming. Applicants should have qualifications in countryside management and practical experience in outdoor maintenance. The position offers a full-time, permanent contract, with benefits including generous leave, pension, and onsite facilities.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Local government pension scheme

Employee assistance programme

Onsite gym

Salary sacrifice schemes

Qualifications

• Practical experience in estate, parks or countryside maintenance.
• Full UK driving licence is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead site operations and support Duty Rangers.
• Maintain visitor infrastructure and facilities.
• Coordinate asset maintenance and contractor works.

Skills

Organisational skills

Problem-solving skills

Supervising staff and volunteers

Education

Qualification in countryside management or related field

Tools

Machinery and power tools

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity available for a motivated and experienced Countryside Ranger (Recreation), to join us as a key member of the Dinton Pastures Country Park team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full-time, Permanent Contract.

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

Make nature welcoming, safe and unforgettable. Great outdoor places don’t manage themselves. Paths wear, signs fade, play spaces age, and visitor infrastructure needs constant care to stay safe, accessible and inviting.

As our Countryside Ranger (Recreation), you’ll play a key role in delivering the day-to-day management of the facilities and infrastructure that support recreation across the borough’s countryside estate. From play areas and paths to car parks and site furniture, your work will help ensure every site feels well maintained, safe and ready for the thousands of people who enjoy our green spaces each year.

About the Role

This is a hands‑on, operational role focused on supporting the safe, effective and welcoming management of the borough’s countryside sites. Working under the direction of the Countryside Officer (Operations), you will help deliver the infrastructure and facilities that enable high‑quality recreation across a diverse and expanding portfolio of sites.

You will oversee day‑to‑day maintenance and site operations, support and supervise Duty Rangers, and work alongside staff and volunteers to ensure tasks are delivered consistently and efficiently across multiple locations. The role combines practical, on‑site problem solving with coordination of planned maintenance, asset monitoring and contractor‑led works.

Working closely with colleagues, you will help ensure that play areas, paths, car parks, public facilities and visitor information are well maintained and presented to a high standard. You will also contribute to the ongoing development of recreation services by supporting events and commercial activity, and by feeding into longer‑term planning for infrastructure, accessibility and visitor experience.

This role suits someone who enjoys balancing practical outdoor work with organisation and coordination, and who is comfortable taking ownership of day‑to‑day delivery while working within a clear management structure in a public‑facing countryside setting.

Benefits

• ⭐ 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

• Lead and support Duty Rangers, staff and volunteers in delivering day‑to‑day site operations to consistent standards.
• Maintain visitor infrastructure and facilities, including play areas, paths, car parks, toilets, signage and site furniture.
• Coordinate asset maintenance and contractor works across countryside sites.
• Ensure visitor information and interpretation are accurate, clear and well presented.
• Support service improvements, events and recreational activities, contributing to more efficient and accessible countryside sites.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Qualification in countryside management, recreation, land management or a related field
• Practical experience in estate, parks or countryside maintenance
• Strong organisational and problem‑solving skills
• Experience supervising or supporting staff and / or volunteers
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Play area inspection qualifications (e.g. RPII)
• Experience managing contractors and planned maintenance programmes
• Competence with machinery and power tools (e.g. mowers, strimmers, basic repairs)
• Understanding of commercial activity within public outdoor spaces
• Experience working with inspection, risk or asset management systems

Our Area

Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of 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.

If you’re interested in this exciting opportunity, click the link below and apply today!