Estate Ranger

WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL; Wokingham; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Generous annual leave (25–30 days)

Employee discounts

Job summary

Wokingham Borough Council is seeking an enthusiastic Estate Ranger to join our Countryside Service on a full-time, permanent basis. The role covers 35+ sites in the borough, including country parks and nature reserves, with duties ranging from habitat management to safety inspections and supervising volunteers.

A full UK driving licence and practical outdoor experience are essential. You will engage with visitors, maintain paths and facilities, and support wildlife conservation projects, often

Qualifications

• Previous practical outdoor experience in countryside management, grounds maintenance, conservation or estate management.
• Genuine interest in countryside management and wildlife conservation.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel between sites.

Responsibilities

• Undertake practical countryside and estate management across Council sites, including mowing, strimming, fencing and habitat management.
• Maintain footpaths, play areas, facilities, signage and interpretation for safety and accessibility.
• Carry out regular safety inspections and report hazards or maintenance needs.
• Undertake reactive tree work and support woodland, habitat and wildlife projects.
• Supervise volunteers and assist with practical conservation activities.

Skills

Countryside management

Volunteer supervision

Safety inspections

Driving licence

Public engagement

Tools

Chainsaws

Brush cutters

Tractors

Trailers

Job description

We have an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and self-motivated Estate Ranger to join our friendly Countryside Service team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full-time, permanent basis.

Are you passionate about the countryside, wildlife and the great outdoors? We are looking for an enthusiastic and practical Estate Ranger to join our friendly Countryside Service team, based at Dinton Pastures Country Park. This is a varied and rewarding role where you will help maintain and enhance over 35 countryside sites across Wokingham Borough, including country parks, nature reserves, Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces (SANGs) and approximately 150 miles of public rights of way.

Working as part of our Countryside Service, you will undertake a wide range of practical estate management and conservation activities. Your work will help ensure our countryside sites are safe, accessible, attractive and enjoyable for residents and visitors.

You will be involved in habitat management, mowing, strimming, fencing, reactive tree work and maintaining footpaths, play areas and visitor facilities. You will also carry out safety inspections, install and maintain interpretation and signage, supervise volunteers and support a range of wildlife conservation projects.

As an Estate Ranger, you will be an important public-facing member of the team. You will regularly engage with visitors, providing a friendly and welcoming presence while encouraging people to enjoy our countryside responsibly.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys practical outdoor work, has a genuine interest in countryside management and is looking for a varied role where no two days are necessarily the same.

Applicants should enjoy working outdoors in all weather conditions and be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team. Good practical skills, a positive attitude and a friendly and helpful approach to visitors and volunteers are essential.

The role includes regular weekend working and occasional evenings, although a weekday-only working arrangement could be considered.

A full driving licence and previous practical outdoor experience are essential. Experience of using chainsaws, brush cutters, tractors and trailers would be desirable, although training and development opportunities will be provided to support the successful candidate.

• Undertake practical countryside and estate management activities across the Council's countryside sites, including mowing, strimming, fencing and habitat management.
• Maintain footpaths, play areas, visitor facilities, signage and interpretation to ensure sites remain safe, accessible and welcoming.
• Carry out regular safety inspections and report or respond to hazards, defects and maintenance requirements.
• Undertake reactive tree work and support wider woodland, habitat and wildlife conservation projects.
• Operate and maintain a range of grounds maintenance and countryside management equipment safely and in accordance with relevant procedures.
• Work alongside and supervise volunteers, supporting them to undertake practical conservation and estate management activities.
• Engage positively with residents and visitors, providing information and advice and promoting responsible use of the countryside.

We recognise that candidates may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support the preparation of their job applications. When used appropriately, AI can be a helpful aid in structuring responses, checking clarity, and improving presentation.

However, applications must reflect your own skills, experience and understanding. If an application appears to rely excessively on AI-generated content, it may not meet the required standard and could be rejected.

We encourage all applicants to ensure their submissions are authentic, tailored to the role, and clearly demonstrate their own knowledge, experience and suitability.

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.

• Previous practical outdoor experience, ideally within countryside management, grounds maintenance, conservation, estate management or a related environment.
• A genuine interest in countryside management, wildlife conservation and maintaining attractive and accessible outdoor spaces.
• A full UK driving licence and the ability to travel between countryside sites across the borough.
• Good practical skills, with the ability to work safely and effectively using a range of tools, machinery and equipment.
• A friendly, helpful and professional approach when working with members of the public, volunteers and colleagues.
• The ability to work independently, use initiative and contribute effectively as part of a team, including working outdoors in all weather conditions.

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, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it's a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

• Generous Annual Leave - 25-30 days per annum (rising by 5 days with 5 years continued local government service), plus Bank Holidays
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• GP Helpline - Available 7 days a week
• Employee Assistance Programme - Including a 24/7 Your Care Helpline
• Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines
• Free Onsite Gym - Located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes - Including Car and Cycle to Work schemes
• Local & Lifestyle Discounts - Save on shopping, entertainment, dining out & more
• Move through Menopause Course
• Sports & Social Group Activities - Including running, football, cricket & more
• Learning & Development Opportunities
• Employee Networks
• And more!