Lead Ranger - Buckingham

National Trust; Buckingham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A heritage conservation organization in North Buckinghamshire is seeking a Lead Ranger to lead a team in improving habitats and landscapes. The successful candidate will develop nature-focused plans and manage volunteers and contractors, helping to achieve conservation goals. Strong leadership, conservation knowledge, and communication skills are essential for this role in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Substantial pension scheme

Free entry to National Trust places

Rental deposit loan scheme

EV car lease scheme

Flexible working opportunities

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Experience in managing land and nature conservation.
• Ability to manage and lead a team effectively.
• Knowledgeable and enthusiastic about working with people.

Responsibilities

• Lead the improvement of habitats and historic landscapes.
• Manage projects to create new habitats.
• Develop nature-focused plans at various National Trust sites.
• Promote our work to existing and new audiences.

Skills

Leadership and People Management

Conservation and Land Management

Visitor Experience and Engagement

Risk Management and Compliance

Financial and Contract Management

Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement

Planning and Strategic Contribution

Job description

Important Notice

In line with our redeployment policy, we'll prioritise applications from employees who are under formal notice of redundancy.

Lead Ranger – North Buckinghamshire

We're looking for a Lead Ranger in North Buckinghamshire. You’d be leading a team of rangers and volunteers, and helping to shape and achieve the National Trust’s plans for land and nature.

What it’s like to work here

The beauty of Stowe and the surrounding area has attracted visitors for over 300 years. Designed by some of the most important landscape designers such as Capability Brown, the grade 1 garden and park today gives an opportunity for nature to thrive and people to explore. The wider portfolio includes Claydon House, a medieval tower and duck decoy at Boarstall, Long Crendon Courthouse and Buckingham Chantry Chapel. Along with the friendly team, this area is a great place to work and for people to engage with their passion for nature.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll lead the work to improve the condition of the habitats and historic landscapes we look after, and you’ll manage projects to create new habitats. You’ll be part of the conversations to develop nature‑focused plans at various National Trust sites. As part of a small team, you’ll be adaptable and able to step in to help wherever your expertise is needed. You’ll build strong working relationships with our tenants and graziers. You’ll lead the ranger and volunteer teams from the front, supporting them in their practical work and developing their skills. You’ll also take on and manage contractors where needed. You’ll be thinking about the future, helping to bring our nature conservation ambitions to life. And you’ll be talking to a wide range of people and organisations, promoting our work to existing and new audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead the improvement of habitats and historic landscapes.
• Manage projects to create new habitats.
• Develop nature‑focused plans at various National Trust sites.
• Adaptably support the team wherever expertise is needed.
• Build strong working relationships with tenants and graziers.
• Lead ranger and volunteer teams, supporting and developing their skills.
• Take on and manage contractors where necessary.
• Drive forward the National Trust’s nature conservation ambitions.
• Promote our work to existing and new audiences.

Who we’re looking for

Applications from redeployed employees are assessed against the minimum criteria for the role. In your application, please provide details of how you meet the minimum criteria below:

• Leadership and People Management
• Conservation and Land Management
• Visitor Experience and Engagement
• Risk Management and Compliance
• Financial and Contract Management
• Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement
• Planning and Strategic Contribution
• A good manager of people, able to lead a team to achieve their goals
• Experienced in managing land, nature conservation and access for people
• Enthusiastic, knowledgeable and inspiring, someone who’s happy to work with people of all ages and backgrounds, including volunteers
• Familiar with health and safety and compliance requirements related to countryside activities
• Organised and self‑motivated, able to manage a fast‑paced workload with competing demands on your time
• Confident in managing budgets, finances and contracts.

Benefits

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust places

The National Trust is committed to promoting and preserving those places of natural beauty and historic interest for which it has the privilege to be responsible for the benefit of the nation, for everyone for ever.

The Trust is proud of what has been achieved over the last 126 years and is determined to maintain those high standards of conservation, stewardship and curatorial care for which it has been recognised throughout the world. Its achievements have enabled the general public and the Trust’s members and visitors to enjoy and appreciate the countryside, coastline, gardens, historic buildings and collections, all of which encapsulate so much of the history of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. There is a duty to tell that history in a complete, balanced and accurate way, and without judgement. The National Trust continues as a guardian of the past, and for the future, to uphold its duty to maintain and enhance what has been entrusted to its care.
The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.