Ranger

National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Substantial pension up to 10%

Free entry to National Trust places

Season ticket loan

EV car lease scheme

Perks at work discounts

Holiday allowance up to 32 days

Flexible working

Employee assistance programme

Free parking

Job summary

The National Trust in Plymouth is seeking a Ranger on a fixed-term contract (37.5 hours/week) to protect and enhance wildlife habitats and engage local communities. Based at Poole Farm in Derriford, you will work within PCC’s Natural Environment Service and contribute to nature-based projects in Plymouth and South Devon.

You will plan field schedules, lead volunteer sessions, and conduct ecological surveys, with training provided and a focus on professional development.

Qualifications

• Hands-on conservation experience.
• Engages with communities, explains conservation projects.
• Adheres to health and safety guidelines and risk assessments.
• Holds a full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver elements of our practical schedule including machine and hand tool use.
• Lead regular hands-on volunteer sessions with external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with partner projects and PCC Natural Infrastructure Officers.
• Carry out ecological surveys and assessments to monitor biodiversity and habitat condition.

Skills

Hands-on conservation experience

Community engagement

Safety practices

Willingness to learn

Education

Relevant machinery certifications

Job description

Fixed Term f/t (37.5 hrs pw to 31/03/29)

Plymouth

4.2 mi from Plymouth

Ends: Oct 11th

Ref: IRC179806

Ranger 27,612 pa

Fixed Term f/t (37.5 hrs pw to 31/03/29)

Plymouth

4.2 mi from Plymouth

Ends: Oct 11th

Ref: IRC179806

1 found

Summary

The National Trust's commitment is "For everyone, for ever." Bringing that promise to life starts with the people that work here. It means building teams with a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. It means creating an inclusive environment where everyone is able to thrive.

Our roles are open to all. However, we particularly welcome applications from people of colour and people of the global majority because they are underrepresented at the Trust.

As a Ranger, you’re a champion of nature conservation and the great outdoors, and you’ll play a crucial role in keeping the nation’s beloved countryside and coast in good shape, for wildlife and for people.

You’ll be based at Poole Farm in Derriford, Plymouth; a hub for green recovery, and home to a successful urban Beaver project located within Derriford Community Park.

Salary: £27,612 per annum

Contract: Fixed term contract until31-Mar-2029

Hours/ working pattern: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, generally working Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm, with occasional working outside of core hours for activities happening during evenings, weekends or bank holidays. You’ll be embedded and managed within PCC’s Natural Environment Service.

Interviews: 20th & 21stOctober 2026

See the additional information for details and requirements for this role and for more information please contact Matt Bastyan: [e-mail]

What it's like to work here

Plymouth Natural Grid project, alongside the Green Communities project, are within the Urban Pioneer Partnership (UPP); a long-term collaboration between Plymouth City Council (PCC) and National Trust (NT) aimed at enhancing urban green spaces and implementing nature-based solutions.

Expanding our Nature Returns project works in partnership with Natural England, we’re continuing to enhance & monitor our Local Nature Reserves, County Wildlife Sites & green spaces in Plymouth and South Devon with a focus on nature-based solutions to climate change; offering opportunities to develop projects & get involved with our active local community alongside our People & Nature Thriving strategy.

What you'll be doing

Line managed by the Area Ranger, you’ll be passionate about enhancing places for wildlife and people. You’ll confidently plan and deliver elements of our practical schedule including machine and hand tool use; completing tasks to a high standard.

The Ranger team are an important link between our local communities; you’ll be responsible for developing relationships with Friends Of groups, including community building with a variety of external stakeholders.

You’ll take a lead in planning and delivering regular hands-on volunteer sessions; collaborating closely with partner projects and PCC Natural Infrastructure Officers, you’ll ensure that activities are well‑documented for project reporting and future development.

Monitoring and understanding our landscapes is essential to our work. In this role, you’ll carry out ecological surveys and assessments to monitor changes in biodiversity, species and habitat condition.

We value opportunities for personal and professional development, supported by a training budget to help you enhance your skills and thrive in your role.

Who we're looking for

We’re looking for someone who;

Has hands‑on experience in practical conservation, dedicated to protecting and enhancing natural habitats and landscapes including maintaining publ

Enjoys engaging with communities, sharing insights about conservation projects, and explaining their importance

Is hard‑working, enthusiastic, and keen to continue learning.

Works safely by writing / following risk assessments and adhering to health and safety guidelines.

Can confidently operate machinery and equipment, holding relevant certifications.

Holds a full UK driving licence.

The package

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.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
• 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

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.

The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here.

Safeguarding Statement

The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment processes to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.