Senior Countryside Ranger

South East Employers; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority seeks a Senior Countryside Ranger to manage 579 hectares of natural green space. The ideal candidate will have considerable experience in habitat management and tools associated with conservation. Strong leadership skills and the ability to work independently are crucial. Additional benefits include a flexible working schedule and generous annual leave. The position is based in Eastleigh, with some weekend work as needed, and a competitive salary of £29,796 per year.

Benefits

26-29 days annual leave

Flexible rota system

Local Government Pension Scheme

Support for continuous professional development

Good work-life balance

Qualifications

• Considerable practical experience in a physically demanding countryside role.
• Sound knowledge and skills in habitat conservation techniques.
• Experience in managing equipment/materials resources.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and manage diverse natural green spaces.
• Oversee contractor works and ensure projects meet safety regulations.
• Supervise junior staff and coordinate volunteers.

Skills

Experience managing varied habitat types

Installation of stock fencing

Leadership and organizational skills

Knowledge of habitat conservation techniques

Ability to work independently

Education

Higher-level qualification in conservation

Tools

Chainsaws certification

Brush cutter certification

Herbicide application certification

Job description

• Full Time
• Eastleigh, Hampshire
• Posted 3 days ago
• £29,796 (Band 4) £ / Year
• Closes: 7 February 2026

Website Eastleigh Borough Council

Senior Countryside Ranger

Full-time – 37hrs per week

Permanent

Salary £29,796 (Band 4)

Our Countryside Team is responsible for maintaining 579 hectares of natural green space, made up of a variety of habitats across 32 Countryside sites. These include two Green Flag awarded Country Parks, a number of SSSIs & SINCs, and a portfolio of green strategic land parcels. The team is responsible for enabling safe public use of these sites, while protecting their diverse habitats. An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced and proactive individual to join us as a Senior Countryside Ranger, and at an exciting time for the service, following the acquisition of a considerable amount of new land.

It is expected that applicants will be accustomed to working outdoors and bring valuable skills from previous ranger type positions. Including: considerable experience managing varied habitat types and using standard tools and equipment; being adept at installing and maintaining stock fencing and a range of other public access infrastructure; being competent delivering work against stewardship prescriptions and in-line with management plans; having the ability to assess, plan and undertake tasks in a safe and timely manner, including overseeing Arb and Agricultural contractor works. You should also be familiar with establishing site-check regimes and coordinating subsequent work programmes and should possess strong leadership and organisational skills, being outgoing and having prior experience supervising junior staff and leading volunteers.

To facilitate the day-to-day work of the team, it is essential that you:

• hold a full driver’s licence.
• have considerable practical experience in a physically demanding countryside role(s) and in the use of grounds maintenance and conservation type tools, holding certification for the use of chainsaws, brush cutter and preferably herbicide application.
• can demonstrate sound knowledge and skills in habitat conservation techniques, and in delivering work against CS grant schemes. Including having practical experience of livestock fencing, working with graziers and in controlling invasive non-native species.
• have some experience in managing equipment/materials resources, record keeping and contractor supervision.
• have a working knowledge of workplace health and safety legislation.
• are able to work well independently and to a high standard.

Holding a higher-level qualification in a conservation type field is highly desirable. As would accreditation in first-aid, vehicle trailers B+E, driving 4×4 off road vehicles, and sit-astride ATVs.

Based at Itchen Valley Country Park, you will work across all our Countryside sites, with a standard working pattern of Monday to Friday, but with some flexibility for occasional weekend working (around 2 days a month), as and when the need arises.

Benefits

Eastleigh Borough Council is an ambitious and progressive council, recognised for our innovation and achievements, and proud of delivering high quality service to our visitors and the community. Additional staff benefits include:

• 26-29 days annual leave
• Flexible rota system
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Support for continuous professional development
• Good work life balance

For an informal discussion regarding this opportunity, please contact [e-mail]

Closing date: 7 February 2026

Interview date: To be confirmed

To apply for this job please visit eastleighxcd.my.site.com.