Senior Countryside Ranger: Lead Access & Nature Projects

Dorset Council; England; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training opportunities

Wellbeing support

Disability Confident Employer

Job summary

Dorset Council is seeking a Senior Countryside Ranger to lead on improving access to the coast and countryside, manage nature reserves and verges, and secure funding for projects. The role covers a geographical area in Dorset with a hands‑on mix of planning and fieldwork.

You will coordinate staff and volunteers, deliver site management, and ensure health and safety compliance while working with communities, landowners and partner organisations.

Qualifications

• A recognised qualification in countryside management, or substantial experience working within the sector.
• Proven experience in managing teams, budgets, and projects.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
• A full manual driving licence and the ability to travel across Dorset.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and health and safety practices.
• The ability to work flexibly, remain calm under pressure, and lead by example.
• Good computer literacy, including confidence using mapping software, databases, and Microsoft Office tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a dedicated team of staff, volunteers and contractors to deliver daily operations and long‑term improvements.
• Shape Dorset’s countryside by delivering strategic access improvements, managing nature reserves, and securing funding for impactful projects.
• Work closely with communities, landowners, and partner organisations to achieve long‑lasting, meaningful change.
• Manage budgets, develop income‑generating opportunities and secure external funding.
• Enjoy a balance of planning, problem‑solving and hands‑on work – rarely are two days ever the same!
• Benefit from Dorset Council’s supportive working culture, training opportunities, and commitment to wellbeing.
• You’ll be responsible for a geographical area within Dorset, managing public rights of way, roadside verges, nature reserves and much more.
• Coordinating staff, volunteers and contractors to deliver daily operations.
• Developing and delivering site and access management.
• Managing projects from start to finish, including procurement, budgets and reporting.
• Maintaining high standards of health and safety and environmental compliance.
• Responding to community feedback and liaising with stakeholders.

Skills

Team leadership

Budgets & projects management

Communication

Organisational skills

Full driving licence

Education

Countryside management qualification

Experience in countryside sector

Tools

Mapping software

Databases

Microsoft Office

Job description

Dorset Council is seeking a Senior Countryside Ranger to lead on improving access to the coast and countryside, manage nature reserves and verges, and secure funding for projects. The role covers a geographical area in Dorset with a hands‑on mix of planning and fieldwork.

You will coordinate staff and volunteers, deliver site management, and ensure health and safety compliance while working with communities, landowners and partner organisations.