Senior Ranger - Central

Dorset Council UK; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Dorset Council UK is seeking a Senior Countryside Ranger to lead the Greenspace team in Dorset’s countryside, overseeing public rights of way, nature reserves and roadside verges to improve access, biodiversity and everyday enjoyment for residents and visitors.

You will manage staff, volunteers and contractors, shape access improvements, secure external funding, and work with communities and landowners to deliver long‑lasting, meaningful change while maintaining health and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Qualified in countryside management or substantial sector experience.
• Proven experience managing teams, budgets, and projects.
• Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills.
• Full manual driving licence and ability to travel across Dorset.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and health and safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a team of staff, volunteers and contractors to deliver daily operations.
• Shape Dorset’s countryside by delivering 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!

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Problem solving

Education

Countryside management qualification

Tools

Mapping software

Databases

Microsoft Office

Job description

Are you passionate about Dorset’s natural environment and motivated by improving how people access the countryside?

Join our Greenspace team as a Senior Countryside Ranger and play a key role in shaping how residents and visitors experience Dorset’s countryside. Whether it’s the South West Coast Path National Trail, a woodland walk, or Dorset’s rich mosaic of open landscapes, your work will support access, improve biodiversity, and have a positive daily impact on people who live, work, and visit Dorset.

What’s In It For You

As a Senior Countryside Ranger, you’ll lead on the improvement and maintenance of Dorset’s public rights of way network, helping people safely enjoy access to the coast and countryside. You’ll also manage countryside sites and roadside verges, and deliver projects that promote safe, sustainable and inclusive outdoor experiences.

You Will

• 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.

What You Can Expect To Be Doing

You’ll be responsible for a geographical area within Dorset, managing public rights of way, roadside verges, nature reserves and much more.

Key Tasks Include

• 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.

About You

We’re looking for someone with:

• 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.

You’ll need to be a confident communicator, able to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and represent Dorset Council professionally. An Enhanced Basic DBS check is required prior to appointment.

We’re looking for someone with a strong background in countryside management and a passion for leading positive …??>l