Woodland Ranger

The Ernest Cook Trust; England; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational charity in the UK is seeking a Woodland Ranger primarily based in Gloucestershire. The role involves maintaining woodlands, managing public access paths, and collaborating with teams to enhance natural environments. Candidates should have experience in woodland management, wildlife control, and be able to work collaboratively with volunteers. This position offers a salary between £27,000 and £31,000, with an emphasis on seasonal responsibilities. Closing date for applications is February 8, 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience in woodland management and habitat conservation.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teams and volunteers.
• Knowledge of wildlife management practices.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and enhance the natural environment across Home Estates.
• Implement woodland management and habitat strategies.
• Ensure public footpaths remain clear and accessible.

Skills

Woodland management

Wildlife management

Public engagement

Team collaboration

Job description

Salary: £27,000 - £31,000

Hours: 08:00 to 16:30 Monday - Thursday, 08:00 to 15:30 Friday

Location: This role is primarily based at our Home Estates in Gloucestershire (Filkins, Hatherop, Barnsley & Fairford). This role will be operating from our new Estate Yard near Quenington

The Ernest Cook Trust is a landowning organisation and an educational charity - one of the UK’s foremost providers and funders of Outdoor Learning. We see a future where land and lives enrich each other, a future where anyone can find their place, purpose and potential through connections to thriving land.

The Role

The Woodland Ranger will play a key role in maintaining and enhancing the natural environment across the Home Estates, with responsibilities that shift seasonally. During the winter months, the primary focus will be on woodland management and tree safety, while the summer months will involve vegetation management and mowing.

The Woodland Ranger will work closely with the Estates team to ensure the effective implementation of woodland and habitat management plans, as well as maintaining public access to footpaths and bridleways across the estates and works required at tenanted properties. The Woodland Ranger will also provide support to third-party contractors and stakeholders on-site as required.

Main Accountabilities:

Woodland Management and forest habitats

• Support the implementation of Woodland Management Plans and habitat management strategies to promote strong woodland compartments, biodiversity and ecological health.
• Wildlife management focusing on control of squirrel population, embracing technology and innovation
• Identify and assist with tree work and other tasks, using initiative and as directed by the Conservation and Woodland Manager

Access and Pathway Maintenance

• Review and maintain public footpaths to ensure they remain clear, accessible, and safe for use throughout the year.
• Respond to issues such as fallen trees, wind damage, and other environmental challenges that may impact estate access.
• Seek opportunities to engage with the public, welcome access and promote safe and responsible ways of doing so

Collaboration with wider teams

• Work closely with the wider estates team, property management teams, and the Trust as a whole, covering a broad area of land and river management tasks.
• Provide direct support to the Conservation & Woodland Manager, particularly with tree work and other conservation-related projects.
• Contribute to project working across the Trust, with a willingness to bring ideas and expertise to bear.
• Willing to lead and support volunteer working parties.

Closing Date Sunday 8 February 2026 at 23:59

Interview Thursday 19 February 2026 at Fairford, Gloucestershire, GL7 4JH

For further information and to apply, pleaseclick here