Assistant Ranger

Job Description

Summary Rangers have been a part of the National Trust since the beginning, our place in the organisations future means that we need to think long term about how we look after our special places. As part of the wider Ranger team, we need you to think about our impacton the environment, and find better ways to do things. What its like to work here As part of the Strangford ranger team based at the Old Schoolhouse, Mount Stewart; you will assist with managing the Trusts portfolio of multiple sites across Strangford Lough and the Ards Peninsula, totalling over 5,000 ha of coast and countryside. StrangfordLough is the most heavily designated nature conservation site in Northern Ireland and is internationally important for its coast and marine natural heritage.The work is very varied and includes assisting with site maintenance, patrolling, risk compliance, practical habitat management, biological monitoring, invasive species control, managing public access and supervising volunteer groups.The ideal candidate will have a wide range of practical experience and appropriate certification in the use of chainsaws, brush-cutters/strimmers, knapsack sprayers, erection and repair of livestock fencing, gate hanging and the use of trailers. They willalso have an aptitude for and experience in construction and joinery. A genuine interest in the countryside and natural history is desirable.A current, valid driving licence would be essential to fulfil the requirements of the post.An important element of the role will be engaging with the large numbers of people who visit our outdoor sites each year; with almost a million visitors per annum across the whole property group. What youll be doing With your endless passion for our work, youll help with the protection and care of habitats, wildlife, property and machinery, and your passion will inspire other to love this beautiful place as much as you do. We want you to engage with visitors, makingtime to talk to them, not rushing away to the next task. As an easily identifiable member of the Ranger team, on your best day you will be creating lasting memories for everyone.So whether youre maintaining our green spaces to assisting with guided visitor walks, through to delivering a wide range of engaging visitor experiences, no two days will be the same. Youll also share and promote the work that we do here, ensuring specialplaces like these are here to be both protected and enjoyed by everyone for ever. This will see you responding to queries and explaining the value of the work being undertaken. After all, your passion and dedication could fire the imagination that makes avisitor become a supporter for the rest of their life.Please also read the full role profile, attached to this advert. Who were looking for To deliver this role successfully, youll need to:

• Demonstrate a willingness to work alongside volunteers and be able to support them to perform at their best

• Have a commitment to customer service standards and experience of its delivery

• Demonstrate a passion for nature and the outdoors

• Have good written and verbal communication skills

• Have good people skills enabling strong relationships externally and internally, to be built and maintained

And youll need to demonstrate the following experience on your CV;

• Practical experience in land, conservation and access management, to level 2 (or equivalent level of vocational experience)

• Some experience of delivering engagement activities that help build or strengthen visitors connections with nature and the outdoors

• Familiarity with machinery/equipment and practical certificates as required by the property

The package The National Trust has the motto For everyone, for ever at its heart. Were working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. Its important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audienceswe serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say were for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.Wherever youre from, and whatever your background, we want to hear from youand it doesnt matter if youre jam first, cream first, or even if you dont like scones at all. Everyone is welcome.Benefits for working at the National Trust include:

• Flexible working whenever possible

• Free parking at most locations

• Free entry to our properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

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