Assistant Ranger

Purpose 

Are you passionate about the natural environment? Do you strive to make a difference?

With a love for the great outdoors, you’ll enjoy working with nature and want to inspire and motivate others. You’ll help to make habitats for wildlife better and make everyone feel welcome at our sites. You’ll be responsible for the day-to-day estates' communal outdoor areas, maintaining the attractiveness of the estate whilst positively contributing to the protection and enhancement of the natural environment.

You will be based at our Botton Community and be responsible for work across the Northern sites, including Larchfield and The Croft, as part of the Land Services Team. This is a great opportunity to contribute to the important work we’re doing. As part of the Land Services Team, you’ll need to think about our impact on the environment and how you can help.

You will contribute to the natural environment land management work programme in the region with the aim of:

• Conserving & enhancing wildlife habitats, natural resources and features of historic interest.
• Conserving landscape and visual amenity and facilitating appropriate public access.
• Increasing public, employee and residents' awareness, understanding and enjoyment of the natural environment

Locations & Travel

Community Based

This role will be based at our Grange Village and Oaklands Park sites in Newnham-on-Severn. You must be able to travel to these locations. There will be travel required between locations as part of your role.

Duties & Responsibilities

This is a hands-on role which will require a flexible work approach. The job is based outdoors in all weathers and will be physically demanding.

As an Assistant Countryside Ranger you will:

• Undertake grounds maintenance as directed, including, for example, leaf collection, gritting, grass cutting, strimming, spraying, drain jetting / pumping, drainage repairs, fencing, walling, hedge laying, tree planting, weeding, pruning, cleaning gutters/sheds, snow clearance, minor building repairs and painting.
• Implement maintenance works within the grounds or buildings as instructed.
• Assist with production/delivery of firewood and woodchip.
• Undertake machinery maintenance and keep all machinery, equipment and premises clean and tidy.
• Adhere to the charities health & safety policies and procedures.
• Delivery of Work Programmes as directed by the Countryside Ranger to deliver practical work programmes to enhance the Trust’s Natural Capital to include:
  • Habitat improvements.
  • Habitat maintenance.
  • Land infrastructure such as drainage, hedges, walls and fences.
  • Nature recovery projects.
• Lead and supervise volunteers in the practical delivery of agreed work programmes.
• To ensure all health & safety, COSHH and other legislative and regulatory stipulations and conditions are complied with, including all site risk assessments, safe working practices and staff training.
• When required work with the Trust’s agricultural & horticultural staff regarding the management, movement and supervision of Trust livestock to maintain high standards of animal welfare and husbandry.
• Provide practical assistance to other Trust departments, as required.
• To be involved with and take pride in the wider estate management and visual appearance.
• Ensure safe operation, maintenance and cleaning of equipment, machinery, and vehicles. Carry out essential maintenance work, equipment checks, including daily and routine maintenance and duties as trained to do so.
• To drive and be responsible for a company vehicle when required and in accordance with health and safety and fleet policy and driver's handbook, including conducting weekly vehicle checks.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Desirable

• A certificate of competence or higher for tractor operation is desirable.
• Formal qualification in bush cutter use, CS30 & CS31 chainsaw operation, ATV use.
• Land based higher education qualification.

Knowledge & Experience

• Significant experience in relevant land, conservation and grounds maintenance work.
• Experience of countryside management.
• Experience of grounds maintenance equipment operation and maintenance.
• Full driving licence essential. Trailer (BE) would be an advantage.
• Experienced tractor operator (desirable).

Key Competencies

• You will have great attention to detail and be able to manage your workload with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work in an organised, efficient and responsible manner.
• Practical countryside management skills and a demonstrable aptitude for a practical role.
• Ability to supervise, support and motivate volunteers.
• Able to operate machinery safely and effectively, and understand maintenance requirements.
• Good communication skills; the ability to communicate effectively with people of all ages and backgrounds.
• Willing to work with, engage, and be sympathetic to the wider team managing a traditional estate
• Able to understand and deliver on clear strategic aims as communicated via the Trust/estate management team.
• This is a practical hands-on role where you will need to be comfortable working on-site outdoors within all weather conditions.
• You will work with the best interests of the charity at the heart of all you do and seek the best land management techniques you can.
• You should be comfortable working alongside contractors and colleagues.

Please note that this is a zero hours position and the weekly hours may vary.

Camphill Village Trust is an equal opportunity employer.

Camphill Village Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all adults who use our services and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant pre-employment checks including a DBS check.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive a sufficient number of applications.