Countryside Ranger (Recreation)

• Core_Job_Description_Countryside_Ranger__Recreation_

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

We have an exciting opportunity available for a motivated and experienced Countryside Ranger (Recreation), to join us as a key member of the Dinton Pastures Country Park team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full-time, Permanent Contract.

Based at Dinton Pastures Country Park, working across Wokingham Borough Council’s 35+ countryside, parks and public open space sites.

Make nature welcoming, safe and unforgettable. Great outdoor places don’t manage themselves. Paths wear, signs fade, play spaces age, and visitor infrastructure needs constant care to stay safe, accessible and inviting.

As our Countryside Ranger (Recreation), you’ll play a key role in delivering the day-to-day management of the facilities and infrastructure that support recreation across the borough’s countryside estate. From play areas and paths to car parks and site furniture, your work will help ensure every site feels well maintained, safe and ready for the thousands of people who enjoy our green spaces each year

About the Role

This is a hands-on, operational role focused on supporting the safe, effective and welcoming management of the borough’s countryside sites. Working under the direction of the Countryside Officer (Operations), you will help deliver the infrastructure and facilities that enable high-quality recreation across a diverse and expanding portfolio of sites.

You will oversee day-to-day maintenance and site operations, support and supervise Duty Rangers, and work alongside staff and volunteers to ensure tasks are delivered consistently and efficiently across multiple locations. The role combines practical, on-site problem solving with coordination of planned maintenance, asset monitoring and contractor-led works.

Working closely with colleagues, you will help ensure that play areas, paths, car parks, public facilities and visitor information are well maintained and presented to a high standard. You will also contribute to the ongoing development of recreation services by supporting events and commercial activity, and by feeding into longer-term planning for infrastructure, accessibility and visitor experience.

This role suits someone who enjoys balancing practical outdoor work with organisation and coordination, and who is comfortable taking ownership of day-to-day delivery while working within a clear management structure in a public-facing countryside setting.

Benefits:

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

⭐ A generous annual leave entitlement of 28 days (rising to 33 days after 5 years continued local government service), plus Bank Holidays

⭐ Enrolment to an excellent local government pension scheme

⭐ An employee assistance programme including 24/7 wellbeing helpline

⭐ A range of local & lifestyle discounts

⭐ Use of a free onsite gym (located at Shute End office)

⭐ Salary sacrifice car & cycle to work schemes

⭐ And much more!

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support Duty Rangers, staff and volunteers in delivering day-to-day site operations to consistent standards.
• Maintain visitor infrastructure and facilities, including play areas, paths, car parks, toilets, signage and site furniture.
• Coordinate asset maintenance and contractor works across countryside sites.
• Ensure visitor information and interpretation are accurate, clear and well presented.
• Support service improvements, events and recreational activities, contributing to more efficient and accessible countryside sites.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Qualification in countryside management, recreation, land management or a related field
• Practical experience in estate, parks or countryside maintenance
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills
• Experience supervising or supporting staff and/or volunteers
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Play area inspection qualifications (e.g. RPII)
• Experience managing contractors and planned maintenance programmes
• Competence with machinery and power tools (e.g. mowers, strimmers, basic repairs)
• Understanding of commercial activity within public outdoor spaces
• Experience working with inspection, risk or asset management systems

Our Area:

Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.

We’re home to a range of high performing schools including 69 primary and 21 secondary, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. We have a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

If you’re interested in this exciting opportunity, click the link below and apply today!

Closing date: 11pm, Sunday 18th January 2026
Interview date: W/C 26th January 2026

For an informal discussion, please contact: Simon Bartlam simon.bartlam@wokingham.gov.uk

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive daily, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.