Ranger

Job Description

Do you have an interest in the countryside? We are looking for a Ranger to join our Rights of Way and Countryside Team based in Heathfield and carrying out maintenance on public rights of way and countryside sites across East Sussex.

The job is very practical, necessitating the use of a wide range of tools and equipment and involving the construction of bridges, stiles and other structures, tree felling and the clearance of vegetation.

Frequent liaison with landowners and the public is involved, and the role also requires good map reading skills and a knowledge and understanding of health and safety procedures. Applicants should hold a full driving licence and be able to work outside in all weathers and regularly on rough terrain.

Our Rangers have a varied and ever-changing list of jobs to deal with, where there is always more to be done than can ever be achieved and new priorities are frequently developing as problems are reported. A big challenge is the sheer range of practical problems which are encountered and have to be resolved, including construction techniques in boggy ground, working close to hazards such as electrical cables and gas mains, dealing with stuck vehicles and machinery breakdowns, administering first aid, and working far from base and having to adapt available materials.

We are looking for candidates who:

• Have effective communication skills
• Pay attention to detail
• Are able to use their initiative to solve problems

Please download the Job Description and Person Specification for more information.

To apply for this role, please click the apply now button to upload a CV and a supporting statement. Applicants should focus on their relevant practical skills and experience in showing how they meet the requirements of the person specification. At this stage we are looking for evidence that the following criteria in the Person Specification have been met:

• Extensive practical skills covering use of a range of hand & power tools, and the maintenance of tools, equipment & vehicles
• Ability to work outside in all weathers and on rough terrain
• Understanding of the importance of Health & Safety procedures

For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page and our statement on the use of AI.

Please note that some of the criteria listed in the specification appear under the sub-heading ‘Single Status 6 only’ and are relevant to future progression to a higher scale and are not considered essential at the ‘entry level’ to which we are recruiting, e.g., certification in chainsaw use and possession of a First Aid at Work qualification.

Interviews will be at the Heathfield Highways Depot and will consist of two parts: a questions and answers element in the office, and a practical element in the yard. Interviews will be held within three weeks of the closing date.

Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.

The usual working pattern for these posts is Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 4.00pm, annual leave starts at 25 days per annum, and you will be eligible to join the established pension scheme. There are opportunities to develop within the role through training and the acquisition of experience, and eventual career progression to the position of Lead Ranger is a possibility.

We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.

For an informal discussion, please contact Alistair Wallis (Principal Countryside Maintenance Officer) on 07825 926628.

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Additional Information
Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only.
If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.