Ranger - Watermead Ranger Team

Job Description

Organisation: Leicestershire County Council

Work Location: Watermead (North) Country Park LE7 1PD

Salary: £28,605 - £31,029 per annum (pro rata for part-time) Pay award pending

Working Hours: 37

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 29th May 2026

Interview Date(s): TBC

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Ranger to support the day‑to‑day management and operation of Watermead (North) Country Park. You will play a key role in maintaining high standards across the site, managing staff and volunteers, engaging with the public, and supporting the delivery of projects, events and management plans.

The postholder will deputise for the Senior Ranger when required and contribute to the wider aims of the County Parks Service through partnership working, visitor engagement, and high-quality land and habitat management.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the day-to-day maintenance, management and operation of the Country Park estate
• Support and, when required, deputise for the Senior Ranger in managing Rangers, Wardens, casual staff and volunteers
• Work with Facilities Management colleagues to deliver grounds and estate maintenance
• Assist in the preparation and delivery of management plans and projects
• Respond to enquiries from members of the public in person, by phone and in writing
• Assist with Health & Safety compliance, equality, and accessibility requirements
• Work collaboratively with partner organisations and volunteer groups
• Support the delivery of new volunteering opportunities at Watermead and Burrough Hill Country Parks

Essential Requirements

• Qualification in Countryside Management (minimum NVQ Level 2) or equivalent practical experience
• Substantial practical experience working in a Country Park or similar estate
• Experience of estate and grounds maintenance
• Experience of staff or volunteer supervision
• Strong communication skills and confidence working with the public
• Knowledge of habitat and countryside management
• Understanding of Health & Safety in an outdoor environment
• Full UK driving licence and access to suitable transport
• Ability to work flexibly on a rota and respond to emergencies when required

Additional Information

This post requires the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and to comply with rota working, including weekends and overtime when required.

In addition, we also expect you to share our commitment to our values and to delivering accessible and inclusive services which meet the needs of all of our residents. You will be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these commitments as part of the selection process.

Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability. We are a Disability Confident Employer.

Interested in Flexible Working?

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which may include part time working, job sharing, term-time working, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid working, depending on the requirements of the role and the service. If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below.

For more information or an informal discussion, please contact:

James Lovatt (Head Ranger & Team Leader)

Telephone: 07717808974

Email: James.Lovatt@Leics.gov.uk

How to Apply

At Leicestershire County Council we’re looking for top talent from all walks of life. Whoever you are, wherever you’re from, and whatever your background - we care about what you bring to our organisation, not just what’s on your CV. That’s why we’ve designed a recruitment process that’s fair, accessible, and focused on potential. And with benefits that support people at every age and stage of life, we make sure you can thrive - both personally and professionally.

If you share our passion to make a difference for the people of Leicestershire, we’d love to hear from you. Click the apply button to submit your application, ensuring that you upload a supporting statement that explains how you meet the criteria listed in the ‘About You’ section above. Without this information, we won’t be able to assess your suitability for the role, and your application will be rejected. For tips on how to write your statement, see the How to Apply section on our career site.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

About us

About Leicestershire County Council

At Leicestershire County Council, we're committed to making a real difference in people's lives. Our aim is to work with communities and partners to deliver public services that make Leicestershire the best possible place to live and work for everyone.

Our employees play a key role in supporting this goal and helping us deliver the vital services we provide to the people of Leicestershire. Whether you're starting your career or looking for your next challenge, you'll find a place with us where your ideas are valued, and your work has purpose.

For further information on what it’s like to work for us and the benefits we offer, please refer to the following:

Our Recruitment Process
Our Organisational Values
Our Employee Benefits
Working for Us