Lead Ranger

The Bath Skyline is a UNESCO World Heritage Site setting, only 1 of 2 World Heritage cities that includes the surrounding landscape within the designation. It contains high quality biodiversity within its habitats, significant trees, woodlands and a vast history of human settlement in Bath. It is a highly visited and loved countryside on the doorstep to so many residence and has accessible walks such as the Family Discovery Trail and play area connecting community to countryside. The historic city attracts tourists from all around the world and the Bath Skyline walk is a very popular walk crossing National Trust and other landowners sites. 

Bathampton Meadows is floodplain meadow that was spared from development by community action and gifted to the National Trust as the organisation's first 'Urban Green Corridor' providing a greenspace for local residents. It is currently in a project to improve the site for nature conservation and public access. We are improving the floodplain meadow habitat, tree planting, hedgerow restoration, wild flower seeding while also opening new public footpaths, bridge building and improved surfaces. The project will continue to develop new elements such as interpretation panels, community orchard and public engagement opportunities.

Please see attached prospectus for more detail about the role. 

Interviews will be held 12th June 2024. Please note on applications if you would not be able to attend this date.

Bath Skyline and Bathampton Meadows are set within the city of Bath, creating a green backdrop to the city landscape. You have a great opportunity to get to know the local community and get to enough the benefits of the city. Even within the urban context there is a huge diversity to manage from Ancient Woodland, Priority habitat hay meadows, Veteran trees, floodplain meadows, Scheduled Ancient Monuments, historic vistas and care for the the most downloaded walking route in the National Trust. You will be part of a small ranger team in a larger portfolio, working closely with the gardeners at Prior Park and visitor experience team so you can get to know your colleagues well. You will also have the opportunity to work with garden and ranger teams from Dyrham Park and Bath Assembly Rooms on occasion. 

You will lead a small team of staff and volunteer rangers for nature conservation in the Bath countryside which includes Bath Skyline, Little Solsbury Hill and Bathampton Meadows. You will need to plan conservation tasks on the Bath Skyline, engage with the volunteer team on wildlife surveying, practical tasks and public messaging. The lead ranger will hold the relationship with our 2 tenant farmers and the grazing contracts and work with our estate management team to ensure we deliver to the standard required in our Countryside Stewardship agreement. You will also work closely with our Project Manager for Bathampton Meadows to ensure we are delivering tasks for nature conservation and public access. As the leader for the Bath countryside you will be able to influence the strategy and future planning for the Bath Skyline as a member of the Portfolio Leadership Team.

In Bath we are a small close knit team, and you will be required to support the operation at Prior Park Landscape Garden with working as part of a Duty Manager rota which includes some weekend working that can be reclaimed as Time Off In Lieu. 

•Significant practical experience in relevant land, conservation and access management, supported by appropriate qualifications to level 5 (or equivalent experience)

•Proven track record of planning activities which ensure great visitor experience within a countryside setting.

•Leadership skills including coaching, team development, motivation and communication.

•Experience of working with volunteers with good understanding of the different approaches needed to reward, recognise and motivate volunteers.

•Excellent people skills enabling strong relationships externally and internally to be built and maintained. 

•Experience of leading a culture of exceptional customer service. Record of setting and delivering performance targets.

•Proven track record of managing budgets, finances and contracts.

•Project management skills and experience.

•Track record of inspiring others with your passion for nature, heritage and the outdoors.

•Significant experience of managing operational risk, including how to access and manage risk effectively. Knowledge of health and safety compliance requirements relevant to countryside setting.

•Good written and verbal communication skills including public presentation and influencing skills.

•Communication experience including the ability to use digital media effectively. 

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

•Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

•Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

•Tax-free childcare scheme

•Rental deposit loan scheme

•Season ticket loan

•EV car lease scheme 

•Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts

•Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.

•Flexible working whenever possible

•Employee assistance programme

•Free parking at most Trust places

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