Country Park Ranger - Avon Heath

You’ll join a small, supportive team caring for one of Europe’s most important lowland heath sites. We’ll help you build on your existing skills with further training and opportunities across conservation, visitor engagement and team leadership.

This is a varied role where no two days are the same, offering the chance to protect rare habitats and species while helping over 250,000 visitors enjoy this special place. You’ll also benefit from a good local government pension and the satisfaction of making a real difference.

What you’ll be doing
You’ll lead and carry out practical habitat management across more than 300 hectares of protected heathland, working alongside apprentices and volunteers.

You’ll maintain paths and site infrastructure, complete ecological surveys and keep the park safe and welcoming through daily checks and maintenance.

You’ll also run guided walks, support school visits, help deliver events and produce interpretation materials. Much of your work will be outdoors in all weathers, often at weekends and bank holidays, making sure every visitor has a great experience and learns why this landscape matters.

About you

•  relevant qualification in countryside management, such as a National Certificate, Diploma or NVQ Level 2
•  extensive practical experience working with a countryside or conservation organisation, with several years managing a wide range of habitats and techniques
• good knowledge of countryside and access law, health and safety, and risk assessments
• experienced in using hand tools and machinery for habitat and site work
• able to plan your own workload and confidently lead, train and motivate apprentices, volunteers and groups
• experienced in customer or visitor service, with the confidence to challenge poor behaviour when needed
• skilled in engaging people, whether delivering talks, guided walks or advising visitors on site
• positive, adaptable and a strong team player, with a full driving licence and happy to wear a uniform

At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.

We: 

• provide essential services that support over 380,000 residents 
• work in partnership to make a real difference 
• value every role and the impact it has on our communities 
• support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive 

You will: 

• be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset 
• have access to a range of benefits and support 
• have access to range of training opportunities which will help with your personal development and career progression 

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve. 

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible. If you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application. 

This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement. 

If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us. 

Find out more about how to apply.