Senior Ranger (Central)

Are you passionate about protecting and enhancing Dorset’s natural environment?

Join our Greenspace team as a Senior Countryside Ranger and take the lead in managing access to Dorset’s most cherished landscapes. From coastal paths and woodland walks to open pastures and nature reserves, you’ll enhance public access, protect biodiversity, and strengthen community connections.

What’s in it for you:

As a Senior Countryside Ranger, you’ll lead improvements and maintain Dorset’s public rights of way network, enhancing access to the coast and countryside. You’ll also manage key sites and roadside verges, and deliver projects that promote safe, sustainable, and inclusive outdoor experiences. You’ll:

• Lead a dedicated team of staff and volunteers in a dynamic and varied role.
• Shape Dorset’s countryside by delivering strategic access improvements, managing nature reserves, and securing funding for impactful projects.
• Work closely with communities, landowners, and partner organisations to deliver meaningful change.
• Be empowered to manage your own budget, develop income-generating opportunities, and apply for external funding.
• Enjoy a role that combines strategic planning with hands-on delivery, offering variety and autonomy.
• Benefit from Dorset Council’s supportive working culture, training opportunities, and commitment to wellbeing.

What you can expect to be doing:

You’ll be responsible for a geographical area within Dorset, managing countryside sites, public rights of way, roadside verges, and infrastructure. Key tasks include:

• Managing staff, volunteers, and contractors.
• Developing and delivering site and access management.
• Administering projects including procurement, financial monitoring, and reporting.
• Ensuring compliance with health and safety and environmental legislation.
• Responding to community feedback and liaising with stakeholders.

About you:

We’re looking for someone with:

• A recognised qualification in countryside management (NVQ Level 4 or above), or substantial experience working within the sector.
• Proven experience in managing teams, budgets, and projects.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
• A full manual driving licence and the ability to travel across Dorset.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and health and safety practices.
• The ability to work flexibly, remain calm under pressure, and lead by example.
• Good computer literacy, including confidence using mapping software, databases, and Microsoft Office tools.

You’ll be a confident communicator, able to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and represent Dorset Council professionally. An Enhanced Basic DBS check is required prior to appointment.

If you’d like to discuss the role further or have any questions, please contact:

Russell Goff
Greenspace Manager
📧 [email protected]
📞 01305 221558

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.