Job description
Salary: £28,371 to £31,099 per annum
Location: Buchan Country Park, near Crawley with hybrid working available including some home working depending on work requirements*
Contract: Fixed Term until 30th November 2023
Working pattern: Full-time, 37 hours per week.
Employer Pension Contribution: 20.70%
Annual leave: 27 days, plus bank holidays (pro-rata)
We're searching for a countryside ranger who is passionate about conservation and protection of the countryside. In this role you will help provide safe and adequate access for the public to key sites.
You will be helping to deliver the annual work programme on 2 sites across the county Worth Way and Forest Way situated in the east of the county between Crawley and East Grinstead, and Halnaker Windmill near Chichester. There will also be the opportunity to assist at Fairmile Bottom near Arundel.
You will undertake routine inspections, logging issues, completing practical management tasks including litter picking, vegetation clearance and ditch clearance, completing on site surveys and working with volunteers.
This is a physically active role, and you’ll be working in the outdoor elements on a regular basis. The role will involve a significant amount of lone working, and you may be carrying and using pieces of heavy equipment.
You’ll need to be able to travel independently to various locations in order to carry out your duties, and to drive off-road vehicles. A vehicle will be provided.
The role is public facing, and there is a regular and intrinsic requirement to communicate in English with members of the public. You will occasionally have to deal with members of the public or stakeholders with opposing views where tact and diplomacy are required.
What we need from you:
- Good practical countryside management skills including habitat/estate management and the use of hand and power tools.
- Ability to work in a customer focused way.
- Ability to organise work and co-ordinate a variety of tasks to meet agreed deadlines.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- Ability to present information clearly, concisely, accurately and in ways that promote understanding.
- Awareness of health and safety issues, including risk assessment techniques.
- Good practical countryside and access management skills including use of hand tools, brushcutters, and strimmers.
- Sound and accurate IT knowledge.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
- Experience in practical countryside management, including enforcement of legislation, habitat and species management, providing advice to the public, and delivery access projects.
What we offer you in return:
We care hugely about wellbeing, allowing time for a good laugh, and developing our team to be the best they can be. Alongside this, we also offer the below benefits:
- A competitive salary.
- 27 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro-rata).
- A generous pension scheme, 20.70% employer contribution, (this is updated every 01.04).
- A strong supportive management team.
- Our employees are key to our success, so we encourage and support training including a range of apprenticeships, technical training and project management development.
- A range of discounts including Argos, Samsung, Asos, B&Q and more.
- Free access to employee assistant programmes.
- Gym membership.
- A range of commuting and business travel discount and initiatives.
- Vehicles available for use for site visits.
For a full list of the benefits offered to you as a West Sussex County Council employee you can find them on our Rewards and Benefits page.
To Apply
For issues or regarding your application please contact [email protected].
Sound like your next venture? Click apply below, upload your CV and cover letter, explaining the skills and experience you will bring to the role.
Job Reference: EIE01169