Lead Ranger

This is a unique opportunity to be at the heart of this iconic and evolving landscape as hundreds of hectares of land are reverted to species rich chalk grassland protecting the outstanding archaeology and enhancing biodiversity for ever, for everyone.

It’s all about grassland management! You will play a pivotal role in maintaining and developing this very special and iconic landscape to ensure that both new and ancient grasslands undergo the correct management for archaeology, wildlife and people. 

This new role will be based on site working from Stonehenge Cottages where you will be on hand on a daily basis to see the positive results of the decisions you make.

It doesn’t get any better than this! You will be working on internationally important archaeological sites and species rich chalk grassland habitats within the Stonehenge Landscape. 

Covering more than 840 hectares and 10,000 years of history the Stonehenge Landscape is full of globally significant archaeological features and rich and diverse natural habitats with exciting opportunities to demonstrate your skills in the care and presentation and restoration on this World Heritage Site. 

You will be faced with many different challenges and many rewarding experiences working in a landscape deeply connected by its many prehistoric monuments and expansive areas of open grassland with a multitude of flowering plant and animal species

You will line manage a ranger dedicated solely to the Stonehenge Landscape who will provide you with practical hands-on support for this multifaceted role. From the same base you will work alongside, and have regular contact with, the south Wiltshire Landscape countryside rangers and be able to draw on this additional ranger resource on a regular basis.

An essential part of this role will be a close working relationship with both internal and external stakeholders including our NT property archaeologists, nature conservation advisers and farm advisers as well as our farm contractors and graziers.

You will review and collate existing baseline data and instigate new surveys and monitoring to ensure that we keep a record of the changes and improvements we make.

You will produce and implement a dynamic grassland management strategy with a focus on protecting and enhancing the World Heritage Site and its archaeology of outstanding universal value whilst developing some of the best species rich chalk grassland in the UK.

With your endless passion for our work, you will protect and care for our heritage assets, habitats, wildlife, property and machinery, and your passion will inspire others to love this beautiful place as much as you do. This landscape means different things to different people and we want you to manage a landscape that is accessible to all.

You will make sure that, at every twist and turn of these fantastic landscapes, you’re delivering excellent conservation work. You will share our common goals with customers and build relationships in the local community, proudly representing the National Trust.

In this role, you will work some weekends, bank holidays and evenings. A full UK driving licence will be essential to fulfil the requirements of this role. 

• significant practical experience in relevant land, conservation and access management including an in-depth knowledge of grassland management creation and restoration including conservation grazing with both cattle and sheep.      

•  a passion for the Stonehenge Landscape, its archaeology and ecology, and a desire to learn more about why this World Heritage Site is so important.      

• experience of implementing countryside stewardships schemes and other grant funding opportunities and a proven track record of managing budgets, finances and contracts.       

• farming knowledge and experience of working with farmers and farm contractors.      

• be an excellent communicator who can understand the knowledge and values that are important to a wide range of stakeholders.     

• strong leadership skills and experience of working with volunteers with good understanding of the different approaches needed to reward, recognise, and motivate volunteers.      

• significant experience of managing operational risk, including how to access and manage risk effectively. Knowledge of all H & S and Compliance requirements relevant to a countryside setting.

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

• 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

• Independent financial advice

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