Area Ranger

Summary We’re looking for an experienced countryside ranger who’s ready for a new challenge. You’ll be working at the forefront of nature conservation and land management, managing a dedicated team of rangers in a landscape that’s important for wildlife and loved by people. What it's like to work here Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is one of Yorkshire’s most renowned landmarks and is globally recognised by UNESCO as one of 1248 World Heritage Sites. Surrounded by the beautiful Nidderdale National Landscape and close to the historic city of Ripon, the estate is iconic in the North of England, welcoming more than 400,000 visitors each year. The River Skell winds its way through an 800-acre estate of contrasts and surprises. At its heart stand the dramatic ruins of Fountains Abbey which reveal the story of 400 years of monastic life, years of riches, ruin and revival, which were ended by the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII. Studley Royal Water Garden, with its elegant canals, follies and eye-catchers, reflects the height of Georgian design, with the creators cleverly incorporating the abbey ruins into their grand landscape vision. Together with a deer park, Cistercian Mill, Victorian Church and an Elizabethan style manor house, it’s clear why this is one of the most popular National Trust places to visit. Studley Royal Deer Park is home to around 300 red, sika and fallow deer, with herds that have been carefully managed here for hundreds of years. It’s easy to see why this remarkable blend of history, architecture and nature makes Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal one of the National Trust’s most beloved places. What you'll be doing As an area ranger, you’ll be working with a ranger team including volunteers across the Fountains Abbey and Brimham Rocks portfolio. This role will be based at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal and will lead on deer management. Your role is crucial in meeting the Trust’s high standards of presentation and property maintenance. You’ll build strong and positive relationships with colleagues, volunteers, contractors, tenants and neighbouring land managers. The parkland is an essential part of the World Heritage Site. Working with the wider property team, you’ll lead the conservation of the parkland whilst engaging visitors and the local community. You will work with the ranger team to deliver the parkland management plan and deer management plan. It is anticipated that this role will spend 30% of time on deer management which will include: •Regular monitoring of the deer herds in Studley Royal Deer Park. •Completing deer health checks and liaising with vets, the national wildlife team and colleagues at other National Trust properties with in-hand deer parks. •Supervising the deer cull contract and working closely with the contractors who manage the cull. •Assessing and managing risk to the public, staff, volunteers and contractors. •Promoting deer ecology and management to local communities, visitors, operational staff and volunteers. •Liaising with property colleagues in the food & beverage and retail teams. Please also read the full role profile attached to this advert. Who we're looking for experienced in managing land, nature conservation and access for people, including running small projects and supervising contractors an interest in parkland management and deer management used to developing and running programmes of work to achieve specific goals in conservation or access a strong team player, with a track record in leading and managing staff and volunteers practical and skilled in looking after a range of habitats and landscapes, with certificates in chainsaw use, tractor driving and towing trailers able to work safely, and take the lead on compliance – including writing risk assessments, and safety and environmental procedures happy to talk – with enthusiasm and commitment – to all kinds of people about the work you do and why it matters a driver, with a full UK licence. The package 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) •Rental deposit loan scheme •Season ticket loan •EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria) •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 abou