Countryside Ranger

Job details

Job reference: REQ008980
Salary: B3 £27,274 - £29,071
Contractual hours: 37
Basis: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Location: Temple Newsam, Leeds, West Yorkshire

We are a friendly, collaborative, and ambitious team and with the help of the hundreds of volunteers who work with us every year, we can achieve so much in our mission to protect, promote and enhance the green spaces of Leeds.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About you

As a Countryside Ranger you will bring to the role:

• Enthusiasm to work collaboratively with communities to activate spaces
• Passion about increasing wildlife, biodiversity awareness and enhancing parks and green spaces
• Effective communication, presentation and record keeping skills
• Experience of environmental learning, countryside management or nature conservation
• Strong organisational and time management skills

About the role

• Conducting volunteer engagement opportunities whilst raising the awareness and benefits of spending time in green spaces
• Develop and promote the involvement of local groups in the care and enhancement of Leeds green spaces
• Working collaboratively with the community, Leeds City Council and funders to activate spaces

Volunteers working with the ranger team contribute approximately 14,000 hours per year across all green spaces including parks, cemeteries, woodlands and local nature reserves. We also work with over 100 local businesses helping them to fulfil their corporate social responsibilities.

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

Job Description

Job Purpose: To assist in the management, co-ordination and delivery of volunteer and education activities in support of the Parks and Green Spaces Strategy

Responsibilities:

• To assist in the design and development of comprehensive management plans for Parks and Green Spaces sites.
• To assist in the management and implementation of ranger and visitor services in the parks and green spaces of Leeds.
• To assist in the development, promotion and co-ordination of local groups and volunteers in the care and enhancement of the parks, green spaces and more general countryside of Leeds.
• To work with managers and other staff in the service to achieve a co-ordinated visitor experience.
• To liaise with schools and interest groups to fully utilise the educational resources of the area.
• To ensure effective consultation mechanisms in order to develop the work of the Climate, Energy and Green Spaces team.
• To compile and provide performance information that is accurate and timely as requested.
• To represent the service at all appropriate internal and external meetings.
• Proven ability to liaise successfully with colleagues, volunteers, members of the public, business partners, community groups, in bloom groups, council officers and elected members.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g. child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding and promoting the values, standards and equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment or victimisation and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and this role will be expected to work within these parameters.
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills.
• Improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and appropriate CPD programmes.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.
• Contribute to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the service by attending relevant meetings, training da