Development Ranger (Rivers Run Through Us)

Development Ranger (Rivers Run Through Us)
£35,412 – £39,152 per annum, pro rata
Fixed Term until 31 July
2026
Part Time 29.6 hours per week (option for full time 37 hours per week)
Location: Blackdown Healthy Living Centre, Riverside, Hemyock, Cullompton, EX15
3SH
Job reference: REQ008436

Do you want to make things better for rivers? In this dynamic role incorporating both practical
and desk-based elements- you will be working across the River Axe catchment to deliver pilot
programmes throughout the development phase of the Rivers Run Through Us project. From
community events that inspire positive action for the Axe Rivers, running primary school
lessons that introduce children to one of the river’s key species; trout, to supporting river
restoration projects and community initiatives, the person who fulfils this role will be
building on a varied set of skills and experiences. Although the office base is in Hemyock, the
post requires frequent travel around the River Axe catchment and home working options are
available.

The purpose of the Development Ranger post will be to establish the practical and community
foundations for the Rivers Run Through Us (RRTU) project, working with the Project Development
Manager, during the 18 month Development Phase of this project, funded largely by the National
Lottery Heritage Fund.

RRTU is a new, multi-faceted project based in the catchment of the River Axe, designed to take
a holistic, collaborative approach to recapturing the natural heritage of the Axe, its
tributaries and valleys, through better connections – between people and heritage, farmers and
consumers, rural and townsfolk, soil and water.

The project focuses on three themes: River, Soil and People, and will nurture community action,
monitoring river health, restoring soils and habitats, and reaching out to empower everyone to
find their own connection with the river and its heritage.

The project is a partnership with Dorset and East Devon National Landscapes and the Environment
Agency, plus a wider set of delivery partners including the Westcountry Rivers Trust and
Magdalen Farm. The initial 18 month Development phase is designed to be followed by a 5 year
delivery period, running to 2031.

How to apply 

Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement
which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable
criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications
may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.

Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please
use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an
  environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our
  commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon.
  More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working – The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms
  of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable
  adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and
  fluency in English.
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
• We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further
  guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
• This role requires a DBS disclosure.

For an informal discussion, please e-mail [email protected] or [email protected].

Closing date: 25 September 2025
Interview date: 30 September 2025, in
person at the Blackdown Hills National Landscape Office, EX15 3SH.