Trainee Ranger

Are you passionate about the natural world? Do you want to learn the skills to help nature face the biodiversity and climate crises? Then this opportunity may be for you…

Romney Marsh and White Cliffs Countryside Partnership is a small not-for-profit organisation that works with the local community, our volunteers and partners to protect and improve the wild spaces of south-east Kent so they can thrive as sustainable havens for wildlife. Through our work we also aim to give everyone an opportunity to enjoy and benefit from these wild spaces.

We are currently looking to recruit an outgoing and positive individual to join our team and assist with the management of our nature reserves on Romney Marsh, including Dungeness, Romney Warren and Greatstone Dunes, as well as other nature reserves under our management, such as Folkestone Warren and Gibbins Brook.

As part of our highly successful traineeship programme, you will work alongside our team of rangers and volunteers, undertaking a varied range of tasks from day-to-day, including habitat management, engaging with local communities and members of the public, infrastructure maintenance and repair, and working with livestock.

What we need from you

Applicants should be able to demonstrate their interest and passion for the natural world and their commitment to a career in wildlife conservation. You will have excellent communication skills and experience of working with members of the public.

The majority of the work involves being outdoors in all weathers and you will need to be able to undertake physically demanding work on steep and difficult terrain. You may have experience of working as a volunteer in the conservation sector.

Outgoing and self-motivated, you will be able to work flexibly and under your own initiative as well as part of a team. You will be computer literate and hold a full, clean driving licence.

What we offer you

This role is designed to equip you with the skills and experience needed to pursue a career in wildlife conservation. Our staff will teach you the practical skills for nature reserve management and the theory and rationale of the work we do. A wide range of certified training will be provided, including First Aid at Work, Brushcutter, Safe Use of Pesticides and Chainsaw (CS30 & 31).

We provide a fun, friendly, inclusive and flexible working environment along with a range of other benefits, including:

• Benenden Health membership and Employee Assistance Program
• Opt-in Local Government Pension Scheme with the opportunity for staff to make advanced, voluntary contributions (AVCs) to top up their pension
• Generous annual leave
• Opportunities for training and development, both formally and through our experienced, knowledgeable team
• Staff Discount Scheme