Wildlife conservation

A prominent and dynamic role at Wicksteed Park Responsible for the management, creation and maintenance of various habitats, green spaces and parts of the wider estate owned by the Wicksteed Charitable Trust.

The Trust’s property includes a wide range of habitats including the SSSI, a county wildlife site, a scheduled monument, a 24-acre lake, an arboretum, woodland, grassland, flood meadows, and both the River Ease and Slade Brook. The Trust has ambitious plans to become a key component in the development of a wider green infrastructure network including rewilding sections and the creation of large new woodlands and flood meadows. The Ranger will be a key player in developing and realizing these plans, developing long-term maintenance strategies, and ensuring the successful implementation of countryside stewardship schemes throughout the estate. This includes working with tenant farmers, Natural England, the Environment Agency, the local authority and other stakeholders, to promote environmental and land management practices.

The role also involves representing Wicksteed Charitable Trust on external working groups and attending Parish Council meetings, ensuring local voices are heard and the Trust’s mission is effectively communicated and supported.

The Park Ranger carries out his duties within the park grounds to ensure they are well managed and welcoming to all visitors and the local community. The role supports our educational activities, runs a volunteer group and upholds the highest standards of conservation, maintenance and health and safety. This role requires a flexible approach and will involve working weekends as part of a 7 day shift.

Collaboration is one of Wicksteed Park’s values ​​and all roles may be required to work with additional or varied responsibilities to meet the needs of the Trust

Key responsibilities

client

• Carrying out daily operational management and maintenance of the site.
• Ensure all work is completed to high standards and planned timescales.
• Supporting exceptional visitor experience and safety.
• Manage risk assessments, health and safety documentation and safe use of hazardous materials.
• Manage external contractors in line with health and safety legislation.
• Ensure client and team safety is maintained at all times.
• Support educational activities such as guided talks and workshops.
• Communicate effectively with diverse groups of visitors and stakeholders.
• Assisting with visitors’ inquiries and complaints, and ensuring a positive outcome.
• Maintain brand standards and a clean and well-managed visitor environment.

community

• Manage and enhance green space environments, habitats and various built structures within Wicksteed Park and the wider WCT Estate.
• Support and lead volunteers on conservation and real estate projects.
• Develop plans for planting, orchards and winter gardens in line with the Trust’s ambitions.
• Contribute to improving biodiversity and environmental certification goals (e.g., Green Flag).
• Provide or support learning and engagement programmes.
• Promoting heritage and environmental events and activities.
• Building positive local networks for the benefit of the Fund and its mission.
• Implement and manage countryside stewardship schemes in collaboration with tenant farmers and Natural England.
• Working in partnership with the Environment Agency, local authorities and other external organizations to achieve conservation objectives.
• Represent the Trust in working groups and attend Parish Council meetings to ensure community and stakeholder engagement.

cooperation

Deliver tasks consistent with the Trust’s policies, values ​​and operational plans.

• Support volunteers and contractors in providing environmental and maintenance work.
• Work flexibly and collaboratively across departments.
• Conduct site patrols and inspections and ensure proper use and maintenance of tools, including those involving chemical and biological hazards.
• Proactively manage budgets and procurement within assigned areas.
• Contribute to performance management and staff development within the park team.
• Maintain a positive team culture and ensure compliance with all safety policies.
• Manage, support and develop the Assistant Park Ranger to ensure efficient daily operations.

creativity

• Champion innovation and continuous improvement in land and visitor management.
• Create an inclusive and motivating team environment.
• Exchange ideas and work with management to implement improvements.
• Embracing and driving change in line with the Fund’s long-term vision and values.

Skills and qualifications

necessary

• Experience in park or countryside management, including habitat creation and maintenance.
• Proof of ability to operate tools and machinery (saws, tractors, etc.).
• Familiarity with conservation and landscape management practices.
• Experience in small project delivery, contractor management and volunteer leadership.
• Experience working with the public and delivering education/engagement activities.
• Knowledge of health and safety legislation, risk assessment and use of hazardous materials.
• Hands-on experience in land management, including tree work, fencing and trail maintenance.
• IT literacy (Word, Excel, etc.).
• Experience in implementing and managing rural welfare schemes.
• Experience of liaising with tenant farmers and external organizations such as Natural England, the Environment Agency and local authorities.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Certifications Required: Chainsaw, Strimmer, Exterminator (PA1 & PA6), Tractor and Tools NPTC.

desirable

• IOSH or NEBOSH health and safety qualifications.
• COSHH trained.
• Familiarity with policy or planning meetings, working groups or parish council involvement.
• First aid certificate.
• Environmental scanning or environmental monitoring skills.