Area Ranger

We’re looking for an Area Ranger who’s passionate about connecting people and nature, to join our Changing Chalk project as a ChalkLife Area Ranger. In this exciting role, you’ll deliver habitat management and community engagement projects that provide opportunities for local communities and young people, to actively engage in looking after the South Downs and it’s rare chalk grassland habitat.  

Commencing in 2022 and ending in March 2026, Changing Chalk is a pioneering scheme, funded in part by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, delivering eighteen individual yet collaborative projects across the Eastern South Downs to restore and care for nature, improve people’s wellbeing, bring diverse histories to life, and break down complex barriers to participation in the outdoors. The partnership is led by the National Trust and is made up of ten core partners. You can find out more about the wider project here Changing Chalk project | Sussex | National Trust

This is a part-time, fixed-term role until 31 March 2026 and you’ll be working two days per week. 

Interviews: 24 September 2024 

We're also advertising for a permanent part-time Ranger role - IRC155112, you may also be interested in applying for this role. 

The National Trust was founded to look after beautiful and historic places for the whole nation: for ever, for everyone. Our ambition is that no matter who you are or where you come from, our places are accessible and welcoming, and people feel able to participate in places that matter to them. Connecting communities and nature is a key part of achieving this ambition. 

With its rolling Downland and spectacular coastal views, the South Downs East estate includes some of the most iconic countryside sites in Sussex, from the white cliffs at Birling Gap to Europe's largest dry valley at Devil’s Dyke, our sites are special places for wildlife and people. ?? 

You’ll be based at Saddlescombe Farm, just five miles north of Brighton, reporting to the Lead Ranger, and working closely with the other ChalkLife Ranger to deliver a number of habitat management and community projects. You’ll also work alongside the wider South Downs East Ranger team and the Changing Chalk project team. 

In your role, you’ll focus on delivering the outcomes of funded habitat and community projects, with the ambition of protecting and restoring our rare Chalk Grassland habitat for people to enjoy, for health and wellbeing, and for nature’s recovery. Engaging visitors with the Downs and its rich natural heritage, and how we look after it, through events, activities, high quality information and interpretation 

Responsible for the delivery of habitat management projects, you’ll be working with volunteers to improve habitat and species richness, and connectivity of the rare chalk grassland. 

You’ll support and supervise two Countryside Ranger Apprentices and one part time Assistant Ranger Young Person Placement.  

Whilst leading, supporting and training volunteers in practical conservation management and wildlife monitoring, you’ll also be developing and working with existing local volunteer groups.  

You’ll lead the delivery on specific projects including nature engagement with local communities and hard-to-reach groups. 

You’ll work with partners, stakeholders, landowners and farmers to enable sustainable management of chalk grassland 

The nature of the role will require some lone working and occasional weekend working. 

Please also see the role profile attached to this advert. 

We'd love to hear from you, if this sounds like you; 

• knowledge of Chalk Grassland and its management    
• enthusiasm for delivering nature-based events and engaging local communities with the outdoors 
• experience of delivering habitat management projects  
• experience of managing volunteers and developing volunteer groups  
• knowledge of health safety in a countryside setting 
• an understanding of species recording and habitat monitoring  
• experience of working with partners, farmers and stakeholders 
• a driver with a full UK driving licence

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 

•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 about the benefits we offer to support you.