Are you a proven leader with a passion for nature, heritage and restoring biodiversity? Do you want to play a vital role in shaping the future of one of Devon’s most significant estates? If so, this could be the role for you. 

We’re looking for a dynamic and experienced Lead Ranger to join the National Trust team at Killerton, an estate steeped in history and rich in biodiversity. It’s a place where we’re taking bold steps to deliver landscape-scale restoration, an ambitious vision for nature and people.

This is a great opportunity for someone with a balance of leadership, practical and partnership skills.

Please apply by attaching CV and cover letter. 

There will be an informal online briefing on Tuesday 6th May for anyone interested in finding out more about the team, estate and role. To register your interest please contact .uk 

Full of heritage and nature, Killerton welcomes over 430,000 visitors each year across one of the National Trust’s largest and most diverse estates. It encompasses ancient woodlands, three rivers, orchards and farmland.

Since 2021 we have invested over £2 million in nature, creating 200 hectares of new priority habitat, planting over 250,000 trees, creating 6 new orchards and planting 15km of new hedgerows. We have multiple projects in the pipeline from our ambitious Community Forest project to a groundbreaking Landscape Recovery scheme. 

You’ll be working alongside the Countryside Manager, Nature Engagement Officer, and leading a team of Area Rangers, Rangers and volunteers. 

This is your chance to lead change and make a real impact on nature, climate and people in one of Devon’s most beautiful places.

For more information about our property please visit killerton

As Lead Ranger, you will be instrumental in shaping and delivering our ambitious vision. 

You’ll be managing the operations of our award-winning ranger team as they deliver more for nature and people. You’ll be responsible for achieving restoration targets on our in-hand land, overseeing conservation work of priority habitats and enhancing our visitor access network. Reporting to the Countryside Manager, you’ll be shaping the delivery of complex nature-focused projects.

You'll have delegated responsibility for budgets, both operational and project-based, protecting and enhancing the Trust’s assets and reputation in all you do. 

You’ll be supporting our nature engagement work to ensure we reduce unequal access to nature and that diverse audiences can benefit from time spent outdoors.

You’ll be using your people skills to mentor, inspire and challenge your team to deliver rapid impact for nature. 

Killerton continues to reverse nature’s decline, is connecting more people to the great outdoors and is becoming more climate resilient. You will be leading the way, supporting our goal of planting one million trees by 2030, ensuring that 50% of the estate becomes nature-rich and that our three rivers run clean. 

•Proven leadership experience of mentoring and challenging a team and fostering a culture of continuous development

•Significant background in habitat, heritage and visitor management, with knowledge of modern practices and land management funding streams

•Strategic thinking and project management skills – adept at implementing complex projects

•Deep commitment to climate adaptation, biodiversity renewal and nature connection

•Exceptional and adaptable communicator with the ability to collaborate with tenants, communities and partners

•Enthusiastic, knowledgeable and inspiring - someone who has a track record of developing exceptional outdoor spaces

•Familiar with managing operational countryside risk

•Organised and self-motivated, able to manage competing demands for your time

•Confident in handling budgets, finances and contracts

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.