Community Ranger - Haldon, Kennford

Role Overview

Based at Bullers Hill in Kennford, Exeter, this Community Ranger position involves maintaining recreational facilities and ensuring community access in the forests. The role focuses on enhancing the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) at Haldon through contract management, cooperation with forest craftspeople, and coordinating volunteer groups to enrich visitor experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a welcoming representative of Forestry England, fostering positive community relationships and inclusive access.
• Conduct routine inspections and upkeep of car parks, cycling paths, play areas, and litter control to maintain safe, enjoyable environments.
• Assist with operational projects that promote sustainable forestry, following internal guidance and district plans.
• Manage health and safety aspects, including emergency coordination, first aid provision, and thorough incident reporting aligned with policy.
• Encourage responsible visitor conduct and effectively resolve any conflicts.
• Collaborate with team members to oversee public access related to land management activities.
• Build and maintain partnerships with external stakeholders such as tenants, concession operators, and local agencies to coordinate activities and mitigate visitor impact and fire risks.
• Enhance community involvement through creating recreational opportunities and responding to feedback from visitors and neighbors.
• Plan and supervise volunteer groups and programs that connect communities with the nation's forests.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Experience in customer-facing roles with excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, including via digital platforms.
• Capability and willingness to work outdoors in diverse weather conditions and perform physical tasks.
• Proven ability in planning and executing public engagement activities.
• Volunteer management experience encompassing administration, safety, and practical coordination.
• Strong teamwork skills, including operating effectively within widely distributed teams.
• Understanding and commitment to health and safety best practices in outdoor settings.
• Competency in map reading and navigation.
• Proficient user of Microsoft Office applications.

Desirable Skills and Qualifications

• Familiarity with social media platforms.
• Experience in project and contract management.
• Qualifications such as HND or equivalent in land or recreation management, tourism, leisure or related fields.
• Certification in Emergency First Aid at Work or a similar qualification.
• Health and safety certification.

Mandatory Certifications

• Full UK driving licence.
• GCSE level or functional skills equivalent in Maths and English.

Behaviours Assessed

• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service
• Changing and Improving

Additional Information

The salary is £30,105 annually, supplemented by an £8,721 employer contribution toward the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme, which totals a 28.97% employer pension contribution. Learning and development opportunities are provided, along with flexible working options and a culture promoting diversity and inclusion.

Applicants will be subject to an enhanced criminal record check, baseline personnel security screening, and a medical examination prior to employment.

Eligible applicants include UK nationals, Irish nationals, Commonwealth citizens with UK work rights, nationals from EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein with settled/pre-settled status, individuals with limited or indefinite leave to remain, certain Turkish nationals and their family members.

Reasonable adjustments can be requested during recruitment. The hiring process uses success profiles assessing behaviours and experience, including written statements and interviews.

Applicants are advised that use of artificial intelligence in application materials is acceptable only if all content is truthful and original to the applicant.