Lead Ranger

We're looking for a committed and experienced individual to lead the management and conservation of two iconic countryside sites in North Norfolk - Sheringham Park and the internationally significant wetlands at Horsey Windpump and Heigham Holmes. You'll oversee woodland and nationally significant wild garden at Sheringham, while driving habitat restoration and species protection across internationally important wetland sites. This is a hands-on leadership role with real impact across some of Norfolk's most valued natural environments.

What it's like to work here

Based mainly at Sheringham Park, you'll join a passionate countryside team within the Norfolk Coast, Broads and Sheringham portfolio. You'll lead rangers and a gardener across Sheringham and Horsey, shaping the future of these nationally and internationally significant sites. Collaboration and strategic planning are central, and you'll also support habitat management and build new partnerships across the wider North Norfolk portfolio. Occasional weekend work is required.

What you'll be doing

This is a leadership role with plenty of variety. A big part of your work will involve writing plans, overseeing and delivering the management of Sheringham Park's diverse landscapes, from woodland and parkland to coastal cliffs, ensuring they thrive for wildlife and visitors alike. Seasonal highlights include maintaining paths and viewpoints for safe, enjoyable access and caring for the nationally significant rhododendron that make the park so distinctive.

Managing and developing the team of rangers and volunteers will be central to your success, fostering a culture of collaboration and high standards. You'll also coordinate conservation grazing, watercourse maintenance, and habitat restoration at Heigham Holmes, working closely with partners to support local species and habitats. You'll lead on habitat planning and delivery at Horsey Windpump and Heigham Holmes, helping shape long-term conservation outcomes.

Parkland and garden management will be an essential skill for this role, as you'll be responsible for maintaining the historic design and horticultural features that make Sheringham Park so special. Experience in wetland habitat management, including water level control, would be an advantage. You will be able to demonstrate strong organisational skills, practical countryside management experience, and a track record of inspiring others. You'll need to be adaptable, working across designed woodland, coastal habitats, and sensitive wetlands with equal confidence. If you enjoy variety, problem-solving, and working in dynamic landscapes, this role offers all of that and more.

Who we're looking for

We'd love to hear from you if you've got:

• relevant qualifications or experience in countryside management, or a related field.
• strong leadership and team management skills, with experience in supervising both staff and volunteers
• experience of strategic planning and partnership development with a track record of delivering projects.
• experience in managing designed woodland, parkland or horticultural features.
• knowledge of health and safety, risk assessment, and compliance in outdoor environments.
• full UK driver's license
• practical skills and certifications including; Tree Safety Management (Level 2), woodland contract management, chainsaw use beyond small trees, brush cutter experience, tractor and loader operation, Emergency First Aid at Work, pesticide application, and ATV driving experience.

Applications from National Trust redeployees are assessed against the minimum criteria for the role. In your application, please provide details of how you meet the minimum criteria below:

• experience setting and driving long-term direction for countryside operations
• confidence managing resources, compliance and service delivery
• ecological knowledge to protect and enhance natural assets
• a track record of building and sustaining strategic relationships
• skills in leading and developing staff and volunteers to achieve shared goals
• a proactive approach to identifying and delivering new opportunities

The package

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