Do you have a love of landscapes, history and wildlife? Are you keen to help the public get more involved in championing and caring for Therfield Heath and Greens? If so, this is an excellent opportunity for you. About us Therfield Heath and Greens is an area of Common Land and most of it is a Local Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest with unique chalk grassland habitat. It is owned by the Therfield Regulation Trust, which is a registered charity. It is managed by the Conservators of Therfield Heath and Greens. The role The role of the Ranger is to be a visible point of contact for all the users of the Heath and Greens. You will play a leading role in showcasing the Heath’s unique ecology, history, and conservation. The Ranger will: manage contractors to deliver the site maintenance; be available to carry out reactive maintenance tasks; work with the Friends of Therfield Heath group ; organise volunteer workings parties and help us to improve the beauty of the site and promote access to the Common Land. Salary: Subject to negotiation and based on experienceHours: Full time will include some weekend workingContract: PermanentExpenses: Reasonable travel expenses, laptop and a phone will be providedReports to: Clerk Description of Responsibilities Working with the Conservators and Clerk, the Ranger is responsible for developing and delivering our management and maintenance plans as well as a range of other programmes of work across the site including promoting recreation on the Heath and Greens Responsible for keeping all stakeholders and contractors on program and to budget when delivering the site maintenance along with instigating corrective action where required to complete the works Contributing to our relationships with Natural England, government and NGOs to ensure the landowning Trust is protecting the SSSI status of the site When needed establish, and lead, work parties of volunteers in practical conservation tasks, such as scrub clearance, management of invasive species or notifiable weeds, litter picking, hedge planting /management, tree and path maintenance. Engage with and involve the Friends of Therfield Heath group. Also supervise and give instruction to ensure safe working practices are followed - producing risk assessments and ensuring H&S legislation is adhered to and engaging with the local residents/public regarding the site and planned works Engaging with schools, higher and further education providers and other community groups, including business to organise volunteer days and to promote a better understanding of the Heath and its history Point of contact for the visiting public, to help and give information about the Heath and Greens and the history of the Common Land status. Have the ability to give engaging presentations about the site and its SSSI status to varied audiences Maximise engagement with the general public and users of the Heath and ensure future plans are delivered in a collaborative manner Working with the Conservators and Clerk: Ensure that stakeholders are kept fully involved and informedProduce relevant documentation to assess impact on the Common Land and SSSI from increased visitor numbersManage project budgets and estimate costs so that they are kept within agreed marginsMaintain safe conditions for yourself; volunteers and those who use and visit the Heath Potential to: Undertake or contribute to species surveys and habitat monitoringWrite social media posts and lead media engagement initiatives.Work with Conservators to advise on strategic development and funding Knowledge, skills and experience A background in Ecology or Conservation, with experience of practical habitat management, ideally of lowland calcareous grassland and its associated species. An interest in conservation planning and habitat management, and an awareness of the situation relating to SSSI management An ability to engage with a wide range of people, both internally (contractors and tenants) and externally (general public, volunteers, community and school groups) and to understand their concerns and requirements on the Heath. Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to find creative solutions and reach a consensus Able to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances Demonstrable ability to manage change within projects. Demonstrated ability to provide advice and interpretation of policy and procedures Training in use of associated tools and equipment including power tools (e.g. brush cutter, chain saw) and knowledge of safe working practices and managing risk. Herbicide certification an advantage. Knowledge of legislation relating to the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, protected species and best practice Confident managing budgets and interpreting financial statements Familiarity or experience working in a not-for-profit environment Enhanced DBS check will be required. First Aid Certificate will be required Driving License desirable ; all terrain vehicle training an advantage. This is a permanent, full-time role for 37.5 hours per week. Applicants can request a substantial part-time position instead. We will arrange an initial Teams interview shortly after the closing date for a long list; with onsite interviews for the final short list. For further information please contact clerktherfieldheath.org.uk. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship. The successful candidate will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.