Lead Ranger

Akeley, Buckinghamshire
National Trust

Are you a ranger who can handle land management with a difference? We’re looking for a passionate and experienced Lead Ranger to join our team at Stowe. You’ll lead a dedicated group of rangers and volunteers, helping to care for one of England’s most iconic landscapes. From managing habitats and heritage to shaping future conservation plans, this is a hands-on role where you’ll make a real difference for nature, people, and place.

We’re currently embarking on an exciting project to build a four-mile, multi-user trail through the Stowe parkland. As Lead Ranger, you’ll play a key role in championing this work – creating opportunities for people to connect with nature, building strong community partnerships, and helping more visitors enjoy the beauty and biodiversity of the estate in a safe and sustainable way.

What it’s like to work here

Stowe is recognised as one of the most significant designed landscapes in England. The 1,000 acres of landscape garden and parkland were created in the 18th century by some of the country’s most eminent designers. The habitats that have established themselves here over the past 300 years have become significant in their own right.

Managing a Grade 1 listed landscape is a delicate balance between managing the land for nature and protecting the built environment and designed views.

We want to enable visitors to explore the estate safely and enjoy the abundant nature in our care. As Lead Ranger, you will be key to making this happen by creating opportunities for visitors to connect with nature, develop a deep understanding of what makes Stowe special and build a lifelong love of the place.

You’ll be part of a small, friendly, and adaptable team who support each other and share a deep commitment to the land. Together, we aim to help visitors explore safely, connect with nature, and develop a lifelong love for the places we care for.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll plan and run a programme of work to improve the condition of the habitats and landscapes we look after, and you’ll manage projects to create new habitats. You’ll be part of the conversations to develop nature-focused plans at various National Trust sites. As part of a small team, you’ll be adaptable and able to step in to help wherever your expertise is needed.

You’ll build strong working relationships with our tenants and graziers. You’ll lead the ranger and volunteer teams from the front, supporting them in their practical work and developing their skills. You’ll also take on and manage contractors where needed.

You’ll be thinking about the future, helping to bring our nature conservation ambitions to life. And you’ll be talking to a wide range of people and organisations, promoting our work to existing and new audiences.

Who we’re looking for

We’d love to hear from you if you’re:

• a good manager of people, able to lead a team to achieve their goals
• experienced in managing land, nature conservation and access for people
• enthusiastic, knowledgeable and inspiring, someone who’s happy to work with people of all ages and backgrounds, including volunteers
• familiar with health and safety and compliance requirements to do with the countryside and people’s activities
• organised and self-motivated, able to manage a fast-paced workload with competing demands on your time
• confident in managing budgets, finances and contracts.

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