Stiperstones National Nature Reserve Ranger

Do you have a passion for nature and the environment? Do you want to make a real difference and
secure significant environmental gains in the present and the future? Do you enjoy working in a
team? Can you see yourself advising communities and customers to maximise gains for the Natural
Environment? 

If this appeals to you, a career at Natural England offers rewarding opportunities to secure
environmental improvements and play your part in creating a better future for people and
nature. 

The priority work Natural England is delivering includes:

• Establishing a Nature Recovery Network to help wildlife thrive
• Monitoring environmental changes to identify and help reduce the effects of climate change
• Working with farmers and landowners to develop greener food production methods
• Advising on plans for new developments to maximise gains for nature
• Providing ways for people to better connect with nature, including green social prescribing

We are the Government’s advisor for the natural environment, playing a vital role in delivering
the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan, an ambitious vision which brings new opportunities
to protect and enhance and to achieve real outcomes for the environment.

Find out more about the work of Natural England at www.gov.uk/government/organisations/natural-england

This is a local role, based in Natural England’s West Midlands Team.

The successful candidate will be based at the Stiperstones and will be part of a small team
working on the Stiperstones and Downton Gorge National Nature Reserves (NNRs).

Working as part of the Stiperstones NNR site management team, you will be expected to be flexible, working largely outdoors, on-site, working from our reserve base at the Stiperstones NNR. The role may also require working on other NNRs across the West Midlands.

The Stiperstones NNR is owned and managed by Natural England and is an upland heathland site
with important acid grassland, upland oak woodland, mires and hay meadows. The site is
important for its upland birds, invertebrates and flora. It is managed in conjunction with
common grazing rights holders, graziers, contractors and volunteers. Natural England also run
their own flock of sheep and some ponies. Management includes: tree clearance, heather cutting
and burning, gorse control, bracken management, path upkeep, coppicing, fencing etc.

Downton Gorge NNR is a riverine valley woodland which is leased from a local estate. It is
important for its woodland flora, lower plants, fungi, invertebrates and birds. Management
includes coppicing, deer fencing, path and ride management.

Job description

• Provides and supervises operational delivery across the reserves, carrying out duties and
  tasks set out in site management and other relevant plans.
• Initiates and oversees delivery of technical tasks, problem solving and smaller programmes
  of work.
• Provides functional direction to Assistant Rangers and/or volunteers. Has good awareness of
  Health & Safety (H&S) guidance and procedures.
• Responsible for own Health & Safety.
• Provides feedback to Reserve and Senior Reserve Managers to help improve delivery.
• Engages with visitors, partners, and volunteers.
• The role may also involve overseeing, observing, and directing the work of volunteers,
  students, apprentices & contractors.
• Delivery, monitoring and reporting responsibility for routine management and maintenance
  tasks.