Trainee Ranger

Trainee Ranger

White Cliffs Countryside Partnership

£20,524 per annum (subject to pay award)

Fixed term 12 months

Are you passionate about the natural world? Do you want to learn the skills to help nature face
the biodiversity and climate crises? Then this opportunity may be for you…

White Cliffs Countryside Partnership is a small not-for-profit organisation with just over 20
staff, which has three focus areas for its work: Managing Wild Spaces, Inspiring Local
Communities and Reducing Our Climate Impact. We work alongside the local community, our
volunteers and partners to protect and enhance the wild spaces of south-east Kent so they can
thrive as sustainable havens for wildlife. Through our work we also aim to give everyone an
opportunity to enjoy and benefit from these wild spaces.

We are currently looking to recruit an outgoing and positive individual to join our team and
assist with the management of our nature reserves in the Kent Downs National Landscape,
including Folkestone Warren, Samphire Hoe Country Park and Western Heights.

Working alongside our team of rangers and volunteers, you will undertake a varied range of
tasks from day-to-day, including habitat management, infrastructure maintenance and repair,
working with livestock, and engaging with local communities and members of the public.

What we need from you

Applicants should be able to demonstrate their interest and passion for the natural world and
their commitment to a career in wildlife conservation. You will have excellent communication
skills and experience of working with members of the public.

The majority of the work involves being outdoors in all weathers and you will need to be able
to undertake physically demanding work on steep and difficult terrain. You may have experience
of working as a volunteer in the conservation sector.

Outgoing and self-motivated, you will be able to work flexibly and under your own initiative as
well as part of a team. You will be computer literate and hold a full, clean driving licence.

What we offer you

This role is designed to equip you with the skills and experience needed to pursue a career in
wildlife conservation. WCCP staff will teach you the practical skills for nature reserve
management and the theory and rationale of the work we do. A wide range of certified training
will be provided, including First Aid at Work, Brushcutter, Safe Use of Pesticides and Chainsaw
(CS30 & 31).

We provide a fun, friendly, inclusive and flexible working environment along with a range of
other benefits, including:

• Benenden Health membership and Employee Assistance Program
• Opt-in Local Government Pension Scheme with the opportunity for staff to make advanced,
  voluntary contributions (AVCs) to top up their pension
• Generous annual leave
• Opportunities for training and development, both formally and through our experienced,
  knowledgeable team
• Staff Discount Scheme

Due to the nature of the role, this post requires an enhanced DBS check.

Next Steps

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Stephanie D’Agorne by email: [email protected] or by phone: 07864
608825.

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 17 April 2024.

The interview format will involve a question-based interview and site-based assessment. Full
information will be provided to the short-listed candidates.

This traineeship is funded through the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme from DEFRA
and the Kent Downs National Landscape (Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).