Senior Ranger

SENIOR RANGER REQUIRED - Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens

Job Summary

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens is a stunning Grade I listed woodland garden covering 240 acres and featuring magnificent collections of Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Camellias and Magnolias. We have an outstanding Champion Tree collection as well as a National Collection of Leonardslee-related Rhododendrons.  The landscape is undergoing conservation restoration and continual improvement, showcasing a celebrated rock garden, arboretum, pinetum, seven lakes, and extensive walking trails.

We are seeking a passionate and hands-on individual with a love for trees and horticulture to join our team as a Senior Ranger. In this role, you will work under the leadership and guidance of the Leonardslee management team, including the Head Gardener and Assistant Head Gardener to assist in maintaining and developing Leonardslee as a safe and enjoyable venue.  You will be responsible for managing a small dedicated team of staff and volunteers.

The scope of the role will include a number of key targets:

Implementing and working towards an in-progress Woodland Management Plan (WMP). This will include working with the management team, contractors and outside bodies to deliver the priorities of the plan, including Rhododendron ponticum removal, bracken control, path management, maintaining historic views, landscape regeneration and habitat management.

Tree collection management. The Senior Ranger will be instrumental in maintaining the safety and health of Leonardslee’s extensive tree collection. This will include heavy involvement with regular, ongoing tree surveys and remedial works.

Contributing towards the ongoing implementation of the Garden Management Plan (GMP). Often working with the Assistant Head Gardener and Senior Gardener, the Senior Ranger will assist with key, specific tasks in the garden that may include the likes of hedge cutting, strimming, mulching and restoration pruning. You will also lead the garden team on key projects on the wider estate.

The successful applicant for the position of Senior Ranger should have the following skills and experience:

The ability to effectively identify and manage priorities across a busy workload, pro-actively coordinating with other affected stakeholders.

Ability to develop strong professional relationships and experience of working with different stakeholders such as garden staff, volunteers, contractors and other staff departments. Attending and leading toolbox talks and contributing to the social media output of the estate are also important in building relationships and sharing knowledge. You will work well with others and be comfortable sharing your knowledge whilst still open to learning and experiencing new opportunities.

Tree management skills including tree safety surveys and carrying out resulting remedial works. A Level 2/3 certificate in arboriculture or countryside management or the equivalent experience is desirable. Experience in chainsaw use and all appropriate tree surgery tickets is essential, as is a good knowledge of tree species and their pests and diseases. Experience of safe aerial tree work would also be beneficial, along with a recognised qualification in conducting tree surveys.

Experience in working towards a landscape restoration project, such as an Estate or Garden Management Plan or similar.

Risk management experience and good compliance skills are crucial. You will have experience of assessing risk, writing and following risk assessments, safe working regulations, machinery safety and maintenance skills and correct PPE use and management. Leading by example on these matters to ensure safe working practices is essential.

Excellent attention to detail. The aesthetics involved in finishing a job are a particular requirement, especially in a premier historic landscape that is frequented by thousands of visitors each year.

A good knowledge of ecology and wildlife habitats and life cycles is important. The creation, protection and management of a number of habitats across the estate will be an ongoing consideration.

Apply now!