Countryside Ranger

Job Description

Reporting to the Outdoor Access and Countryside Officer, the post holder will assist in the day-to-day management, maintenance and promotion of Moray’s countryside and natural environment assets within open spaces. The post holder will also contribute to future countryside, open space and visitor management planning

 

Requirements

Carry out Ranger duties across countryside and open space assets.

Carry out various maintenance operations within countryside areas, woodlands and long-distance core path routes, e.g. grass cutting, herbicide spraying, maintenance of drainage systems, fencing, path / track surface repairs and litter clearance.

Provide countryside management education, advice and support to community groups and stakeholders including – volunteers, friends groups, educational establishments, conservation groups, youth organisations, members of the public, criminal justice and additional support groups.

Assist in developing and implementing management and maintenance plans and projects in relation to countryside assets including woodlands, core paths, and natural / semi-natural spaces, in accordance with the council’s open space, biodiversity and climate change strategies.

Assist the Outdoor Access & Countryside Officer with advising the public on the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 and promote and explain the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

 

The Individual

Previous experience of working in a countryside environment and in in countryside maintenance work.

Hands on experience of path works including vegetation control, surfacing, drainage and installation of features such as fencing, signage, bridges etc., and using power tools such as chainsaws and powered grass cutting equipment

Experience in 4x4 driving, trailer handling, quad bike operation, operating powered grass cutting equipment

Experience of Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook Express Software package. Demonstrable knowledge of Outdoor Access legislation and countryside management and maintenance matters

Must hold an Emergency First Aid Certificate or be willing to gain within a specified time period.

Willingness to learn new skills and extend knowledge

Must hold a full clean driving license.

Evidence of competence in strimmers, brush cutters and other grounds related operations.

Effective organisational/time management skills.

Ability to drive vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes with trailers over 750kg.

Ability to maintain accurate records

Ability to prioritise workload.

Ability to work solo and as part of a team

Ability to work within limited budgets

Ability to manage a workload, changing priorities and to solve problems.

Resilience and the ability to cope with changing priorities

Sound knowledge of wildlife and countryside matters and countryside legislation. Good presentation skills, both oral and written, to a public audience.

Expertise in the use of a wide range of hand and power tools for the creation and maintenance of countryside features. • Ability to work unsupervised.

Ability to work both alone and in a team.

Self confidence.

Ability to motivate self and others.

Ability to communicate effectively with different stakeholders.

Work with and direct volunteers.

Ability to work outdoors and walk for significant distances over varying terrains

Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs and demands of the service.

Ability to work from home and in a shared office.

Ability to work in different environments and weather all year round.

 

Closing Date - 24 April 2026

Starting Salary - £32,742

£17.37 per hour

36.25 hours per week

 

For further info please contact Hector Bryden on 01343 563074