Senior Ranger

Senior Ranger
Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens

Wage Range: £30,000 - £33,000 depending on experience
40 hours per week; 28 days holiday, including bank holidays
Statutory Sick Pay from day one
NEST company pension

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 the 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, you will assist with key garden tasks that may include hedge cutting, strimming, mulching and restoration pruning. You will also lead the garden team on key projects across 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. You will work well with others, be comfortable sharing your knowledge, whilst remaining open to learning and new opportunities.
• Strong tree management skills, including tree safety surveys and carrying out remedial works. A Level 2/3 certificate in arboriculture or countryside management (or 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 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, and correct PPE use and management. Leading by example on health and safety is essential.
• Excellent attention to detail. The aesthetics involved in finishing a job are particularly important 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. The creation, protection and management of habitats across the estate will be an ongoing consideration.

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