Salary: £23,893 – £24,293 per annum (increasing to SS6 if the criteria are met)
Closing date: 12/05/2024
Contract type: Permanent
Work pattern: Full Time, 37 Hours
Job Type: Ranger
We are looking for a Ranger to join our Rights of Way and Countryside Team based in Heathfield and carrying out maintenance on public rights of way and countryside sites across East Sussex.
The job is very practical, necessitating the use of a wide range of tools and equipment and involving the construction of bridges, stiles and other structures, tree felling and the clearance of vegetation.
We are particularly interested in candidates who have skills and a experience in construction or landscaping, in combination with an interest in the countryside and possibly hold any formal countryside or construction qualifications. Experience in using a range of power tools, including chainsaws, brush cutters and winches would be an advantage. However, a positive attitude, willingness to learn and a commitment to hard work are the most important attributes we are looking for, and extensive training opportunities will be available as necessary to successful applicants, including formal training in use of chainsaws.
Frequent liaison with landowners and the public is involved, and the role also requires good map reading skills and a knowledge and understanding of health and safety procedures. Applicants should hold a full driving licence and be able to do a physically demanding job, working outside in all weathers and regularly on rough terrain, on a daily basis.
Our Rangers have a varied and ever-changing list of jobs to deal with, where there is always more to be done than can ever be achieved and new priorities are frequently developing as problems are reported. A big challenge is the sheer range of practical problems which are encountered and have to be resolved, including construction techniques in boggy ground, working close to hazards such as electrical cables and gas mains, dealing with stuck vehicles and machinery breakdowns, administering first aid, and working far from base and having to adapt available materials.
Applicants should focus on their relevant practical skills and experience in showing how they meet the requirements of the person specification. In particular, at this stage we are looking for evidence that the following criteria in the Person Specification have been met:
- Extensive practical skills covering use of a range of hand & power tools, and the maintenance of tools, equipment & vehicles
- Ability to work outside in all weathers and on rough terrain
- Understanding of the importance of Health & Safety procedures
- Experience of hard physical work in an outdoor environment
Please note that some of the criteria listed in the specification appear under the sub-heading ‘Single Status 6 only’ and are relevant to future progression to a higher scale and are not considered essential at the ‘entry level’ to which we are recruiting, e.g., certification in chainsaw use and possession of a First Aid at Work qualification.
The usual working pattern for these posts is Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 4.00pm, annual leave starts at 24 days per annum, and you will be eligible to join the established pension scheme. There are opportunities to develop within the role through training and the acquisition of experience, and eventual career progression to the position of Lead Ranger is a distinct possibility.
Apply at: East Sussex County Council Jobs
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