National Trust

Area Ranger

Location: Hatchlands Park, East Clandon, Guildford GU4 7RT

Contract Type: Permanent / Part-time (30 hours p/w)

Reference/IRC: IRC170506

Closing Date: 15 Feb 2026

Salary: £26,793 - 28,509 dependent on experience.

This is a rare opportunity to join our team as an Area Ranger, leading the delivery of high-quality nature conservation and estate maintenance at Hatchlands Park.

What it's like to work here

Hatchlands Park was given to the National Trust in 1945. The parkland is Grade II listed with the garden, and the mansion house listed as Grade I. The 400-acre parkland consists of ancient woodland, bluebell wood, pasture meadows, ponds, path networks and hedgerows.

You’ll join an outdoors team consisting of a Garden & Outdoors Manager, 3 Senior Gardeners, 5 Gardeners, Ranger and an Apprentice Gardener. You’ll line manage 1 Ranger and work closely with a Senior Gardener and Gardener at Hatchlands Park and be part of a wider property group including Clandon Park and Polesden Lacey.

What you'll be doing

Working closely with the Estates Team, tenant graziers, farmers, contractors and the operational team you will report to the Garden & Outdoors Manager. You’ll be responsible for the care, improvement and maintenance of the parkland set within the pay for entry property barrier.

You’ll do varied work, such as installing fencing and gates, practical habitat management, bracken control and woodland management and livestock husbandry. The work will also include visitor engagement at events, working with volunteers and community involvement.

Hatchlands is home to a herd of Sussex Cattle, owned by a local farmer, and used to conservation graze the parkland. You’ll also be involved with the care of our resident donkeys.

You’ll be required to work 1 in 3 weekends and help with some evening events. We have a culture of mucking in where needed, which may involve car parking over the holidays and taking on Duty Management responsibilities.

Who we're looking for

• experienced in managing land, nature conservation and access for people, including running small projects and supervising contractors
• used to developing and running programmes of work to achieve specific goals in conservation or access
• strong team player, with a track record in leading and managing staff and volunteers
• practical and skilled in looking after a range of habitats and landscapes, with certificates in chainsaw use, tractor driving and towing trailers
• able to work safely, and lead on compliance – including writing risk assessments, and safety and environmental procedures
• happy to talk - with enthusiasm and commitment – to all kinds of people about the work you do and why it matters
• a driver, with a full UK licence.

   
Apply: IRC170506 - Area Ranger

Closing Date: 15/02/2026  Location: Hatchlands Park, East Clandon, Guildford, GU4 7RT