Area Ranger

We’re looking for an experienced Ranger who’s ready for a new challenge. You’ll be working at the forefront of nature conservation and land management, working with a dedicated team of Rangers in a landscape that’s important for its rural communities, agriculture, wildlife and loved by millions of visitors.

North and West Lakes is the largest countryside portfolio within the National Trust, located in the Lake District National Park, World Heritage site. It comprises 33,000 hectares spread across 6 valleys and includes managing heritage coastline for partners. The portfolio stretches from Borrowdale in the east across to Buttermere, the Whitehaven coast, Ennerdale and the Wild Ennerdale partnership down to Wasdale, Eskdale and The Duddon valley.

Our landholding covers SSSI’s and SAC protection for Lakes, Commons, Atlantic oakwoods, lakeshores and heathlands. North and West Lakes comprises some of the most iconic and highly visited mountains - Scafell, Great Gable, Catbells and lakes – Derwentwater, Buttermere and Wast Water in the Lake District. As well as being home to the communities and tenants who work here, the area forges special memories for many of our visitors.

As the Area Ranger, you’ll be working with a team of Rangers working across the Wasdale Valley. As you develop a flexible and effective programme of work, you’ll be guided both by business needs and by the Trust’s strategy for restoring nature and enabling everyone to enjoy the countryside.

As a key member of the team, you’ll work alongside farm tenants to deliver practical conservation projects that enhance biodiversity and promote sustainable land use in the Lake District. You’ll assist in planning and implementing initiatives like restoring habitats, managing woodlands, and improving water quality, while supporting farmers to integrate nature-friendly practices into their operations. Engaging with the local community, you’ll provide advice, coordinate resources, and monitor progress to ensure meaningful, lasting environmental gains.

This role combines hands‑on work in the stunning Lake District landscape with fostering strong, collaborative relationships.

Your role is crucial in meeting the Trust’s high standards of presentation and property maintenance. You’ll build strong and positive relationships with colleagues, contractors, tenants and neighbouring land managers.

You’ll introduce a wide variety of people to the importance of nature conservation work through events, guided walks and engaging the local community. And you’ll look for ways to raise funds for the Trust through innovative business ideas.

The role will require some weekend work, to support visitor management activities.

You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all of the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what’s possible in this role.

• experience working with farm tenants and engaging with rural communities
• 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
• a strong team player, with a track record in leading and managing people and volunteers
• practical and skilled in looking after a range of habitats and landscapes, with certificates in chainsaw use, and towing trailers
• able to work safely, and take the lead on compliance – including writing risk assessments, and safety and environmental procedures
• knowledge of farm Agri-schemes like Countryside Stewardship
• 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.

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value…