Summary This is a practical, hands-on job requiring a high level of practical aptitude with a broad range of countryside/estate management skills. It is a physically demanding, outdoor job that requires you to thrive in that environment. Strangford Lough is one of the most heavily designated nature conservation sites on the island of Ireland and is home to a wealth of wildlife interest and so you will need to have a genuine interest in and knowledge of natural history and ecology. Salary: £26,793 per annum Contract: Fixed Term Contract until 28-Mar-2026 Hours/working pattern: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week. Due to the nature of the role you will work weekends, bank holidays, evenings, and be on call. Due to the fact that a number of sites in the portfolio are islands, you will need to be comfortable working on and around water. Due to the nature of the role a full driving licence is essential. This role is required to work with vulnerable groups including children and any offer of employment or volunteering is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check. What it's like to work here Working within the NI Nature Portfolio, you'll be helping to manage Strangford Lough, a site of international importance. This highly designated property is home to an array of waders and wildfowl, from breeding seabirds such as Common and Arctic Tern, to Brent Geese that overwinter here and as such, bird monitoring is a key part of the ranger teams work here. A large part of your work as a ranger here, will be spent on and around the water, working on power boats, carrying out habitat management on islands and seal counts on behalf of NIEA and moving livestock to and from islands with the Cuan Brig barge. Along with Strangford Lough, you will be covering Ards Peninsula, from Orlock in North Down, to Ballyquintin at the tip of the peninsula. Managing coastal paths, farmland and woodland along with engaging with the thousands of visitors who use our sites and balancing the need for access alongside nature conservation. What you'll be doing You'll be helping to protect and care for habitats, wildlife, buildings and machinery. You'll pass on your knowledge and enthusiasm to encourage others to love this area as much as you do. Whenever and wherever you come across people, you'll take the time to talk to them and answer their questions, rather than rushing away to the next task. Reporting to the Area Rangers and Countryside Manager, you will work throughout the property portfolio including the whole of Strangford Lough, Ards peninsula and North Down. You'll make sure that the conservation work and outdoor experiences on the land in your care are of the highest standard. You'll build relationships in the local community, proudly representing the Trust and letting people know about the work you and the team are doing. Your main role will be carrying out practical habitat management work, estate work and assisting with biological monitoring Working for the Coast and Countryside Manager under the direction of the Area Ranger you will implement an agreed site management plan. You will play a key role in setting standards of presentation and quality of practical work. You will build and maintain strong professional relationships with colleagues, contractors, tenants and neighbouring land managers. You'll also be responsible for helping with excellent communication of our conservation work to a wide range of audiences, both new and existing, through events, guided walks and engagement with local communities. Please also read the full role profile, attached to this advert. Who we're looking for Applications from redeployees are assessed against the minimum criteria for the role. In your application, please provide details of how you meet the minimum criteria below: ability to carry out physical tasks to protect and improve land, habitats, and access confidence in helping visitors understand and enjoy the place and its conservation work understanding of safety procedures and ability to help others stay safe experience in working well with colleagues and supporting volunteers capability to organise work and use tools, time and materials responsibly awareness of how to help the property run well and support its long-term future a driver with a full UK driving licence Additional criteria for all other applicants: practically experienced in conservation work, to protect and improve habitats and landscapes happy to talk to all kinds of people about the work you're doing, and why it matters hard-working and willing to learn able to work safely, using risk assessments and following guidelines experienced in managing land, access and conservation, and working outdoors able to use machinery and equipment, with relevant certificates a driver with a full UK driving licence The package 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 difference, so when we say we're for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too. Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18) Rental deposit loan scheme Season ticket loan EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria) Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria. Flexible working whenever possible Employee assistance programme Free parking at most Trust places #NIJOBS Ends: Mar 1st To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page. To start the process, click the Apply button below to Login/Register.
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