Lead Ranger

Join us as Lead Ranger in the Surrey Hills Central Team and help shape and achieve the National Trust’s bold ambitions for land and nature.

You’ll lead a skilled team of rangers and volunteers across a stunning and varied landscape—including Leith Hill, Bookham, Holmwood, and Land Barn Farm. From ancient woodland to chalk grassland, you’ll be at the heart of nature recovery, access, and conservation in one of the South East’s most iconic countryside areas.

As part of the Property Leadership Team, you’ll play a key role in both strategic planning and day-to-day delivery.

What it's like to work here:You’ll be joining a supportive and experienced ranger team working across a diverse and beautiful landscape in the Surrey Hills. The team manages a portfolio of sites including Leith Hill, Bookham, Denbies Hillside, and Holmwood—many of which are designated as SSSI, Common Land, or SNCI. These sites feature a wide range of habitats, including ancient woodland, chalk grassland, heathland, and farmland.

You’ll be line-managed by the Countryside Manager and work closely with other property leaders to coordinate delivery across the wider Surrey Hills portfolio. The team values collaboration, practical expertise, and a shared commitment to nature recovery and public access. Volunteers play a vital role in the day-to-day work, and you’ll be part of a culture that supports learning, safety, and inclusion.

• Leading and managing a team of rangers and volunteers across multiple sites
• Planning and delivering habitat management and nature recovery projects
• Managing property budgets and ensuring effective use of resources
• Overseeing compliance and safety, including tree safety and visitor risk management
• Working with tenants, graziers, and contractors to support land management goals
• Contributing to strategic planning and helping shape long-term conservation priorities
• Supporting the development of team members through training and mentoring
• Promoting the Trust’s work to partners, stakeholders, and the wider public

Who we're looking forWe’d love to hear from you if you’re:

• a good manager of people, able to lead a team to achieve their goals
• experienced in managing land, nature conservation and access for people
• enthusiastic, knowledgeable and inspiring, someone who’s happy to work with people of all ages and backgrounds, including volunteers
• familiar with health and safety and compliance requirements to do with the countryside and people’s activities
• organised and self-motivated, able to manage a fast-paced workload with competing demands on your time
• confident in managing budgets, finances and contracts.

The packageThe 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

• 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