Countryside Lead Ranger

Salary details: £ - £

Are you ready to take the lead in one of the most rewarding outdoor roles in the county? 

We’re looking for a dynamic and experienced Countryside Lead Ranger to help deliver high-quality stewardship across the Council’s countryside estate. This is your chance to blend practical land management with people leadership, biodiversity enhancement, and community engagement. 

You’ll be at the heart of our countryside operations—supervising rangers, managing habitats and visitor facilities, and helping to deliver our Local Nature Recovery Strategy. From improving access to supporting volunteers and monitoring contractors, no two days will be the same. 

What makes this role special? 

• You’ll lead on the ground—shaping how our sites are managed, maintained, and enjoyed 

• You’ll work with communities, partners, and contractors to bring nature to life 

• You’ll help deliver biodiversity, climate, and wellbeing goals through practical action 

• You’ll be part of a passionate team making a real difference to people and places across Derbyshire 

We’re looking for someone who: 

• Has solid experience in countryside management, from multi-user trails to urban greenspaces, reclaimed land and heavily visited destination sites. land and visitor site management 

• Can lead and motivate others with confidence and care 

• Is passionate about nature, heritage, and involving people. 

• Thrives on variety, problem-solving, and can embrace new technologies Can work in a fast-paced environment with a multitude of competing demands. 

Whether you’re already leading teams or ready to step up into a leadership role—if you’ve got the skills and the spark, we’d love to hear from you. 

Want to chat about the role? 
Drop me an email at jonathan.tilley@derbyshire.gov.uk I’d be happy to tell you more. 

Ready to apply?

Please read the job and person profile to help you complete your application. Please detail how you meet the skills and experience we are looking for.

We believe that hard work and commitment should be rewarded, and we offer:

• Generous Annual Leave Scheme (25 days increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service): Ensuring a healthy work-life balance.
• Local Government Pension Scheme: Providing financial security.
• Wellbeing Support Framework: Includes OH physician services, fast track physiotherapy and confidential psychological support services.
• Training and Development: Opportunities for professional qualifications and ongoing training.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Promoting a healthy lifestyle.
• Our Derbyshire Rewards: a package of benefits and discounts.
• & much more

Provisional Interview Date: Week commencing 20^th October

We really look forward to hearing from you!

The job may require unsocial hours working including weekends and Bank Holidays. Payment arrangements will be detailed in any contract offer made.

Saturday and Sunday hours will be paid at plain time where it is part of your normal working pattern unless it is between 7pm and 7am, where enhanced rates of pay apply. Enhanced pay rates are paid for Bank Holiday working.

Apply now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career with us! By joining Derbyshire County Council you will have access to a range of amazing rewards and employee benefits, including our generous annual leave scheme, excellent local government pension and fantastic employee discounts. To discover more detail about the rewards and benefits available to you, click here

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We are accepting CVs for this position so it’s easier than ever to apply! Just click on “Apply for this job”, register and upload your CV.

Important: Derbyshire County Council holds a sponsorship licence, but this role does not offer visa sponsorship. Please apply only if you already have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship, as applications that do not meet this requirement will be rejected.

We welcome applications from individuals who share our values — being Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered and Accountable. These values describe who we are and what we stand for as a council. They help shape our culture, encourage consistent behaviour and guide how we work together to make a positive difference for both our employees and the residents we serve.