About this role
Summary As a Ranger, you’re a champion of nature conservation, and you’ll play a crucial role in keeping the nation’s beloved countryside and coast in good shape, for wildlife and for people.
With a love for the great outdoors, you'll enjoy working with nature and want to inspire and motivate others. You'll help to make habitats for wildlife better and make everyone feel welcome at our places.
Salary: £27,612 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours/ working pattern: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week. You should be willing to work some weekends, bank holidays and occasional evenings, and be on call if required.
Due to the nature of the role and the size of the property, a full UK driving license (or equivalent) is essential.
In person interviews and practical assessment scheduled to take place week commencing 25th May 2026.
What it's like to work here This role is based at Murlough National Nature Reserve in Dundrum, close to the seaside town of Newcastle, County Down. Murlough is a 6000 year old sand dune system, with a network of paths through the dunes, woodland and heath. As Ireland's first nature reserve, it is a designated 'Area of Special Scientific Interest' and 'Special Area of Conservation' fronted by a four mile long, golden sand beach, set beneath the Mourne Mountains. As well as the nature reserve you will also help to look after 2 coastal paths, the 2 highest peaks in the Mourne Mountains, along with an ancient woodland.
You’ll be part of a highly motivated team which includes 2 Rangers, and you will report to the Area Ranger. Murlough & Mourne is part of the new 'NI Restore Nature’ portfolio alongside the Strangford Lough and North Coast ranger teams.
Investing in you
We want you to learn, discover and develop your career. And we’ll do everything we can to offer you training, development opportunities, and the support that you need to achieve your goals. We’ll work with you to help plan your development in a way that’s right for your needs.
What you'll be doing A practical role working mostly outdoors, in all weathers, you’ll be helping to protect and care for habitats, wildlife, buildings and machinery.
You’ll undertake a variety of tasks covering countryside maintenance, along with visitor management. This will include nature conservation working to make habitats better for wildlife, maintaining essential infrastructure such as fences & gates, monitoring habitats & protected species, compliance & site safety inspections, routine grounds maintenance, waste management, supporting volunteers, engaging with visitors and helping to deliver activities that strengthen people’s connections with the outdoors. From picking up litter to leading walks and talks with visitors you will be a vital member of the Ranger team.
You’ll pass on your knowledge and enthusiasm to inspire others to love this area as much as you do, and you’ll make sure that the conservation work and outdoor experiences on the land in your care are of the highest standard. Building relationships in the local community, proudly representing the National Trust and letting people know about the work you and the team are doing.
Please also read the full role profile, attached to this advert.
Who we're looking for We’d love to hear from you if you’re:
practically experienced in conservation work, to protect and improve habitats and landscapeshappy to talk to all kinds of people about the work you’re doing, and why it mattershard-working and willing to learnable to work safely, using risk assessments and following guidelinesexperienced in managing land, access and conservation, and working outdoorsable to use machinery and equipment, with relevant certificatesa 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
Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.
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