Assistant Countryside Access Ranger

Job Details:

Job Reference: HCC623147
Salary Range: £25,186 - £26,244 per annum
Work Location: River Hamble Country Park, Bursledon
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 28 February 2026

Access. Explore. Improve

Hampshire County Council is recruiting an Assistant Ranger to the Countryside Service. 

The Role:

In this role, you will work alongside the Countryside Access Ranger Team carrying out a range of practical maintenance tasks. You’ll need to be enthusiastic, work on your own initiative and have a wide range of practical experience. The work will be undertaken in the diverse landscapes found throughout Hampshire, including the New Forest, Test Valley, North Wessex Downs National Landscape and South Coast.

What you’ll do:

Joining an Area Access Team, you will be responsible for maintaining and improving public rights of way, so they comply with statutory requirements, are easy to use and are accessible to the wider public. You will assist with developing other countryside access opportunities as they arise, and to promote the use of access routes to the general public.

What we’re looking for:

We’re looking for someone who has practical outdoor working experience gained in environments such as estates, farms, forestry or countryside management settings. You’ll be comfortable using and maintaining power tools and machinery, have a good understanding of health and safety procedures including risk assessments, and be able to accurately interpret and adapt written instructions, maps, drawings and plans to suit local site conditions. Strong interpersonal skills, the ability to maintain accurate records and a general knowledge of countryside and conservation issues are essential.

You must also be willing to undertake required training, including First Aid, Risk Assessment, chainsaw use and trailer towing, along with any additional training needed to safely and competently carry out the role. Relevant qualifications, certification in chainsaw, brushcutter or strimmer operation, trailer towing experience, rural construction skills and a working knowledge of Rights of Way would be an advantage.

Why join us?

Our Hampshire County Council authority provides high quality public services to over a million customers. Hampshire County Council is recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK. A modern, forward-looking local authority, it offers a pleasant, supportive, and collaborative working environment.

Our benefits package includes a minimum 24 days holiday and also bank holidays (pro-rata) on top of your annual leave entitlement. It also includes local government pension scheme, family friendly policies and interest free travel loans and discounts. We offer a flexible, motivating and inclusive workplace. We have created an environment that you can look forward to being a part of, where you are empowered to be your best and a workplace built on teamwork where people can grow and develop in their roles.

You will have the opportunity to work in stunning countryside settings across Hampshire and become part of a welcoming, supportive team that takes pride in providing a safe and accessible rights of way network for both residents and visitors.

If you think you have what it takes to make a real difference in Hampshire, get in touch!

Additional Information:

Assistant Countryside Access Ranger Candidate Pack

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Andrew Aitken, Area Countryside Access Manager on andrew.aitken@hants.gov.uk or 07793 308997