Downs to the Sea Ponds and Engagement Ranger
South Downs National Park Authority
Location: Based at South Downs Centre Midhurst
Closing Date: 15th June 2025
Interview Date: 26th June 2025
Salary: £32,037 to £34,587 (£19,222 to £20,752 pro rata)
Hours: 22.2 hours per week
Type of post: Fixed-term for 2 years
Do you want to help our precious wetlands?
We are looking for an experienced Ponds and Engagement Ranger to join the Downs to the Sea project team – an inspiring initiative that connects landscapes, biodiversity and communities from the South Downs to the Sussex coast. Made possible by support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Downs to the Sea brings together a partnership comprising the South Downs National Park Trust, South Downs National Park Authority, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Western Sussex Rivers Trust, Brighton and Hove City Council, and Writing Our Legacy.
Enthusiastic and self-motivated, you will be responsible for implementing a wide range of conservation and public engagement within the project area.
You will lead on key capital works such as ponds and dew ponds restoration and creation, ensuring compliance with planning permissions and health and safety regulations. You will help build positive relationships with landowners, partners and local communities, while promoting the South Downs National Park and the Downs to the Sea project.
With a strong working knowledge of countryside management, you must be able to plan, organise and deliver projects and activities around landscape conservation, biodiversity enhancement and community engagement. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as you will be required to work effectively with contractors, stakeholders and the wider community.
You will need to have a degree or equivalent qualification in a countryside or rural management related discipline or relevant experience in pond restoration or creation. Previous experience in delivering capital works projects, is also required.
Sound like something that interests you? Think you can really add value to the role? Meet the person specification? Then please apply!
To apply: Please apply via the button shown to upload your CV and complete our application referring to the person specification.
SDNPA is an inclusive organisation and we welcome applications from everyone irrespective of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, faith and religion, disability and age.
We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) for disabled applicants.
In all circumstances the SDNPA appoints on merit based on evidence the applicant supplies in meeting the essential criteria for the post. Further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion can be found on our website.
SDNPA Enhanced Benefits:
- Flexible working
- Local government pension scheme
- Healthcare - includes cash plan, counselling and wellbeing discounts
- Access to Health and Wellbeing portal and webinars
- 27 days’ annual leave, increasing to 30 days, plus bank holidays
- Professional development support
- Cycle to work scheme
- Car sharing
- Use of pool cars
- Regular staff events / activities, which support the SDNPA’s Purposes and Duty
About South Downs National Park Authority
The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) is responsible for keeping the South Downs a
special place. The SDNPA is also the planning authority for the National Park.
The Authority is a public body, funded by government, and run by a Board of 27 Members.
The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) is responsible for keeping the South Downs a special place. The SDNPA is also the planning authority for the National Park. The Authority is a public body, funded by government, and run by a Board of 27 Members.
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