About the role
We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic, creative and people‑focused individual to join our team as an engagement ranger based at Durlston Country Park. This varied role sits at the heart of visitor engagement, while contributing to the wider vision of Dorset Council’s Country Parks service to provide memorable experiences and recreational opportunities across our sites.
Durlston is a vibrant and inspiring location, welcoming thousands of visitors each year through day visits, education, events, weddings and tourism. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with children and families, creating opportunities to play, learn and make lasting outdoor memories, while also engaging and inspiring visitors of all ages.
As the engagement ranger, you will play a key role in promoting and sharing the site’s unique natural, cultural and historical assets, helping to increase visitor numbers and satisfaction through meaningful and engaging activities.
Key responsibilities
Events & Education
- Create and deliver a programme of children’s and family events, including weekend and school holiday activities and trails
- Deliver informative and inspiring guided walks, talks and tours
- Lead and deliver an education programme for schools and groups, including managing bookings, external visits and liaising with teachers
- Create sessions and lesson plans, prepare risk assessments, and monitor and evaluate outcomes
Interpretation & Promotion
- Develop and produce promotional materials, including posters, videos and social media content, working alongside the Council’s graphics and communications team
- Create content for newsletters, press releases and local publications, and support wider marketing campaigns and media features
- Support and attend external events to promote the work of the Country Parks service
- Create accessible and engaging interpretation to inspire visitors
Visitor Centre Services
- Act as a duty ranger in Durlston Castle visitor centre, welcoming visitors as the first point of contact
- Support the day‑to‑day operation of the visitor centre and park, including retail, facilities, bookings and general administration
Practical countryside skills are not essential; however, the role does involve tasks such as installing children’s trail resources and assisting with exhibition, room hire and wedding setups.
This post will involve working on a 4‑week rota to average 37 hours per week over 4 weeks, but part‑time hours can be considered as a job share, to include regular weekends (2 of 4), evenings and bank holidays.
You must be willing to work during school holidays and weekends and to wear a uniform. Due to the nature of the role a DBS check will be required on employment.
This post involves working with children and/or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them. It will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. See our policy on the employment of ex‑offenders.
We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible; if you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.
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