Are you a proven leader with a passion for nature, heritage and people? Do you want to play a vital role in shaping the future of one of Devon’s most significant estates? If so, this could be the role for you.
We’re looking for a dynamic and experienced Lead Ranger to join the team at Killerton, an estate steeped in history and rich in biodiversity. It’s a place where we’re taking bold steps to deliver landscape-scale restoration, an ambitious vision for nature and people across 10 square miles.
This is a unique opportunity for someone with a balance of great leadership, practical and partnership skills.
What it’s like to work here
Full of heritage and nature, Killerton Estate welcomes over 430,000 visitors each year across one of the National Trust’s largest and most diverse estates. It encompasses ancient woodlands, three rivers, orchards, parkland and farmland, alongside a successful house and garden visitor attraction.
Since 2021 we have invested over £4 million in nature, creating 270 hectares of new priority habitat, planting over 400,000 trees, creating 8 new orchards, 5 new woodlands and planting 20km of new hedgerows. The pace is fast and the positive impact is huge at a time when nature needs our help most.
You’ll be working alongside the Restore Nature Delivery Manager, Nature Engagement Officer, and will lead a team of Rangers and volunteers.
This is your chance to lead change and make a real impact on nature, climate and people in this part of Devon.
What you’ll be doing
As Lead Ranger, you will be instrumental in delivering our ambitious vision.
You’ll be managing the day-to-day operations of our ranger team as they deliver more for nature and people. You’ll be responsible for achieving restoration targets on our in-hand land, overseeing conservation work of priority habitats and enhancing our visitor access network. Reporting to the Restore Nature Delivery Manager, you’ll help develop and deliver innovative projects such as woodland creation, floodplain restoration and species recovery schemes.
You’ll have delegated responsibility for budgets, protecting and enhancing the Trust’s assets and reputation in all you do.
You’ll be a leading supporter of our nature engagement work, ensuring that diverse audiences can benefit from time spent outdoors.
You’ll be using your people skills to mentor, inspire and challenge your team to deliver rapid impact for nature.
Killerton continues to reverse nature’s decline, is connecting more people to the great outdoors and is becoming more climate resilient. You will be leading the way, supporting our goal of planting one million trees by 2030, ensuring that 50% of the estate becomes nature-rich and that our local communities are involved in every step.
Who we’re looking for
- Proven leadership experience of mentoring and challenging a team and fostering a culture of continuous development
- Significant background in habitat management, with knowledge of modern practices and land management funding streams
- Strategic thinking and project management skills – adept at implementing nature restoration projects
- Deep commitment to climate adaptation, biodiversity renewal and nature connection
- Strong and adaptable communicator with the ability to collaborate with tenants, communities and partners
- Enthusiastic, knowledgeable and inspiring – someone who has a track record of developing welcoming outdoor spaces
- Familiar with managing operational countryside risk
- Organised and self-motivated, able to manage competing demands for your time
- Confident in handling budgets, finances and contracts
- Some experience with historic landscapes and visitor management would be an advantage
The package
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
- Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
- 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.
Location
Killerton, Broadclyst, Exeter, EX5 3LE
Requirements
Compliance. Eligibility to Work in the UK
Equal Opportunities Statement
The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination.
Safeguarding Statement
The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment process to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.
Please note we reserve the right to close this advert early and therefore we encourage you to apply for this position early.
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