Job Details:
Job Reference: HCC621846
Salary Range: £27,780 – £30,564 per annum
Work Location: Basing House, Old Basing
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 3 October 2025
Interview Date: 29 October 2025
The Role:
Hampshire County Council's Access Team is recruiting for a new Community Engagement Ranger to develop programmes of work for volunteers who help maintain and improve Hampshire’s rights of way network. Covering the North West of the County, you will develop, coordinate and support a programme of activities on public rights of way, working with a variety of user groups and stakeholders to develop partnerships and build opportunities for local communities to improve access to the countryside. With significant experience of public engagement in a countryside related discipline, you will be confident in communicating with members of the public via multiple channels, including social media and have an understanding of funding applications.
You will be expected to lead outdoor practical volunteer tasks on public rights of way throughout the area, working both independently and alongside the area ranger team. You will have a flexible approach to work and be able to work both independently in rural locations, and as part of a team.
A full driving licence is required for this role along with access to your own vehicle.
What you’ll do:
• Develop partnerships and engagement activities with user groups, parish councils, established volunteer groups and external organisations.
• Build opportunities for local communities and user groups to become engaged in volunteering to improve access to the countryside in accordance with CAP objectives.
• Identify potential grant and funding opportunities.
• Work with depot ranger team to ensure required materials are available for projects.
• Coordinate activities in accordance with CAP objectives
• Be the primary contact for all engagement activities relating to public rights of way.
• Celebrate the achievements of our volunteers via social media and use this as a tool to recruit more to the team.
• Contribute to the monthly volunteer newsletter.
• Manage small-scale projects and work packages.
• Maintain accurate up to date records of work completed using IT systems and portable devices.
• Maintain records to comply with Health and Safety and corporate requirements, including writing risk assessments for volunteer tasks.
What we’re looking for:
We’re looking for a confident and motivated individual with a passion for countryside engagement and public interaction. You’ll need:
• Valid full Driving Licence and able to fulfil travel requirements of the role which will at times include use of own vehicle
• Excellent communicator showing diplomacy and tact - verbal and written
• Ability to work under own initiative but also be team player
• Demonstrate significant experience in public engagement in a countryside discipline
• Strong IT skills in basic software such as Word, Excel etc.
• Knowledge and experience of using social media packages (including Facebook and Instagram)
• Ability to produce reports and work plans
• Awareness of Health & Safety policies, risk assessments and other appropriate legislation and experience in applying these to tasks
Desirable qualities include:
• Degree (or equivalent qualification or experience) in relevant subject
• Experience in similar countryside-related role
• Outdoor practical working experience
• Experience of staff and volunteer supervision
• Knowledge of the preparation and implementation of Risk Assessments
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.
Additional Information:
Community Engagement Ranger Candidate Pack
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:
Corinne Davis-Cooke, Rights of Way Officer on 07753 422898 or corinne.davis-cookehants.gov.uk
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
