Access Ranger (Cumbria South)

Douglas & Grahame Ltd; Penrith; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental organization located in the United Kingdom is seeking a dedicated individual to maintain public rights-of-way and manage countryside projects in the South Cumbria area. This role requires practical experience in countryside management, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in IT. Candidates must have a full driving licence and be prepared to work weekends and bank holidays as part of a rota. Comprehensive benefits include generous leave and a strong pension scheme.

Benefits

Generous leave: 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Flexible working arrangements: Flexi-time scheme

Excellent pension: Local Government Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (LGPS)

Wellbeing support: Subsidised Healthcare scheme, employee assistance programme, cycle to work scheme

Free parking and relocation allowance (if applicable)

Qualifications

• Practical experience in planning and delivering countryside projects.
• Strong understanding of health, safety, and welfare requirements, including risk assessments.

Responsibilities

• Liaising with landowners and farmers.
• Carrying out high‑quality practical work to enhance public access.
• Engaging with users and local communities.
• Managing and supervising contractors and volunteers.
• Coordinating and delivering practical projects.

Skills

Proficiency in IT, including Microsoft Office

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Full driving licence

Job description

Job Summary

Location: Orton, near Tebay.
Hours: Full Time – 37 hours per week.
Salary: £26,402 – £29,540 per annum.

About Us

We are the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, an organisation that protects, enhances and promotes the immense beauty, wildlife and character of the Yorkshire Dales. Set against expansive heather moorland tops, each valley has its own distinct charm, from crags and waterfalls to an underground labyrinth of caves and will provide an enviable setting for your career in countryside management.

Benefits

• Generous leave: 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
• Flexible working arrangements: Flexi-time scheme
• Excellent pension: Local Government Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Wellbeing support: Subsidised Healthcare scheme, employee assistance programme, cycle to work scheme and staff discounts
• Free parking and relocation allowance (if applicable)

Role

This is an exciting opportunity to work primarily in the South Cumbria area of the park. You’ll focus on maintaining the public rights‑of‑way network, other access routes, open access areas and estate management for the Authority.

Responsibilities

• Liaising with landowners and farmers
• Carrying out high‑quality practical work to enhance public access
• Engaging with users and local communities
• Managing and supervising contractors and volunteers
• Coordinating and delivering practical projects

Weekend and bank holiday work will be required as part of a rota.

About You

You’ll bring practical experience in planning and delivering countryside projects, such as building stiles, path construction, fencing, and walling. You’ll also have a strong understanding of health, safety, and welfare requirements, including risk assessments.

Qualifications & Skills

• Proficiency in IT, including Microsoft Office
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A full driving licence (due to travel requirements)

Experience in supervising volunteers and operating small plant machinery would be an advantage.

Additional Information

This role is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply and join us.

Contact & Application

For an informal chat about this vacancy, please contact Steve Hastie, Area Manager, on 01539 756611 or [e-mail].

The closing date for completed applications is 11pm on Sunday, 25 January 2026 and the anticipated interview date is Monday, 2 February 2026.