Assistant Countryside Access Ranger

Scotlink; Winchester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - GBP 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Hampshire is seeking an Assistant Countryside Access Ranger to work alongside the Countryside Access Ranger Team. This role involves maintaining and improving public rights of way across Hampshire's varied landscapes. The ideal candidate should have practical outdoor experience, be confident in using and maintaining tools, and understand health and safety protocols. This position offers benefits including a minimum of 24 days' annual leave, a flexible workplace, and opportunities for development.

Benefits

Minimum of 24 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays

Local Government Pension Scheme

Family-friendly policies

Interest-free travel loans

Staff discounts

Qualifications

• Experience from estates, farms, forestry or countryside management.
• Confident in using and maintaining tools and machinery.
• Willingness to complete required training, including First Aid.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and improve public rights of way to meet statutory standards.
• Support wider countryside access projects.
• Promote the use of local routes.

Skills

Practical outdoor experience

Teamwork

Record-keeping

Understanding health and safety

Interpreting instructions, maps and site plans

Education

Relevant qualifications or experience in chainsaw operation

Rights of Way knowledge

Tools

Chainsaw

Brushcutter/Strimmer

Rural construction tools

Job description

Salary Range: £25,186 - £26,244 per annum

Work Location: River Hamble Country Park, Bursledon

Hours per week: 37

The Role

You’ll work alongside the Countryside Access Ranger Team, carrying out practical maintenance across Hampshire’s varied landscapes, including the New Forest, Test Valley, North Wessex Downs and the South Coast. You’ll need enthusiasm, initiative and broad practical skills to thrive in this hands‑on outdoor role.

What You’ll Do

As part of an Area Access Team, you’ll maintain and improve public rights of way so they meet statutory standards and remain safe, accessible and enjoyable for all. You’ll also support wider countryside access projects and help promote the use of local routes.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone with practical outdoor experience – ideally from estates, farms, forestry or countryside management. You should be confident using and maintaining tools and machinery, understand health and safety and risk assessments and be able to interpret instructions, maps and site plans. Strong teamwork, record‑keeping and a good general knowledge of countryside and conservation issues are essential.

You must also be willing to complete required training (e.g., First Aid, Risk Assessment, chainsaw use, trailer towing). Relevant qualifications or experience in chainsaw, brushcutter/strimmer operation, rural construction, trailer towing or Rights of Way would be an advantage.

Why Join Us?

Hampshire County Council is a high-performing, modern authority offering a supportive and collaborative working environment. You’ll benefit from:

• A minimum of 24 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (pro‑rata)
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Family-friendly policies, interest‑free travel loans and staff discounts
• A flexible, inclusive workplace where you can grow and develop

If you’re ready to make a real difference in Hampshire’s great outdoors, we’d love to hear from you!

Additional Information:

Assistant Countryside Access Ranger Candidate Pack

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Andrew Aitken, Area Countryside Access Manager
on [e-mail] or 07793 308997

Apply here