Waterway Ranger

Hours per week: 37
Interview Date: w/c 18 August & w/c 25 August 2025

Passionate about managing our precious inland waterways for public access, navigation and conservation? We are looking for a dynamic self-starter to join our small team managing the Basingstoke Canal. 

The Role:

The 32-mile-long Basingstoke Canal is a largely tree lined and tranquil navigable waterway providing an important recreational resource both on the towpath and on the water. Crossing through Hampshire and Surrey, it is a designated SSSI. With 29 Locks and numerous bridges, structures and embankments, the 230-year-old canal demands constant attention.

The role requires implementation of an agreed and structured programme of practical maintenance, ecological conservation, recreational development, safety improvements, administrative oversight, and business-related operations. This will ensure the effective, high-quality management of the Basingstoke Canal and contribute to delivering exemplary service to the public.

What you’ll do:

The Waterway Ranger is a key role in managing the canal safely. The postholder will deliver and help develop a diverse programme of tasks ranging from practical estates management, ecology, public engagement, minor civil engineering through to administrative. The post holder will regularly engage with and work alongside volunteers and engage with the public as the face of the organisation. 

The post is based at the Basingstoke Canal Centre at Mytchett, near Camberley, Surrey but the post holder will be outdoors on the canal for a significant proportion of the time. The post holder will also be responsible for out of hours response for the Canal on a rota – this will usually be for one week in five including a weekend (but on occasion may be as frequent as one week in three) for which additional allowances are payable. 

What we’re looking for:

• A degree/HND and work experience in countryside or environmental management, rural or urban estate management, civil engineering, or other related discipline
• Able to demonstrate sound theory in conservation or practical estates management, countryside, waterway or asset management
• A full UK driving licence
• Extensive countryside/land management experience – some specific inland waterway or civil engineering knowledge is an advantage
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written
• Ability to be self-starting taking responsibility for actions and work as part of a team
• Able to undertake the physical aspects of the role including prolonged periods of manual handling and able to swim 50m
• A confident user of common IT packages such as Word and Excel – knowledge and use of GIS packages or CAMS an advantage

Why join us?

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.

Hampshire County Council is also a flexible employer interested in making the most of your skills and offers a great work life balance. We invest in you through our internal development programmes and training and offer a competitive salary and benefits package.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Tarun Ingvorsen, Canal Operations Manager on 01252 370073 or James Taylor, Strategic Manager - Basingstoke Canal on 0370 779 5594