Senior Ranger x3

Sussex Wildlife Trust

To deliver our new strategic plan – Our Wild Sussex – we need people with bold and innovative ideas to help us to achieve our ambitions for local wildlife and wild places.

We are committed to restoring and protecting at least 30% of Sussex land and sea for nature, inspiring one in four people to take meaningful action for wildlife, building a stronger more inclusive and diverse organisation and becoming a net zero and climate resilient organisation.

We are looking for the best and most talented people to join our team and help us deliver this exciting and ambitious strategy. We are keen to hear from you even if you don't have all the skills and experience outlined in the Job Description but have the potential to grow into a role.

So, if you are someone who is determined to see a Sussex rich in wildlife and you have drive, energy and commitment to our values of Innovation, Passion, Collaboration and Inclusion why not apply now to join our great team, working together to deliver Our Wild Sussex.

In order to encourage diversity and inclusivity within the environment sector, we particularly welcome applications from people who have an ethnically or geographically diverse background, who are non-graduates and/or are living in economically deprived areas

The Role

Sussex Wildlife Trust’s (SWT) Nature Reserves team are undergoing an exciting team expansion; three new Senior Ranger positions have been created. One for each of the area nature reserve management teams: Western Reserves, based at Woods Mill; Central Reserves, based at Southerham Farm; and Eastern Reserves, based at Rye Harbour. SWT Nature Reserve Map

These roles are part of significant investment by SWT, prioritising care of our dynamic, highly designated nature reserves, delivering effective action for wildlife in Sussex by undertaking practical habitat management delivery and engagement activities.

Responsible for the delivery of day-to-day management of the nature reserves in the area teams’ remit, line management of a small team of Rangers, and assisting in overseeing annual Traineeships.

This will be an integral role in translating management plans and projects in to on the ground delivery of maintenance and habitat recovery works; through a combination of your own practical skills, being able to manage a team of staff and volunteers, recruit and oversee contractors, and coordinate conservation grazing – in partnership with our in-house Grazing team. Working closely with our Monitoring and Evidence team will be essential in ensuring appropriate ecological monitoring is conducted and management is adaptive where necessary. Close teamworking with your Area Manager, Rangers, and neighbouring Senior Rangers will ensure that work is well planned and prioritised.

The Person

We are looking for an experienced Ranger with a broad background in managing dynamic nature reserves. Who is passionate and can inspire inter-team and cross-department working. Confident in acting as a visible presence, to undertake public engagement and communication relating to nature reserves to external partners and the wider public. The perfect candidate will have a demonstrable personal commitment to wildlife and proven action for wildlife; possessing the ability to have challenging and constructive conversations while maintaining professionalism, to foster relationships with neighbours, tenants and recruiting new members.

Benefits

• 25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays each year (pro-rated for part time staff)
• Pension – company contribution from 6% and employee contribution of 3%
• Life Assurance - Pension Scheme Members 2 x Salary, Non-Pension Scheme Members 1 x Salary
• 2 days paid leave for volunteering each year
• Flexible working policy
• Enhanced Sick Pay
• EAP
• Employee discounts
• Informal car share arrangements

For more detailed information see what we offer page in the Recruitment Pack.

Please indicate which of the three roles you are applying for on the online application form.

We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and may close the vacancy early so please get you application in as soon as possible.

Closing Date: 12th April 2026
Interview Date(s): 27th, 28th, and 29th April 2026, at The Keep, Brighton