Ranger

As a Ranger, you're a champion of nature conservation, and you'll play a crucial role in keeping the nation's beloved countryside and coast in good shape, for wildlife and for people.

With a love for the great outdoors, you'll enjoy working with nature and want to inspire and motivate others. You'll help to make habitats for wildlife better and make everyone feel welcome at our places.

Salary: £27,612 per annum

Contract: Permanent

Hours/ working pattern: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week. You should be willing to work some weekends, bank holidays and evenings, and be on call if required.

Due to the nature of the role and the size of the property, a full UK driving license (or equivalent) is essential.

What it's like to work here

This role is based at Murlough National Nature Reserve in Dundrum, close to the seaside town of Newcastle, County Down. Murlough is a 6000 year old sand dune system, with a network of paths through the dunes, woodland and heath. As Ireland's first nature reserve, it is a designated 'Area of Special Scientific Interest' and 'Special Area of Conservation' fronted by a four mile long, golden sand beach, set beneath the Mourne Mountains. As well as the nature reserve you will also help to look after 2 coastal paths, the 2 highest peaks in the Mourne Mountains, along with an ancient woodland.

You'll be part of a highly motivated team which includes 2 Rangers, and you will report to the Area Ranger. Murlough & Mourne is part of the new 'NI Restore Nature' portfolio alongside the Strangford Lough and North Coast ranger teams.

Investing in you

We want you to learn, discover and develop your career. And we'll do everything we can to offer you training, development opportunities, and the support that you need to achieve your goals. We'll work with you to help plan your development in a way that's right for your needs.

What you'll be doing

A practical role working mostly outdoors, in all weathers, you'll be helping to protect and care for habitats, wildlife, buildings and machinery.

You'll undertake a variety of tasks covering countryside maintenance, along with visitor management. This will include nature conservation working to make habitats better for wildlife, maintaining essential infrastructure such as fences & gates, monitoring habitats & protected species, compliance & site safety inspections, routine grounds maintenance, waste management, supporting volunteers, engaging with visitors and helping to deliver activities that strengthen people's connections with the outdoors. From picking up litter to leading walks and talks with visitors you will be a vital member of the Ranger team.

You'll pass on your knowledge and enthusiasm to inspire others to love this area as much as you do, and you'll make sure that the conservation work and outdoor experiences on the land in your care are of the highest standard. Building relationships in the local community, proudly representing the National Trust and letting people know about the work you and the team are doing.

Please also read the full role profile, attached to this advert.

Who we're looking for

Applications from redeployees are assessed against the minimum criteria for the role. In your application, please provide details of how you meet the minimum criteria below:

• ability to carry out physical tasks to protect and improve land, habitats, and access
• confidence in helping visitors understand and enjoy the place and its conservation work
• understanding of safety procedures and ability to help others stay safe
• experience in working well with colleagues and supporting volunteers
• capability to organise work and use tools, time and materials responsibly
• awareness of how to help the property run well and support its long-term future
• a driver with a full UK driving licence

Additional criteria for all other applicants:

• practically experienced in conservation work, to protect and improve habitats and landscapes
• happy to talk to all kinds of people about the work you're doing, and why it matters
• hard-working and willing to learn
• able to work safely, using risk assessments and following guidelines
• experienced in managing land, access and conservation, and working outdoors
• able to use machinery and equipment, with relevant certificates
• a driver with a full UK driving licence

The package

The National Trust has the motto 'For everyone, for ever' at its heart. We're working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It's important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we're for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.

National Trust place

Murlough, Stableyard, Murlough, Dundrum, BT33 0NQ

Documents

Ranger - Career Level B.pdf

Requirements

Compliance. Eligibility to Work in the UK

Additional information

Closing Date: 5th April 2026

Important notice

In line with our redeployment policy, we'll prioritise applications from National Trust employees who are under formal notice of redundancy.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applicants regardless of religious beliefs, political opinion, race, sex, marital status, age or disability

We do not accept CVs or covering letters for Northern Ireland vacancies. Please fill out the online application form on the National Trust Jobs website.

To apply for this vacancy simply click the 'apply' button in the top right hand side of the page.

If you need any help with your application, i.e. due to technical difficulties, please call us on or email us at

If you require an adjustment to the application process, for example due to disability or medical condition, please call us on or email us at and we'll support you as best as we can. For examples of how, please see our supporting you page.

EqualOpportunities Statement

The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here .

Safeguarding Statement

The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment processes to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.

Please note we reserve the right to close this advert early and therefore we encourage you to apply for this position early.