We have an exciting opportunity available for a motivated and experienced Countryside Ranger (Community), to join us as a key member of the Dinton Pastures Country Park team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full-time, Permanent Contract. Based at Dinton Pastures Country Park, working across Wokingham Borough Council’s 35+ countryside, parks and public open space sites.

Nature thrives when people do - volunteers planting trees, local groups caring for their local green space, young people gaining skills, and communities feeling connected to nature.

As Countryside Ranger (Community), you’ll lead the people-powered side of our Countryside Service, organising and inspiring volunteers, supporting community groups, and helping others play an active role in caring for Wokingham Borough’s parks and open spaces.

About the Role

This role sits at the heart of our community engagement and volunteering programme. You’ll organise, train and supervise a diverse range of volunteers and volunteer groups, develop new community partnerships, and support pathways into environmental work through placements, apprenticeships and supported schemes.

Based at Dinton Pastures Country Park, you’ll work across the borough’s expanding countryside estate, supporting conservation projects, practical estate work, staff volunteering initiatives and inclusive access to the outdoors.

This is a people-focused role with a strong emphasis on leadership, organisation, health & safety, and positive community impact.

Benefits:

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

⭐ A generous annual leave entitlement of 28 days (rising to 33 days after 5 years continued local government service), plus Bank Holidays

⭐ Enrolment to an excellent local government pension scheme

⭐ An employee assistance programme including 24/7 wellbeing helpline

⭐ A range of local & lifestyle discounts

⭐ Use of a free onsite gym (located at Shute End office)

⭐ Salary sacrifice car & cycle to work schemes

⭐ And much more! 

Key Responsibilities

• Organise and supervise volunteers and volunteer groups across multiple sites, including leading the Intro to Work scheme, supporting placements and apprenticeships, and developing community and “Friends of” groups.
• Develop and deliver volunteer inductions, training and risk assessments, ensuring safe systems of work and effective supervision of volunteers using tools, machinery and equipment.
• Build and maintain partnerships with local businesses, community groups, wildlife organisations, parish councils and education providers, supporting staff volunteering and commercial conservation initiatives.
• Support estate teams with conservation projects and daily countryside operations, supervise Assistant Estate Rangers and Seasonal Staff as required, and contribute to delivery of the Countryside Service Business Plan.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Relevant qualification in volunteer management, community engagement, environmental management or a related field
• Experience organising, supervising or supporting volunteer groups or community projects
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Commitment to health & safety and risk management
• Practical countryside or estate skills
• Full driving licence

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Health & Safety, First Aid or Risk Assessment certification
• Experience setting up community or “Friends of” groups
• Experience with apprenticeships, placements or supported employment schemes
• Commercial conservation or partnership project experience
• Machinery and power tool competency (e.g. brushcutters, chainsaws, tractors)
• RYA Powerboat Level 2, NPTC or PA1–6 qualifications

Our Area:

Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.

We’re home to a range of high performing schools including 69 primary and 21 secondary, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. We have a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

If you’re interested in this exciting opportunity, click the link below and apply today!

Closing date: 11pm, Sunday 8th February 2026
Interview date: TBC

For an informal discussion, please contact: Richard Westwood richard.westwood@wokingham.gov.uk 

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive daily, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.     

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer. 

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.