Assistant Ranger

Essex Wildlife Trust are the county’s leading conservation charity, committed to protecting wildlife and inspiring a lifelong love of nature; and we would love you to join our committed and enthusiastic team. Our values are Impactful, Collaborative, United and Proactive.

We have an opportunity for a passionate individual to join us at Essex Wildlife Trust as an Assistant Ranger at our Thameside Nature Discovery Park in Thurrock.

Thameside Nature Park is located atop the former Mucking Marshes Landfill in Thurrock. It is home to a variety of species, including barn owls, short-eared owls, water voles, harvest mice, skylarks, cuckoos, and the shrill carder bee. Local cattle graze the grasslands throughout the year. The park is classified as a Ramsar site, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and a Special Protection Area (SPA).

As an avian hotspot, Thameside Nature Park hosts overwintering and migratory bird species year-round, with internationally important populations of ringed plover and avocet, and nationally important populations of grey plover, dunlin, black-tailed godwit, and redshank. The grasslands are also rich in butterflies, moths, and bees. For more details on the reserve, visit our website essexwt.org.uk/nature-reserves/thameside. 

The Assistant Ranger will work closely with the Ranger to manage and enhance the park’s woodland, scrub and grassland through conservation efforts, supported by dedicated volunteers. Key responsibilities include assisting in the development and implementation of the site management plan, conducting repair and maintenance work and coordinating wildlife monitoring and surveys. 

We are seeking a passionate, self-motivated individual with a strong interest in habitat management and wildlife conservation. The ideal candidate enjoys working with the public and is able to collaborate effectively with a small team to manage the reserve, improving both its wildlife value and visitor experience, while promoting access to nature.

About Thameside Nature Park

Thameside Nature Park in Thurrock is a unique and vibrant nature reserve. Located on the site of the former Mucking Marshes Landfill, it has been transformed into a thriving natural habitat. The park spans over 120 acres and offers stunning views of the Thames Estuary.

The reserve is home to a wide range of wildlife, including rare and protected species. Notably, the park supports barn owls, short-eared owls, water voles, harvest mice, skylarks, cuckoos, and the shrill carder bee. Grazing cattle help maintain the grassland habitats, encouraging biodiversity. The site is classified as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and a Special Protection Area (SPA), highlighting its environmental significance.

Thameside Nature Park is also known as an important site for birdwatching, with overwintering and migratory birds frequenting the area. Internationally important populations of ringed plovers and avocets, as well as nationally important species such as grey plovers, dunlins, black-tailed godwits, and redshanks, are commonly seen on the adjacent mudflats. The grasslands are also rich in butterflies, moths, and bees.

In addition to its ecological importance, the park provides an excellent visitor experience with a visitor centre, walking trails, and opportunities for wildlife observation. It is a place where conservation, education and community engagement come together, making it a great spot for nature lovers, families, and anyone interested in the outdoors.

The position is a permanent, part-time role working three days per week (22.5 hours per week). The starting salary is £13,384.80 per annum (FTE £22,308.00).

To apply for this opportunity, please submit an online application via our website by 9:00am on Monday 14 October 2024. Interviews will be held at Thameside Nature Park on Thursday 24 October 2024. 

Annual leave entitlement starts at 26 days per annum increasing annually to 29 days plus Bank Holidays. We provide company sick pay increasing with length of service, an employee assistance programme, a combined 8% contribution pension scheme, staff social days, colleague nomination scheme and discounts in our Nature Discovery Centres.