Woodland Ranger

South West

Job details

Location

Gloucestershire

Salary

£27,000-£31,000

Hours of work

08:00 to 16:30 Monday - Thursday, 08:00 to 15:30 Friday

Contract

Permanent

Closing date

February 8, 2026

The Ernest Cook Trust is a landowning organisation and an educational charity – one of the
UK’s foremost providers and funders of Outdoor Learning. We see a future where land and lives
enrich each other, a future where anyone can find their place, purpose and potential through
connections to thriving land.

We’re seeking a Woodland Ranger to play a hands-on role in caring for and enhancing the natural environment across our Home Estates in Gloucestershire. Based at our new Estate Yard near Quenington, this varied, seasonal role focuses on woodland management and tree safety in the winter, alongside vegetation management and estate maintenance during the summer months.

Working closely with the Conservation & Woodland Manager and Estates team, you’ll help deliver woodland and habitat management plans, maintain public footpaths and bridleways, and respond to issues such as fallen trees or storm damage. You’ll also support conservation projects, wildlife management and on-site contractors, while helping to promote safe and responsible public access.

This role is ideal for someone with experience or a strong interest in arboriculture, forestry or conservation, who enjoys practical outdoor work and takes pride in high standards of land stewardship. If you’re passionate about wildlife, woodland management and working as part of a collaborative land management team, we’d love to hear from you.

The Role

Main Accountabilities:

Woodland Management and forest habitats
• Support the implementation of Woodland Management Plans and habitat management strategies to promote strong woodland compartments, biodiversity and ecological health.
• Wildlife management focusing on control of squirrel population, embracing technology and innovation
• Identify and assist with tree work and other tasks, using initiative and as directed by the Conservation and Woodland Manager

Access and Pathway Maintenance
• Review and maintain public footpaths to ensure they remain clear, accessible, and safe for use throughout the year.
• Respond to issues such as fallen trees, wind damage, and other environmental challenges that may impact estate access.
• Seek opportunities to engage with the public, welcome access and promote safe and responsible ways of doing so

Collaboration with wider teams
• Work closely with the wider estates team, property management teams, and the Trust as a whole, covering a broad area of land and river management tasks.
• Provide direct support to the Conservation & Woodland Manager, particularly with tree work and other conservation-related projects.
• Contribute to project working across the Trust, with a willingness to bring ideas and expertise to bear.
• Willing to lead and support volunteer working parties.

Take a look on the Ernest Cook Trust website for the full job description and details on how to apply.