National Park Ranger Service Please contact all rangers via Exmoor House on 01398 323665. If you have an urgent enquiry on a weekend/bank holiday call 07970 099111. |
"Who do I contact if I find a problem on a public right of way or access land?" (PDF,835KB)
Exmoor National Park Authority exists to balance the conservation of Exmoor with recreational activities whilst bearing in mind the needs of the local community. The Ranger Team are here to interface with landowners, visitors, communities and the National Park Authority in pursuit of the National Park purposes.
The Rangers are here to help you so if you have a query please contact the ranger service on 01398 323665. If we do not know the answer we will know someone who does!
How can I become a Ranger?
We receive hundreds of enquiries from people of all ages and backgrounds who would like to become a Ranger. From these pages you will see that we have a small Ranger team so whenever vacancies occur there are a lot of applicants. The following information should help you in your pursuit of a career as a Ranger. A Ranger has:
- An ability to communicate clearly and accurately at any level in a precise and appropriate manner, both orally and in writing. Rangers need to negotiate in a persuasive professional manner particularly when dealing with contentious issues and conflicts. Leading guided walks, giving illustrated talks, working with school groups, attending Parish Council meetings, liaising with land owners and other agencies and organising volunteer groups require Rangers to engage with a variety of age groups with differing interests.
- Good organisation skills and an ability to prioritise, set and meet targets ensuring that deadlines are met. Many duties are seasonal or time-bound so it is essential that all planning and communicating with other organisations is completed well in advance of the task.
- A knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office. Much of the Rangers time is taken up replying to correspondence, writing reports and completing risk assessments which makes experience with computer important. A knowledge of MapInfo would be useful and an ability to use other digital equipment.
- Health and safety knowledge and experience including carrying out risk assessments. Rangers work in a variety of locations which requires them to have an awareness of all issues involved in working safely.
- An understanding of National Park purposes and values. Rangers are quite often the ‘face of the National Park’ in that for many visitors and residents they are the most frequently seen members of staff. It is therefore essential that Rangers are able to explain what the National Park Authority does and why, as well as providing advice as to how others can help.
- Experience of countryside management and practical conservation. Exmoor contains various landscapes – both natural and man made – so it is essential that Rangers are able to provide information about the land to interested parties as well as know the best ways to conserve them.
- Knowledge and experience of Rights of Way and Access issues. Exmoor was the pioneer of the waymarking system and many walkers use the rights of way on Exmoor because of this. Rangers must have knowledge of rights of way law and access issues as well as be able to carryout physical repairs to routes and furniture (e.g. gates, stiles and signs).
- Qualifications. A qualification in countryside management or similar to Degree or Higher Diploma level is preferred.
- Driving abilities. Rangers must have a full, clean driving licence.
Rangers work in all weathers as 80% of their time is spent out doors, mainly lone working, so they must enjoy the extremes that Mother Nature throws at them!
Overall a Ranger is an enthusiastic person who is able to work independently and as part of a team with excellent interpersonal and communication skills especially when dealing with the public. A practical approach and the ability to accept responsibility are also important.
Click Here to get more information from Nature Net on getting a job in countryside management