Ranger

Hours of work: 37 hours per week (Monday – Friday); weekend and bank holiday working will be required on occasions.

This recruitment exercise may result in the creation of a reserve list for future appointments, including opportunities for part-time or seasonal roles.

Salary: Scale 3; SCP 6 – 8; £25,989 - £26,824 per annum

Main Purpose of Job:

As a Ranger at the Geopark, post holders will work as part of a team assisting the Lead Ranger in the daily operation of the Geopark. To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife, geology, archaeology and cultural heritage of the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark. Under supervision, undertaking monitoring, site and ground works, conservation and maintenance duties. The postholder will be required to work in an outdoor setting in all types of weather conditions and terrain. This will include operating machinery and equipment throughout the Geopark area.

Main Responsibilities

To work individually, or as part of a team, in undertaking a range of grounds maintenance, development and conservation works such as litter collection, site inspections, general nonspecialist maintenance, general environmental work and grass cutting and grounds maintenance.

• To be responsible for site maintenance and running repairs including pre and post operational checks and cleaning of plant, equipment and tools.

• To assist with the daily grounds maintenance of the Geopark.

• To undertake various practical maintenance, construction and conservation work eg: construction of stiles, footpaths, boardwalks, fencing, way markers, invasive species removal etc.

• Undertake site maintenance, running repairs, various minor works and construction tasks for example, strimming, weed spraying, hedge cutting, litter picking, fallen tree removal etc.

• To adhere to approved Council practices, which ensure safe and effective use of labour, plant, equipment and vehicles.

• To obtain and upkeep a personal competence in the use of plant and equipment and instructional qualifications, eg: ATV Licence, Lantra- Chain Saw, Brush cutter, Strimmer certificate etc.

• To assist the Lead Ranger in the supervision of works carried out by contractors, volunteers and Council employees.

• Provide support to the Lead Ranger in overseeing staff, duties and volunteer activities.

• To carry out regular monitoring, inspections, enforcing of byelaws and visitor management and implement practical conservation work within the Global Geopark.

• To complete log sheets, inspection checklists and reports and to otherwise inform the Lead Ranger of daily operational activities.

• To review risk assessments, standard operating procedures and tool box talks, to ensure self and others work safely in compliance with same.

• To drive and operate a range of agricultural machinery and horticulture plant, tools and equipment including Council vans and tractors, undertaking basic maintenance and cleaning including pre and post operational checks.

• To operate and use any electronic reporting and communication systems such as phones, radio telephones, lone working and hand held devices.

• To engage with and interact with staff in the day to day operation of the Global Geopark area and assist other Council staff or representatives in any other works carried out by contractors and other Council employees.

• To promote the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, through providing information, knowledge and advice to visitors and residents.

• To assist with activities including education, outreach and community engagement events.

• To assist the Countryside Management Officer in developing and implementing site development plans.

• To assist with drafting of Health and Safety documentation for geopark works, development plans, volunteers programmes and contractors etc.

• To keep timely records for equipment, tools, vehicles and site inspections and to review yearly.

General:

• To comply with all the Council’s policies and procedures including the Employee Code of Conduct and the Employee and Councillor Working Relationship Protocol.

• To promote the Council’s equal opportunities policies and avoid all forms of discrimination as an employer and a service provider.

• To implement all Financial and Procurement policies and procedures.

• To comply with employee responsibility in relation to all records held, created or used as part of the Council’s business. All records, paper or electronic, are public records and accessible by the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004 and the Data Protection Act 1998.

• To undertake the duties of the post at all times in a manner that enhances and promotes the positive image of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

• In light of the establishment of the new Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, it is expected that this role will evolve and transform with on-going changes. The postholder will be expected to be flexible and adaptable to meet the changing needs and requirements of the organisation. The above list should not be seen as an exhaustive list of duties, and the postholder will be expected to undertake other relevant duties, as required.

Essential Criteria

A minimum of 2 years’ relevant experience which must include evidence of:

a) Grass cutting, horticultural and grounds maintenance along with semi skilled manual tasks and use of grounds machinery

b) Working within a team

c) Communicating with members of the public

Competence in the use of information technology

Working knowledge of Health and Safety, maintaining safe and accessible areas

Possess a current valid driving licence to undertake duties of the post

Desirable Criteria

Supporting public events and educational sessions

Hold driving licence with Category B+E (car and trailer combination)

Valid first aid qualification

The above criteria may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting.

General

This recruitment exercise may result in the creation of a reserve list for future appointments, including opportunities for part-time or seasonal roles.

The appointment will be subject to:

a) Satisfactory references from two referees (one of which should be from the present or previous employer).

b) A satisfactory standard of attendance, conduct and performance in carrying out the duties of the post.

c) The satisfactory completion of a probationary period of six months with a three month interim.

d) The terms of the Northern Ireland Local Government Pension Scheme.

e) The production of evidence of educational and or professional qualifications as listed on the Application Form.

f) A medical report by the Council’s Medical Examiner which confirms fitness for employment in the position.

g) Based at McNean Resource Centre Blacklion and throughout the Geopark area thereafter. The post holder will be required to travel across the District to fulfil the duties of the post.