Recreation, Education and Community Rangers
 Rangers play a key role in communicating with visitors and ensuring that they have a safe enjoyable visit. The scope of a job will vary depending on local priorities and resources. There are three overlapping areas of work, recreation, education and community described below. Weekend and evening work is often required.
Who can apply? Rangers join the Forestry Commission with a wide range of qualifications and experience. Experience and qualifications of countryside management and working with people would be an advantage but are not essential. Good communication skills and team working, and an ability to work alone on your own initiative are essential. Staff in education roles will usually have higher education qualification. Experience of working with youth groups, children’s work, or a background in formal education will all be useful. The duties of this post require that applicants hold a full driving licence that enables them to drive in the UK. However, the Forestry Commission is willing to consider any proposals put forward by disabled applicants, whose disability prevents them from driving, that would allow them to do the job by another means. All staff working with children and young people will be expected to meet the Forestry Commission child protection policy. Recreation What is the work like? The recreation ranger is often the first point of contact for our visitors. Your main responsibilities are the maintenance of safety and quality of trails, car parks and other facilities. You may also be required to lead walks and talks and assist with the organisation of events. Other important duties will include advising visitors on getting the best from their visit. You may also be involved in planning and implementing new or upgraded facilities and developing publications and interpretative programmes Recreation rangers work within a specialist recreation/environment team or as part of an area or beat team with a range of skills. Community What is the work like? The community ranger’s key role is to help local people get the most from woods close to their homes. You will provide a link role between the community and other Forestry Commission staff. Your job may include: helping with funding applications; working with volunteer groups on practical work projects; working with local schools; organising and leading events; assisting with consultation on forest plans; public speaking and helping facilitate meetings. Community rangers work closely with recreation and planning staff as part of a multi skilled team. Education What is the work like? Education rangers will focus on delivery of education to schools and youth groups, curriculum and non-curriculum based. Adult lifelong learning is an increasing and developing area of work. You will be responsible for developing organising and leading education programmes and developing necessary resources. Work may be based outdoors, in forest classrooms or outreach with local schools. You will work closely other staff within a team involved in delivering recreation and community programmes or in some cases as part of a specialist education team.
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