Description

This is a practical, hands-on job requiring a high level of practical aptitude with a broad range of countryside/estate management skills. It is a physically demanding, outdoor job that requires you to thrive in that environment. Strangford Lough is one of the most heavily designated nature conservation sites on the island of Ireland and is home to a wealth of wildlife interest and so you will need to have a genuine interest in and knowledge of natural history and ecology.

Salary: £26,793 per annum

Contract: Fixed Term Contract until 28-Mar-2026

Hours/working pattern: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week. Due to the nature of the role you will work weekends, bank holidays, evenings, and be on call.

Due to the fact that a number of sites in the portfolio are islands, you will need to be comfortable working on and around water. Due to the nature of the role a full driving licence is essential.

This role is required to work with vulnerable groups including children and any offer of employment or volunteering is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

What it’s like to work here

Working within the NI Nature Portfolio, you’ll be helping to manage Strangford Lough, a site of international importance. This highly designated property is home to an array of waders and wildfowl, from breeding seabirds such as Common and Arctic Tern, to Brent Geese that overwinter here and as such, bird monitoring is a key part of the ranger teams work here.

A large part of your work as a ranger here, will be spent on and around the water, working on power boats, carrying out habitat management on islands and seal counts on behalf of NIEA and moving livestock to and from islands with the Cuan Brig barge.

Along with Strangford Lough, you will be covering Ards Peninsula, from Orlock in North Down, to Ballyquintin at the tip of the peninsula. Managing coastal paths, farmland and woodland along with engaging with the thousands of visitors who use our sites and balancing the need for access alongside nature conservation.