Location
Thames Chase Forest Centre, Pike Lane, Upminster, RM14 3NS. The role requires working across various sites within the Thames Beat area, including the newly created Hole Farm Woodland in Brentwood.

Hours
Full Time - 37 hours per week

Salary
£29,171 plus £2,757 London allowance

About the Role
Forestry England is recruiting a Recreation Ranger to join the Thames Beat team, overseeing community woodlands across the London Borough of Havering and Essex. The Thames Beat team manages eleven community woodlands (466 hectares) established in partnership with local communities since 1990, supporting diverse habitats including established woodland, orchards, and wildflower meadows. As a Recreation Ranger, you will supervise day-to-day operational delivery and enhance the visitor experience, including managing income-generating activities and health and safety compliance. Your responsibilities include supervising contractors and two Forest Craftspeople, collaborating with the Thames Beat Community Ranger and Active Forest Co-ordinator to develop recreational opportunities. Reporting to the Beat Manager, you will play a key role in promoting and establishing the Hole Farm Woodland site in Brentwood, ensuring project deliverables are met and income targets achieved.

Benefits
Forestry England contributes an average of 28.97% towards your pension through the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme. You will receive 25 days holiday per year, increasing by one day per year of service up to 30 days (pro-rated for part-time employees), plus bank holidays. Additional benefits include access to the STaR employee benefits scheme offering discounts on shopping, travel, insurance, gym memberships, and wellbeing apps. Free parking at Forestry England sites and free entry to National Arboretums at Westonbirt and Bedgebury are provided. Forestry England supports lifelong learning and career development through professional development opportunities, individual learning plans, and sponsored membership of professional bodies.

Experience
Relevant experience in recreation management, community engagement, or a related field is desirable to effectively oversee operational delivery and visitor experience.

About you
You are passionate about forestry and community woodlands, with strong leadership and communication skills. You can manage contractors and work collaboratively with colleagues to develop and promote recreational activities. You have a proactive approach to health and safety and are motivated to achieve project goals and income targets.

Qualifications
There are no specific qualification requirements stated; however, experience relevant to the role and a commitment to continuous professional development are important. Successful candidates will undergo a criminal record check and government baseline personnel security standard check. Proficiency in spoken English is essential for effective communication.