Location
Thames Chase Forest Centre, Pike Lane, Upminster, RM14 3NS. The role requires working at various sites across Thames Beat, 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 seeking a Recreation Ranger to join the Thames Beat team, overseeing community woodlands across the London Borough of Havering and Essex. The team manages eleven community woodlands covering 466 hectares, created in partnership with local communities since 1990. These sites support 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. 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 new Hole Farm Woodland site in Brentwood, ensuring project goals and income targets are met. Join a passionate team dedicated to growing the nation’s forests, creating amazing places for people to enjoy, and making a positive environmental impact.

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. Access to the STaR employee benefits scheme offers discounts on everyday shopping, holidays, gym memberships, and more. Free parking at Forestry England sites and free entry to National Arboretums at Westonbirt and Bedgebury are included. Forestry England supports lifelong learning and career development through continual professional development, individual learning plans, and sponsored membership of professional bodies.

Experience
Relevant experience in managing outdoor recreational sites, supervising teams, and delivering operational projects is desirable. Experience working with community groups and contractors is advantageous.

About you
You are passionate about forestry and community engagement, with strong organisational and communication skills. You are proactive, able to work independently and as part of a team, and committed to delivering high-quality visitor experiences. You have a positive attitude towards health and safety and income generation in a public-facing environment.

Qualifications
There are no specific qualification requirements stated; however, relevant forestry, environmental, or land management qualifications would be beneficial. You must have the ability to communicate effectively in accurate spoken English.