Trainee Community Engagement Ranger

Are you passionate about the natural world and keen to inspire people of all ages to discover, enjoy and connect with nature? Do you want to make a real difference to the communities who live within – and those who visit – some of the South East’s most iconic landscapes? If so, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (WCCP) is a small not-for-profit organisation that works with the local community, our volunteers and partners to protect and improve the wild spaces of south-east Kent so they can thrive as sustainable havens for wildlife. Through our work we also aim to give everyone an opportunity to enjoy and benefit from these wild spaces.

We are currently looking to recruit an outgoing and positive individual to join our team and assist with the delivery of community engagement initiatives across the WCCP area.

As part of our highly successful traineeship programme, you will work alongside our Engagement team and volunteers, undertaking a varied range of activities, including outdoor education delivery, preparing for and leading family events, interpretation and site visitor engagement. You will also support our digital communications by creating content for social media, our website and other channels to help promote our work and engage diverse audiences.

What we need from you

You should be able to demonstrate your interest and passion for the natural world and your commitment to a career in wildlife conservation. You will have excellent communication skills and experience of working with members of the public. An understanding of the different ways people engage with and connect to nature, and how a range of communication channels, including social media, can be used to reach and inspire different audiences, is desirable.

The role will involve working outdoors in all weathers and may include some physically demanding work on steep and difficult terrain.

Regular weekend and some evening working will be required.

Outgoing and self-motivated, you will be able to work flexibly and under your own initiative. You will be computer literate and hold a full, clean driving licence.

What we offer you

This role is designed to equip you with the skills and experience needed to pursue a career in community engagement within the wildlife conservation sector. Our staff will provide training, support and mentoring in the practical delivery of a wide range of engagement activities, as well as the theory and rationale of the work we do. You will also have the opportunity to take part in additional training and development activities to support your personal and professional growth.

We provide a fun, friendly, inclusive and flexible working environment along with a range of other benefits, including:

• Benenden Health membership and Employee Assistance Program
• Opt-in Local Government Pension Scheme with the opportunity for staff to make advanced, voluntary contributions (AVCs) to top up their pension
• Generous annual leave provision
• Opportunities for training and development, both formally and through our experienced, knowledgeable team.
• Staff Discount Scheme

Due to the nature of this role, the successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check as part of their pre-employment clearances.  

As this role involves the use of vibration equipment, any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory medical clearance. We will ask you to complete a medical questionnaire which will be sent to our occupational health medical advisor and as a result of this you may be asked to undergo a medical. 

Next Steps

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Lauren Baker, Community Engagement Manager by email: lauren.baker@dover.gov.uk  or by phone: 07874 888035.

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 19 August 2026.