The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham has over 500 acres of countryside, eight Local Nature Reserves and 25 parks and open spaces, including a National Trust property and the borough’s local museum and gardens. This variety of different landscape types that are extensively used by many local residents.

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual, or two people job sharing, to join our dynamic Parks and Countryside Ranger Service to manage and maintain the two heritage gardens located in Barking and Dagenham. As part of the wider Ranger Service, this role is involved in all aspects of their work including education and outreach, informal events and activities, recreation, visitor interaction, working with volunteers and horticulture management of the two sites.

The primary role will involve working in the gardens at Valence House Museum and Eastbury Manor House, and to look after the prestige and food growing areas as well as empowering the local community to look after these sites with you.

Eastbury Manor House is a truly remarkable survivor. Listed Grade I, this house dating from c.1573 is a hidden gem that continues to surprise and delight its visitors. Set in tranquil gardens this fine example of a 16th-century Gentry house tells an extraordinary story of changing fortunes – from a rural to industrial economy, as well as the national story of isolated isle to global power.

Valence House is home to a wide range of museum and archive collections that reflect the history and continuing development of the community of Barking and Dagenham. Valence House, a timber-framed building dating back to Medieval times, provides with the newly built visitor centre a wonderful setting for finding out about the past. Following extensive refurbishment, which was generously funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund in 2010, the site welcomes in the region of 35,000 visitors a year. Described by the Museums Journal as, ‘One of the best local history museums in Greater London’ the Museum’s collection spans a wide period, from Prehistory to the modern day.

Heritage Services has a significant part to play in the future development of the Borough and we wish Eastbury and Valence to be at the heart of this.

The successful candidate will have experience and knowledge of horticulture and practical food growing, working with the public and communities, good communication skills, and a good knowledge of natural history.

Candidates must hold a driving licence to be able to transport tools and volunteers between sites.