Gamekeeper and Park Ranger - Ref 1421 Date: February 3, 2025

Burghley Estate, Stamford, one of England’s most prestigious historic Estates, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Gamekeeper and Park Ranger to manage and maintain the estate’s sporting and conservation interests. This is a unique opportunity to work in a stunning environment, ensuring the responsible management of wildlife, woodland, and game shooting activities across the Estate.

About the Role

The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering up to 20 days of driven and walked-up shooting per season, ensuring all aspects of game management, habitat enhancement, and predator control are conducted to the highest standards. In addition to gamekeeping duties, the role requires extensive involvement in vermin control, year-round deer and grey squirrel management, and the general upkeep of the Estate’s parkland and woodlands.

This is a hands-on position that requires a proactive and dedicated individual with a strong understanding of gamekeeping, conservation, and Estate maintenance. The role will require autonomy, but will report to the Head of Land and Property. The successful candidate will need to be enthusiastic, engaging, hard working and, importantly, a team player willing to get involved in all aspects of Estate life.

Burghley Park shoot has been run continuously for many decades, using the beautiful grounds of Burghley Park and surrounding farmland to deliver high quality days. The role will be predominantly based (and housed) in Burghley Park, but the wider Estate will at times come into the remit.

Key Responsibilities

Gamekeeping & Sporting Management:

• Working with the Land and Property team to organise and deliver up to 20 shoot days per season, ensuring exceptional standards for guests at all times.

• Day to day management of shoot infrastructure.

• Implement and oversee all aspects of predator and vermin control, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical best practices.

• Maintain game cover crops, pens, feeders, and shoot infrastructure.

• Liaise with Estate staff, beaters, and shoot day personnel to ensure smooth operations.

• At times, taking guests out for guided deer stalking outings and arranging duck flighting opportunities.

Wildlife & Deer Management:

• Conduct year-round control of grey squirrels and other vermin to protect woodland and biodiversity.

• Manage the Estate’s fallow deer herd, ensuring a healthy, balanced population in line with conservation and welfare best practices.

• Undertake selective culling as required, processing carcasses for Estate use or sale.

• Monitor wildlife populations and implement conservation initiatives to support biodiversity.

Estate & Woodland Maintenance:

• Assist with forestry operations, including planting, thinning, and felling as necessary.

• Carry out fencing repairs, footpath maintenance, and general Estate upkeep.

• Support habitat management projects to enhance the Estate’s natural environment.

• Maintain Estate machinery, equipment, and vehicles to a high standard.

• Wider Park responsibilities include, being part of the fire salvage team and the park security team.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a highly competent and self-motivated individual who takes pride in their work and has a passion for conservation and land management. The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven experience as a Gamekeeper, Deer Manager, or in a similar countryside management role.

• A thorough understanding of game shooting, including predator control and habitat management.

• Strong experience in deer management, including culling and carcass handling.

• Practical skills in fencing, woodland work, and general Estate maintenance.

• A responsible and ethical approach to game and wildlife management.

• Excellent organisational and communication skills.

• The ability to work independently and as part of a wider estate team.

• A full UK driving licence.

• Firearms and shotgun certificates (or the ability to obtain them).

What We Offer

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience.

• Accommodation in Burghley Park

• A unique opportunity to work on one of England’s most historic and well-maintained Estates.

• A varied and rewarding role within a supportive and dedicated team.

• Training and development opportunities where required.

How to Apply

If you have the skills, experience, and passion for countryside management, we would love to hear from you.

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role to Jenny Preston – recruitment@burghley.co.uk Closing Date, Wednesday 19 February 2025. Interviews will be held at the Burghley Estate Office during the week of 24 February 2025. Start date to be agreed, but targeting 1st April.