In this role, you will be the link between people and nature in the Rottemeren-Bentwoud recreation area, specifically focusing on Rottemeren. This unique challenge involves promoting our natural areas and enhancing the recreational experience. You will manage the visitor experience and build connections with governments, organizations, and businesses.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement plans that protect nature while captivating visitors.
• Share the story of our nature through social media, press, and direct conversations.
• Build relationships with municipalities, entrepreneurs, and associations that support our mission.
• Translate vision into action, from annual plans to investment strategies.
• Coach the public forest rangers and collaborate closely with ecology rangers and volunteers.

Challenges in Rottemeren-Bentwoud:

• Prepare our areas for the future.
• Foster sustainable collaborations with users and partners.
• Implement our strategic communication plan, particularly via social media.
• Identify and seize opportunities for recreational entrepreneurship.

What We Offer:

• A varied and impactful role where you make a difference every day.
• Room for initiative and personal growth.
• A hardworking team in an organization dedicated to nature, people, and the future.

Your Contribution:

• MBO diploma in forest and nature management, recreation, or communication (level 4).
• Strong communication skills, proactive, and a natural networker.
• Combine strategic insight with practical execution.
• Recognize opportunities and enjoy working in a team.
• Insight into recreational co-use of natural areas.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, experience writing for various channels.
• Experience with operational responsibility for recreational, educational, and informational activities, including coordination and planning.
• Experience drafting agreements, annual plans, and permissions.
• Network building and collaboration with external parties.
• Driving License B.
• Flexible availability (outside office hours and on weekends).
• Basic knowledge of flora, fauna, and ecological processes (preferred).

What We Provide:

As a Senior Forest Ranger Public Rottemeren Bentwoud at Staatsbosbeheer, you can expect:

• A monthly salary of €3333 - €4457 (scale 8 CAO Rijk) based on a 36-hour workweek. The exact salary will be determined based on your education, knowledge, and experience.
• An Individual Choice Budget (IKB) of 16.5% of your salary that you can use for extra leave, additional pay, or training.
• An employment contract until July 1, 2027. If you already have a permanent contract with Staatsbosbeheer, you will retain it. New employees will have a one-month probationary period.
• Development and training opportunities. Staatsbosbeheer encourages knowledge exchange and personal growth. You can utilize Staatsbosbeheer Academy for training and education, as well as offerings from Leer je Groen and GoodHabitz.
• View all employment conditions (https://werkenbijstaatsbosbeheer.nl/over-ons/arbeidsvoorwaarden/).

The official job title is Senior Forest Ranger Public, part of the Execution job family, senior staff group Nature and Terrain Management, within the Rijk job structure (http://www.functiegebouwrijksoverheid.nl/functiegebouw).

About Staatsbosbeheer:

Staatsbosbeheer is committed to a green future for the Netherlands. We enhance biodiversity and develop nature that can better withstand climate change. We do this across nearly 270,000 hectares of nature we manage and by actively contributing to nature policy. Through forward-looking nature management, we ensure the essential foundation of a healthy society. Learn more about Staatsbosbeheer. (https://www.staatsbosbeheer.nl/Over-Staatsbosbeheer).

In South Holland, Staatsbosbeheer manages over 20,000 hectares of nature and recreation areas. From the dunes around Noordwijk to the meadow bird areas in the Groene Hart and the forested areas around major cities. About 80 people work here, providing information, excursions, supervision, monitoring, and management. They are divided into five teams: City and Dune, Groene Hart, Voorne-Putten-IJsselmonde, Hof van Delfland, and Rottemeren-Bentwoud. Each team consists of approximately 10-15 forest rangers specializing in public engagement, management, and ecology, supervised by a team leader.

We also advocate for outdoor recreation and nature management in the Rottemeren recreation area on behalf of the Recreational Authority Rottemeren, a collaboration of the municipalities of Lansingerland, Rotterdam, and Zuidplas. Sub-areas include Hoge Bergse Bos, Lage Bergse Bos, Bleiswijkse Zoom, Bleiswijkse Fles, Hoeksepark, Nessebos, Eendragtspolder, Zevenhuizerplas, and Zevenhuizer Zoom.

For hundreds of thousands, the area is important as a recreation spot, daily outdoor experience, living and working space, and backdrop for bike commuters and businesses. Additionally, the Rottemeren area contributes to a healthy living environment and an attractive location for the urban region. The river Rotte is unique due to its long and special history and its unique location in the region and city. The Rotte and surrounding areas shape the strong character of the landscape, which will continue to develop in the future.

Useful Information:

For more information about this position, please contact team leader Cees van Vliet at 06 55 32 78 14. The first interviews will take place on September 16, 2026. The application for a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) is part of the application procedure for new employees at Staatsbosbeheer.