The British Army Training Unit, Kenya (BATUK), is an established and respected international training formation operating in Kenya under long-standing bilateral agreements. BATUK delivers world-leading infantry training and maintains a robust presence in the country, employing over 500 full-time Kenyan staff across various disciplines. In addition to its primary training mandate, BATUK invests significantly in community projects, delivering more than 60 initiatives that directly support local development, education, environmental conservation, and health.
As part of its continued commitment to safe and effective training operations, BATUK is seeking to recruit dedicated and capable Range Wardens. This role is critical in ensuring that all military training conducted within Kenya is carried out in a controlled, safe, and environmentally responsible manner.
The position offers an opportunity to work within a disciplined, multicultural, and collaborative environment where professionalism and teamwork are highly valued. The Range Warden will operate at the heart of BATUK’s training safety structure, supporting both Kenyan colleagues and visiting British Army units. This is a demanding yet rewarding position that requires resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence.
Job Description
The Range Warden, working under the supervision of the Range Warden Team Leader (RW TL) and in accordance with BATUK’s operational standards, will undertake activities essential to maintaining the Safe Place to Train framework in Kenya. The Safe Place to Train framework underpins BATUK’s operational safety and ensures that all training exercises are conducted within prescribed safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
The Range Warden will contribute directly to operational safety by performing clearance duties, fire containment, cordon operations, and support roles in range control and operating bases. The role requires a high level of situational awareness, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate closely with supervisors, training staff, and external stakeholders.
Core Competences
Applicants for the position of Range Warden must demonstrate the following core competencies, which form the foundation of BATUK’s operational culture:
- Working Together – Lead Competence
The ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, supervisors, and visiting training units. Working together underpins all BATUK operations and ensures that collective safety and mission success are achieved. - Communicating and Influencing
Clear and effective communication is essential in this role. Range Wardens must be able to give and receive instructions confidently, particularly when operating radios, mobile phones, or relaying information to supervisors and training teams. - Managing Customers and Suppliers
Although not a commercial role, the Range Warden interacts with a variety of stakeholders, including training staff, community representatives, and local service providers. The ability to manage these interactions professionally and respectfully is critical.
Main Duties
The Range Warden will perform a wide range of duties central to BATUK’s training safety systems. These include but are not limited to:
- Clearance of Training Areas
Before any training activity is conducted, the Range Warden will be responsible for clearing all designated training areas. This involves thorough inspections to ensure that the environment is safe, free from hazards, and compliant with Range Standing Orders (RSOs). In some cases, the Range Warden may be required to perform sentry duties, maintaining a visible presence to secure the area and report any irregularities. - Helicopter Clearance Flights
When directed by the Training Safety Officer (TSO) or Training Safety Manager (TSM), the Range Warden will participate in helicopter clearance flights. These operations are vital for confirming area security, identifying hazards, and providing aerial reconnaissance support for safe training exercises. - Fire Containment Duties
The Range Warden will support wildfire prevention and fire containment activities. Duties include acting as an overwatch observer, reporting fire outbreaks, and engaging in suppression measures as directed by the Team Leader. Fire containment is a critical aspect of maintaining environmental safety in Kenya’s diverse landscapes. - Cordon Duties During UXO Incidents
In situations where unexploded ordnance (UXO) is discovered, the Range Warden will perform cordon duties, maintaining safety perimeters and ensuring no unauthorized entry into hazardous areas. These duties must be executed in strict accordance with Range Standing Orders. - Operator Roles
The Range Warden will act as an operator within Nyati Range Control, Operating Base SWARA, and designated holding areas. This requires accurate logging, reporting, and adherence to operational protocols. - Vehicle Maintenance
The Range Warden is responsible for the care and maintenance of allocated Safe Place to Train vehicles in accordance with BATUK Motor Transport Standing Orders (MT SOs). This includes daily checks, reporting defects, and ensuring vehicles remain operationally ready. - Accommodation and Facility Upkeep
The Range Warden will contribute to the cleanliness and maintenance of Range Warden accommodation, ablution facilities, and rest areas. These standards ensure that all staff work in a safe and hygienic environment.
Secondary Duties
In addition to the primary responsibilities, the Range Warden may be tasked with secondary duties, which include:
- Wildfire Containment Training
Delivering wildfire containment training to Battle Groups and other exercising personnel. This is part of BATUK’s Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, and Integration (RSOI) process and ensures that all personnel are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to prevent and manage wildfires during exercises. - Interpreter Services
Acting as an interpreter when required. Effective communication across languages supports operational safety, enhances cooperation between British Army units and local personnel, and ensures mutual understanding in diverse situations.
Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must meet the following qualifications and experience requirements to be considered for the Range Warden role.
Essential Requirements
- KCSE Grade D or above
- Ability to communicate effectively in both English and Swahili
- Demonstrated computer literacy, specifically in Microsoft Word
- Physical fitness sufficient to meet the demands of the role, including passing a medical examination
- A clear and confident communication style, particularly when using radios or mobile phones
- Possession of a clean and valid Class B Kenyan driving license
Desirable Requirements
- Knowledge of local wildlife, flora, and fauna, enabling effective environmental stewardship during training activities
- Previous service with the Kenya Wildlife Service, demonstrating prior experience in environmental management, security, or related fields
Professional Environment and Expectations
The Range Warden role is embedded within a structured and disciplined environment. BATUK expects high standards of conduct, accountability, and professionalism. Range Wardens must be adaptable, capable of working in varied terrain and weather conditions, and ready to undertake demanding tasks that require both physical resilience and mental focus.
The role involves regular interaction with both Kenyan and British colleagues. As such, cultural sensitivity, respect for diversity, and adherence to ethical standards are essential. The Range Warden will also be expected to uphold BATUK’s reputation within local communities by acting responsibly and courteously at all times.
Career Development and Opportunities
While the Range Warden role is highly operational, it also provides opportunities for skill development and career progression. Successful candidates will gain experience in training safety management, fire control, wildlife awareness, and operational logistics. Exposure to international military standards offers long-term benefits, including transferable skills that may support future roles in security, environmental management, or emergency response.
Range Wardens also benefit from structured training provided by BATUK, including wildfire containment instruction, safety protocol orientation, and IT systems use. Those who demonstrate consistent performance and leadership potential may be considered for supervisory roles within the Range Warden team.
Work Impact
The Range Warden contributes directly to BATUK’s mission by ensuring that training exercises are conducted safely, efficiently, and responsibly. Through diligent clearance duties, fire containment, and cordon management, the Range Warden protects both personnel and the surrounding environment. By maintaining safe and controlled training spaces, the Range Warden plays an indispensable role in enabling the British Army to deliver high-quality infantry training in Kenya.
Furthermore, through wildfire prevention and interpreter services, the Range Warden supports not only BATUK but also the broader community. Their presence helps mitigate environmental risks, enhance cross-cultural communication, and reinforce positive engagement between BATUK and local stakeholders.
Application Information
Interested candidates who meet the above qualifications and are motivated to contribute to BATUK’s mission are invited to submit their applications through the official application portal.
