Apprentice Countryside Worker

Summary

Riverlution, as a Community Interest Company, helps people and communities find ways to engage with and develop a sense of place around their local patch of waterway. We are looking for an Apprentice Countryside Worker to deliver water catchment management projects such as improving flood risk management as well as river and habitat restoration.

Annual wage: £13,364 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Training course: Countryside worker (level 2)
Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00 - 16:00.
37 hours a week
Possible start date: Monday 13 January
Duration: 1 year 6 months
Positions available: 1

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

As an Apprentice Countryside worker, you will:-
• Work within a site-based team to deliver water catchment management projects in accordance with our client’s requirements
• Carry out work safely and efficiently to company, industry and legislative standards and ways of working
• Communicate issues that affect the safe and efficient operation of the team to the Site Supervisor and/or Leadership Team
• Assist in the maintenance of the tool store, vehicle, tools and equipment and maintain all associated records and logbooks
• Tree management. All aspects of tree management. Whilst there is a focus on waterways and waterbodies, this may also include the management of trees in green spaces and properties
• River and habitat restoration. Restoring and enhancing natural processes to improve flood risk management and biodiversity Examples include re-meandering and working to create or restore flood storage areas
• Carry out operations to minimise the adverse environmental impact (including pollution control) in line with legislation, industry guidance and organisational policies
• Grounds maintenance

Ongoing grounds maintenance activities as a principal or second-tier contractor. Will typically include mowing, hedge/shrub cutting and litter picking.
Delivery tasks on-site may include (but are not exclusive to) invasive species control, vegetation management, tree management, debris and waste management and the occasional delivery of volunteer days.
Control vegetation including site clearance, weed management, pruning and basic turf management.

Where you’ll work

Humber Construction Hub

Wawne Road

Hull

HU7 5DS

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

BISHOP BURTON COLLEGE

Your training course

Countryside worker (level 2)

Equal to GCSE

Course contents

Manage habitats using a range of specialist techniques such as coppicing, hedge laying, river/stream bank stabilisation and establishing native plants, using appropriate tools and equipment. This could also include new and developing sustainable practices such as using natural materials to manage excessive rainfall (in constructing leaky dams and bale dams) and subsequently manage erosion and flood damage.

Construct or repair boundaries including different fencing types (such as post and rail, stock fencing), hedging (establishing a new hedge or laying an existing hedge) and dry stone walling depending on the geographic location/landscape and local natural materials.

Construct or maintain access ways, for example a path surface using aggregate, stone pitching, slabs, bark, concrete or tarmac. This will include the skills to ensure that the path surface drains properly.

Manage vegetation in a range of different situations, for example strimming pathways, using pesticides, managing trees and hedgerows, eradicating invasive species in order to conserve native flora and fauna.

Construct and /or maintain site furniture for access and interpretation. For example, bridges, gates, stiles, boardwalks, signs/waymarks or information boards using sustainable materials where possible. This will involve both following standard methods and also undertaking site specific design. For example, installing a gate on a sloping field will involve modifying the standard method, while every river or stream crossing while require a different design.

Use a range of hand tools and powered tools safely such as hammers, panel saws, levels, drills, strimmers or chainsaws, hold the relevant certification for powered equipment and undertake the routine maintenance of the tools used.

Problem solving: be resourceful in finding solutions to problems that may arise in day to day work and know when to ask a supervisor for advice.

Identify a range of British flora and fauna native to the specific local area e.g. commonly seen birds, mammals, insects, herbs, flowers, trees or fungi to determine the appropriate habitat management needed.

Undertake surveys which feed in to site management plans and work plans, for example, survey habitats and species, numbers of visitors, the condition of Rights of Way or structures/furniture.

Write a simple dynamic risk assessment and be able to use it on site. Use the risk assessment as the basis of working safely; understanding the hazards on the site and involved in the wide range of practical tasks undertaken by Countryside Workers. Know how to reduce these risks to an acceptable level for themselves, the public and colleagues through using safe working practices and wearing personal protective equipment.

Communicate effectively in a range of situations e.g. through face to face interaction, electronic communication, telephoning or presenting to members of the public, contractors, colleagues or landowners.

Your training plan

The successful applicant will work towards a Level 2 Countryside Worker Apprenticeship Standard. The qualification will be through Bishop Burton College on day release (There is a free bus available, and details can be found below)

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade 4)
Maths (grade 4)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Problem solving skills
Team working
Patience

About this company

Riverlution, as a Community Interest Company (CIC), helps people and communities find ways to engage with and develop a sense of place around their local patch of waterway. Working together to produce positive environmental impacts to improve the quality and biodiversity of river and riparian habitats. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) days and partnerships to help your organisation deliver social value and meet environmental goals.

After this apprenticeship

Progression from this apprenticeship could lead to higher level qualifications such as Countryside Ranger and host of roles with a variety of organisations such as the Environment Agency or National Trust.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

Riverlution

Nicola Charlesworth

Nicola.Charlesworth@the-rsc.co.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000283990.

Apply now

Closes in 28 days (Friday 22 November at 11:59pm)

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