Ranger Apprentice

Summary

Ranger Apprentice will be involved in estate maintenance and other practical work, assisting with conservation work and public engagement work

Annual wage

£16,399 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

£16,399 (£8.50 per hour first 12 months) increasing to £19,293 (£10.00 per hour thereafter)

Training course

Countryside worker (level 2)

Hours

Variable: Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm (this includes one-day a week for study) When working at Exford Depot, the working day is from 7.30am to 4.00pm

37 hours a week

Possible start date

Monday 24 February

Duration

1 year 4 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

Carrying out practical works on our estate and the Public Rights of Way and access network
Engaging with the public, school children and groups as part of our public engagement work
Inspecting paths and carrying out surveys on our estate
Assisting with conservation work, including field work
Caring for popular visitor locations including litter picking and public engagement

Where you’ll work

EXMOOR HOUSE

DULVERTON

TA22 9HL

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

BRIDGWATER AND TAUNTON 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

Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard in Countryside Worker
Level 2 Countryside Worker - Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

GCSE's inc English & maths (grade 9 to 2 (A* to E))

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

Communication skills
Problem solving skills
Number skills
Logical
Team working
Creative
Initiative
Physical fitness

Other requirements

Able to carry out a physically demanding role, working outdoors on all types of terrain and in all weathers, often in remote locations. Ideally, the post holder will have a full manual driving licence and have an interest in the countryside and the National Park.

About this company

We are a National Park Authority (local authority) which covers Exmoor across Somerset and North Devon. We are a Planning Authority. Our purposes are to: - Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park - Promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Park by the public

http://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Provides the skills and experience to work within practical estate/countryside management

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is: