Town Ranger Apprenticeship

Summary

Our Town Ranger, Bob, is one of our most vital members of staff and helps do all the jobs that “someone” should do making Knutsford a neater and tidier town for all. We are looking for an apprentice to work alongside him. If you are looking for a varied role where people hugely appreciate what you do, this is for you.

Annual wage

£15,488 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Pay will be reviewed annually for the start of the new financial year (April)

Training course

Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)

Hours

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 08:30 - 16:30. Tuesdays at Reaseheath College.

37 hours a week

Possible start date

Friday 1 August

Duration

2 years

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

Grounds maintenance - hedge cutting, grass cutting, flower bed maintenance. Tending/watering town planters
Responsive street cleansing (graffiti removal, litter picking, weed spraying, flyposting removal)
Ad hoc repairs and cleaning of street furniture, signage, bus shelter and other public realm

Where you’ll work

COUNCIL OFFICES

TOFT ROAD

KNUTSFORD

CHESHIRE

WA16 6TA

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

REASEHEATH COLLEGE

Your training course

Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)

Equal to GCSE

Course contents

(Core) Apply health and safety processes and procedures including risk assessments and or construction design management (CDM), manual handling, legislative requirements and organisational policies. Follow safe systems of work and safety information in line with employer requirements or site context (for example clearing their route before transporting materials).
(Core) Apply environmental mitigation measures including storage and disposal of waste, for example sorting materials for recycling or composting, acting in compliance with legal requirements, organisational policies and pollution controls.
(Core) Select, undertake a pre start check, set up, clean, store and safely operate tools, equipment and machinery (including pedestrian controlled and handheld) in line with current legislation and business policies.
(Core) Communicate with technical (for example supervisors or managers) and non-technical audiences (for example clients or the public) using language appropriate to the audience.
(Core) Identify plants commonly grown in the UK by scientific names including genus species and or cultivar.
(Core) Maintain the correct phytosanitary and bio-security procedures for the site, in accordance with legal requirements.
(Core) Identify and report symptoms and or signs of commonly found UK plant pests, pathogens and disorders.
(Core) Maintain plant health for example providing for basic needs such as water, nutrition (either organic or inorganic), light.
(Core) Cultivate, improve and preserve soils by mechanical methods and or by hand including amelioration and mulching (these might be imported or natural).
(Core) Clear unwanted vegetation, selecting techniques to be used (for example weeding).
(Core) Remove unwanted or damaged growth from plants using a pruning cut.
(Core) Plant shrubs and a tree using a simple tree pit.
(Core) Install turf for situation.
(Core) Mow turf using pedestrian controlled powered driven mower.
(Core) Maintain or protect hard surfaces, features or structures for example painting, re-gravelling, removing weeds from paving, drain clearance, cleaning.
(Core) Use digital tools and techniques for research, collaboration, continuous professional development and resolution of problems.
(Landscape construction) Measure and set out an uncomplicated site in preparation for landscape construction activities.
(Landscape construction) Use free hand cutting and or bench cutting of hard landscape materials using abrasive wheels.
(Landscape construction) Repair constructed landscape features (simple and noncomplex) for example re-grouting, re-sanding, damaged fencing.
(Landscape construction) Construct paved feature for example path, patio or shed base. Including setting levels, sub bases, laying bases, finishing.
(Landscape construction) Construct vertical landscape features including fences, ornamental vertical features, and walls.
(Landscape construction) Install drainage in landscaping.
(Landscape construction) Construct horizontal landscape features (excluding paving).
(Horticulture) Propagate plants by cuttings and seed sowing (this might be indoors or outdoors). Including selection of suitable growing media and or soil.
(Horticulture) Provide aftercare to recently installed turf and maintain established turf or species rich meadows including irrigation, maintenance, monitoring health and protection from use.
(Horticulture) Identify if plants are suitable to site, purpose and aesthetics.
(Horticulture) Maintain soft landscapes for example - staking or support, division, seasonal clearance, and re-planting.
(Horticulture) Monitor and control plant pests, pathogens, and disorders using basic control methods (including application of chemicals or organic equivalents).
(Horticulture) Plant herbaceous and seasonal planting (for example bedding, herbs or bulbs).
(Horticulture) Prune plants to achieve healthy growth and form (including natural habit and formal or trained form).
(Core) Apply health and safety processes and procedures including risk assessments and or construction design management (CDM), manual handling, legislative requirements and organisational policies. Follow safe systems of work and safety information in line with employer requirements or site context (for example clearing their route before transporting materials).
(Core) Apply environmental mitigation measures including storage and disposal of waste, for example sorting materials for recycling or composting, acting in compliance with legal requirements, organisational policies and pollution controls.
(Core) Select, undertake a pre start check, set up, clean, store and safely operate tools, equipment and machinery (including pedestrian controlled and handheld) in line with current legislation and business policies.
(Core) Communicate with technical (for example supervisors or managers) and non-technical audiences (for example clients or the public) using language appropriate to the audience.
(Core) Identify plants commonly grown in the UK by scientific names including genus species and or cultivar.
(Core) Maintain the correct phytosanitary and bio-security procedures for the site, in accordance with legal requirements.
(Core) Identify and report symptoms and or signs of commonly found UK plant pests, pathogens and disorders.
(Core) Maintain plant health for example providing for basic needs such as water, nutrition (either organic or inorganic), light.
(Core) Cultivate, improve and preserve soils by mechanical methods and or by hand including amelioration and mulching (these might be imported or natural).
(Core) Clear unwanted vegetation, selecting techniques to be used (for example weeding).
(Core) Remove unwanted or damaged growth from plants using a pruning cut.
(Core) Plant shrubs and a tree using a simple tree pit.
(Core) Install turf for situation.
(Core) Mow turf using pedestrian controlled powered driven mower.
(Core) Maintain or protect hard surfaces, features or structures for example painting, re-gravelling, removing weeds from paving, drain clearance, cleaning.
(Core) Use digital tools and techniques for research, collaboration, continuous professional development and resolution of problems.

Your training plan

This apprenticeship is offered through Reaseheath College (Nantwich), you will complete a Level 2 Horticultural Operative Apprenticeship.
The apprenticeship lasts two years. You'll attend Reaseheath one day per week.
Functional skills in maths and English (if required).

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

Other in:

No formal qualifications are required (grade n/a)

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
Team working
Physical fitness

Other requirements

We are looking for someone who: - Has a positive “can do” attitude and approach to work - Is able to work responsibly as part of a small team - Takes pride in their work - Is polite and respectful to members of the public they meet - Has a knack for practical work such as DIY or gardening - Enjoys working outside - Has good verbal communication

About this company

We are the local council looking after Knutsford - our aims are to make it a better town for all residents and visitors - and you'll play a key part of this. We also provide a number of public services and events and work to support the local community.

http://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

We offer access to an Employee Assistance Programme which provides free counselling and support. We provide a subsidised Christmas Staff Meal and an annual team building day.

After this apprenticeship

This apprenticeship is part of us expanding the Town Ranger service and in the future, we may be taking on additional grounds' maintenance services. Subject to the right candidate, it is possible the role will lead to a permanent position with us.

At the end of the apprenticeship, you would be well placed for a career in landscaping, grounds maintenance and council operative roles.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

KNUTSFORD TOWN COUNCIL

Adam Keppel-Green

townclerk@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

07896669042

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000292355.

Apply now

Closes on Friday 28 February

When you apply, you’ll be asked to sign in with a GOV.UK One Login. You can create one at the same time as applying for this apprenticeship.

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.

Company’s application instructions

Complete an application form at: https://forms.office.com/e/WmpjkwuhWd

Cookies on Find an apprenticeship

Contents