Apprentice Ranger (West Wickham & Coulsdon Common)
City of London Corporation
Bromley (BR4 9DS)
Closes in 12 days (Wednesday 7 May 2025)
Posted on 22 April 2025
Contents
Summary
Assist the Ranger Team to maintain, protect and conserve West Wickham & Coulsdon Commons to high standards, in accordance with the Corporation (Open Spaces) Act 1878 and the Common’s management plans
- Wage
-
£25,280 a year
- Training course
- Countryside worker (level 2)
- Hours
-
Monday - Friday, 09:00 - 15:30
35 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 9 June 2025
- Duration
-
1 year
- Positions available
-
1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you’ll do at work
- Patrol West Wickham & Coulsdon Commons in uniform to protect the site and visitors from harm, enforcing byelaws, reporting incidents, removing hazards and collecting litter
- Contribute to the promotion of West Wickham & Coulsdon Commons by regular contact and communication with the public
- Assist with the planning and delivery of educational visits & activities for organised groups
- Assist the Ranger Team to deliver conservation & site management plans and work programmes
- Do other relevant duties
Where you’ll work
West Wickham Common
Croydon Road
Bromley
BR4 9DS
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
College or training organisation
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONDON
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
Countryside Worker Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard:
- You will be provided with the opportunity to complete the Apprenticeship in Environmental Conservation
- Understand organisational purpose, activities, aims, values, vision
- Take responsibility for own work
- Functional Skills in ICT, maths & English (*where applicable)
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4)
- Maths (grade 4)
Desirable qualifications
Other in:
- First Aid (grade Certificate)
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
- Commitment to Conservation
- Enjoy engagement with Nature
- Practical skills desirable
- Interest in Countryside Work
- Keen to communicate W/ Public
Other requirements
*Full Driving Licence required due to nature of the role. *Willingness to complete First Aid Training * This is an outdoor role and you will be required to work in all weather conditions and be open to the elements.
About this company
The City Corporation with a rich history that precedes parliament, the City Corporation has been an ever constant throughout history adapting in order to meet modern demands of the City it serves, and is home to some of the world’s most striking modern architecture. The City of London Corporation forms part of London as a whole, along with the 32 London Boroughs who have responsibility for local government services within their local area. Based at the Guildhall the City Corporation looks after and promotes the City of London.
https://careers.cityoflondon.gov.uk/ (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
City of London Corporation staff can take advantage of the pension scheme. They also receive discounts and special offers for a wide range of products and services.
Disability Confident
A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.
You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.
After this apprenticeship
- The City of London is committed to employing and progressing those apprentices who have successfully completed their Apprenticeship Programme
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONDON
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000316596.
Apply now
Closes in 12 days (Wednesday 7 May 2025)
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After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.
Company’s application instructions
Please apply online and ensure that you answer the questions in the Recruitment Information Pack - please include your answers in the supporting information section of the application form. We are unable to accept curriculum Vitae (CVs)