Apprentice Assistant Ranger (Fixed Term Contract 30 months)

Bracknell Forest Council; Bracknell; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council is looking for an Apprentice Assistant Ranger to join the Parks and Countryside team. This is a full-time apprenticeship role focusing on conservation, community involvement, and various estate management tasks. Ideal candidates will have a passion for the outdoors and British wildlife, alongside a commitment to developing their skills in the conservation sector over approximately 30 months.

Qualifications

• Must be available to start immediately.
• Keen to develop skills in the conservation sector.
• Commitment to community and environmental projects.

Responsibilities

• Maintain flower beds, cut grass, and plant shrubs.
• Conduct regular safety inspections of the parks.
• Encourage community involvement by liaising with volunteers.

Skills

Passion for conservation

Affinity for the outdoors

Understanding of British wildlife

Community involvement

Education

Level 4 qualification in Countryside Ranger Apprenticeship

Job description

Overview

We have a great opportunity for an Apprentice Assistant Ranger to join our Parks and Countryside team. This role is being offered as full time, on a fixed term basis for the duration of the apprenticeship. We require someone who is available to start immediately.

(Any successful internal candidate will be offered the position as a secondment and, in line with Section 8.1 of the Secondment Policy, must consult with their manager before applying. Search ‘secondment policy’ on the intranet for more information.)

At Bracknell Forest, we pride ourselves on being a council which is stable and well-managed where our employees can thrive in a supportive environment. We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance.

About you

As an Apprentice Assistant Ranger, you will be passionate about conservation and nature, and keen to develop skills in the sector. You will have an affinity for the outdoors and British Wildlife. You are someone who values community involvement and understands its importance in the success of long-term environmental projects.

Role and training

In your role as an Apprentice Assistant Ranger, you will have shared responsibility for the maintenance and safety of the Heritage Parks sites, together with other works that will be allocated to the team from the wider Parks & Countryside service through the Lead Rangers.

Alongside your job role you will study towards the Countryside Ranger Apprenticeship. Your learning will be a combination of classroom-based sessions, one to one support with a workplace coach and on the job learning and will last for approximately 30 months. At the end of the programme you will complete an end point assessment and when this is successfully completed you will gain your Level 4 qualification.

Working in partnership with the council and the training provider you will learn and demonstrate the skills and behaviours required to successfully meet the apprenticeship standard.

You will collect a folder of evidence to demonstrate your knowledge and skills over the 30 months.

Whilst studying for your apprenticeship you will be supported by a workplace coach, and at the end of your apprenticeship, we will work with you to see if we can identify and secure a permanent position for you in Bracknell Forest Council.

About the team

Bracknell Forest Council Parks & Countryside service is responsible for more than 300 hectares of countryside sites, ranging from large wildflower meadows and woodlands to play areas and sports pitches. We endeavour to manage our sites for the benefit of people and wildlife, this being a key objective for the Council. Two of our historic parks have been restored with grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund. Involvement of local communities is also central to this success.

Key responsibilities

• To undertake estate management tasks including maintaining flower beds, cutting grass, planting shrubs, hedge cutting, sweeping leaves, removing litter, maintaining paths and other park infrastructure.
• To undertake regular safety inspections of the parks and address resulting health and safety matters which arise.
• To encourage community involvement and liaise with volunteers to help co-ordinate their work in the park.
• To comply with all health and safety procedures, particularly in regard to machinery and equipment.
• Carry out play area weekly inspections, reporting findings and making safe any issues.