Assistant Ranger Apprenticeship - Level 2

NATIONAL TRUST; Burnley; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the National Trust as an Assistant Ranger apprentice, where you'll support conservation efforts and engage with the community. This role offers training and the opportunity to progress into a full ranger position, all while working outdoors in a unique environment.

Benefits

Substantial pension scheme

Free entry to National Trust places

Rental deposit loan scheme

Season ticket loan

EV car lease scheme

Perks at work discounts

Holiday allowance up to 32 days

Flexible working arrangements

Employee assistance programme

Free parking at most Trust locations

Qualifications

• Aged 16 or over and completed Year 11.
• Not in full-time education.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of the ranger team to conserve the environment.
• Engage with visitors and the local community.

Skills

Enthusiasm

Desire to learn

Education

GCSEs including English and maths at grade E/2

Job description

Come and join us on a National Trust apprenticeship where we’ll support and develop you to play an integral part in our work to tackle climate change, protect historic sites, and help people and nature thrive. You don’t need experience for this role, just loads of enthusiasm and a desire to learn.

As an Assistant Ranger apprentice, you’ll work as part of the rangering team to conserve the environment that makes the countryside unique and help take care of our protected landscapes.

This role can lead to an assistant ranger or ranger position and may progress to a Level 4 Countryside Ranger apprenticeship after gaining additional experience.

What it's like to work here

You’ll work outdoors in all weather conditions as part of our ranger teams, supporting our strategy to restore a healthy, beautiful, and natural environment. Your role involves protecting and enhancing the health and wildlife of our countryside, preserving its benefits, and helping visitors connect with nature.

Your training combines mandatory week-long college blocks and online learning, with all expenses and travel paid. There may be opportunities to visit other National Trust locations, including overnight stays, to broaden your experience.

Location: Based at Gawthorpe Hall, with work at Holcombe Moor & Stubbins Estates.

Tasks: Woodland management and creation, estate maintenance (including countryside furniture, boundaries, footpaths, drainage), peatland restoration, ecological and hydrological monitoring, visitor engagement.

What makes it unique: You will work with staff and volunteers on a woodland creation scheme at Gawthorpe Hall, engage with visitors and the local community in the walled garden, and assist with ecological monitoring and the maintenance of the Holcombe Moor peatland restoration project, in partnership with Natural England, the University of Manchester, the Environment Agency, and local stakeholders.

What you'll be doing

Work alongside your mentor on tasks specific to your apprenticeship to develop relevant skills and knowledge. Attend regular review meetings with your training provider and be responsible for your own progression. Complete mandatory e-learning, courses, and training as required.

Who we're looking for

In addition to the qualities listed in the role profile, we’d love to hear from you if you meet the following eligibility criteria by the start date:

• A minimum of 2 GCSEs including English and maths at grade E/2 or equivalent (or Level 1 functional skills). If you hold an EHCP, Level 3 in English and maths is acceptable.
• Aged 16 or over and have completed Year 11.
• Not in full-time education.
• Have the right to work in the UK and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for three consecutive years prior to starting.
• Not enrolled in another training or education program (e.g., studying towards another apprenticeship or degree).
• Able to travel to the work location.

If you are aged 18 or under at enrolment and have not achieved English and maths at grade C/4, you will be enrolled in functional skills Level 2 as part of your apprenticeship. This is optional for those aged 19 or over, but support will be provided to complete it if offered.

If you have a qualification or substantial relevant work experience in a related subject, this may affect eligibility for government funding, which will be verified if your application advances.

The package

The National Trust’s motto is ‘For everyone, for ever’. We aim to foster an inclusive culture where everyone feels they belong. We value diversity and aim for our staff to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome and celebrate differences.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% of basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest, and your children (under 18)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme
• Perks at work discounts (gym memberships, shopping, cinema)
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to criteria
• Flexible working arrangements where possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust locations