Assistant Ranger Apprentice - Level 2

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

Job summary

Join a leading organization as an Assistant Ranger apprentice, where you'll gain hands-on experience in conservation and environmental management. This role involves outdoor work, training opportunities, and the potential for career advancement within the National Trust. You'll be part of a team dedicated to protecting the countryside and enhancing wildlife richness while engaging with visitors.

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

• Minimum of 2 GCSEs including English and Maths required.
• Aged 16 or over and completed Year 11.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing various habitats and develop conservation skills.
• Work alongside a mentor on specific tasks related to apprenticeship.

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 a member of the rangering team to conserve the environment that makes the countryside both distinctive and special, helping take care of our protected landscapes.

This role can lead to an assistant ranger or ranger role and potentially move 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 will involve protecting and enhancing the health and wildlife richness of our countryside, preserving its benefits, and helping visitors experience and connect with conservation efforts in our outdoor spaces.

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

You will be based at the Holnicote estate, a large and diverse countryside estate within Exmoor National Park. Covering 50 square kilometres, the estate includes Dunkery and Horner Wood National Nature Reserve, 6 km of rugged coastline, and supports tenant farms, cottages, and small businesses. Working with an experienced Ranger team, the apprentice will assist in managing various habitats, developing traditional and modern conservation skills. Practical work will include managing woodland, heathland, rivers, and grassland, alongside visitor engagement and ecological surveying.

What you'll be doing

You will work alongside your mentor on specific tasks related to your apprenticeship, developing relevant skills and knowledge. You’ll attend and prepare for regular review meetings with your training provider and be responsible for your own progress. Completion of mandatory e-learning, courses, and training will be 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, functional skills level 1 or equivalent (if you hold an EHCP, entry 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 before starting the apprenticeship.
• Not enrolled in any other training or education program (e.g., studying towards an apprenticeship or degree).
• Able to travel to the work location.

If you are aged 18 or under at the point of enrolment and have not achieved English and maths at grade C/4, you’ll be enrolled in functional skills level 2 as part of your apprenticeship. This will be optional if you are 19 or over, but we’ll support you to complete it when offered.

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

The package

The National Trust’s motto is ‘For everyone, for ever’. We’re committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels they belong. We value diversity and aim for our teams 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 discounts)
• 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