Jobs

Countryside Worker Level 2 Apprenticeships

Number of positions: 4

Salary: Apprenticeship wage of £5.28 for the first 12 months, followed by national minimum wage for the final six months of the apprenticeship.

Duration: 18 months. September 2023-February 2025.

Do you enjoy working outdoors? Are you looking for a career in the environmental sector? Then a countryside worker apprenticeship could be for you!

We are now looking for 4 apprentices (subject to funding*) to join our team at West Cumbria Rivers Trust. These apprentices will gain valuable experience and learn practical skills through carrying out a variety of practical conservation work at Walkmill Community Woodland (near Whitehaven) and in the wider West Cumbria area. There will be a variety of practical tasks, including:

Woodland management – felling, thinning, coppicing, laying, planting.
Meadow restoration – strimming, raking, planting, seed sowing, assisting with the tree & wildflower nursery.
Footpath improvements – resurfacing, scrub clearance, drainage works.
Flora and fauna surveys – including fish, wildflowers, riverfly and reptiles.
Wetland habitat creation – creating and maintaining ponds and wetlands.
Non-native invasive species control – strimming and pulling Himalayan balsam, treating Japanese knotweed
Drystone walling

The apprenticeship will also provide the opportunity to gain certificated training such as chainsaw and brushcutter and require the apprentice to work towards a Countryside Worker Level 2 qualification.

The apprenticeship will be full-time (35 hours per week) for 18-months and will require 7 visits to the Askham Bryan College campus in York for a week at a time at set times of the year in order to fulfil the taught element of the qualification. Accommodation will be on the campus and all travel and subsistence paid for.

For this role you will need to be enthusiastic about the environment and countryside with a willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions. Having a desire to learn is also important. You will also be reliable, punctual and committed.

Please find the full job description here.

If you would like to apply then please send your CV and a cover letter explaining why you would like the role and what relevant skills, knowledge and experience you have to recruitment@westcumbriariverstrust.org

The deadline for applications will be Friday 30^th June with interviews expected to take place in mid-July.

*The funding will be confirmed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund by mid-June.

All our vacancies are advertised through www.environmentjob.co.uk