Apprentice Countryside Rangers

Kent Wildlife Trust is the county’s leading conservation charity with more than 31,000 members and over 1000 registered volunteers. We manage and protect over 9000 acres of land across more than 90 different sites and nature reserves, alongside 3 visitor centres.

But we can’t save nature alone. So we work closely with local communities, businesses, organisations and individuals to protect and restore wildlife and wild spaces and create a wilder Kent for the benefit of people and the planet.

The Opportunity:

We are currently seeking five passionate and motivated individuals to join our team as a Countryside Ranger Apprentice on a fixed term contract of 29 months, starting between June and September 2024. As a countryside ranger assigned to a specific area within Kent, you will have the chance to work in some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the country, playing a pivotal role in conserving wildlife and protecting the environment.

We have partnered with Sparsholt College to deliver this Level 4 Countryside Ranger apprenticeship through a blend of virtual and face-to-face training. This training, complemented by comprehensive on-the-job experience with Kent Wildlife Trust, ensures a full learning experience.

Responsibilities:

Assist in managing and maintaining countryside sites, which may include woodland, meadows, and roadside nature reserves.
Carry out practical tasks such as habitat restoration, tree planting, and path maintenance.
Conduct regular patrols to monitor and report on potential issues or hazards.
Assist with welfare checks on our conservation grazing animals, which may include Highland cattle, Konik ponies and Herdwick sheep.
Support biodiversity conservation by monitoring and recording wildlife species.
Engage with visitors to reserves, serving as an excellent ambassador for Kent Wildlife Trust and promoting respectful behaviour across the reserve.
Assist in controlling and managing invasive plant species.

Requirements:

GCSE English and Maths at Level 4 or above, or Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English, or equivalent qualification. A Level 3 qualification in a related field e.g. BTEC/NVQ/A-Level or equivalent is desirable.
Candidates with a BSc or higher qualification in countryside management or similar will NOT be eligible to apply.
A full, valid driving licence.
A genuine interest in nature conservation and a passion for working in the countryside.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with a wide range of people.
Excellent teamwork skills, while being able to work without supervision and take initiative.
The capability to perform manual tasks in varying environments.
Flexibility to work weekends and holidays as needed.
Some familiarity with UK habitats and species, or a willingness to develop and enhance this knowledge.

Benefits:

The apprentices will be paid at applicable apprentice rate of £12,480 per year for the first year. Second year will be paid at national minimum wage (£16,770 - £22,308)
Work towards a Level 4 qualification (Higher Apprenticeship) in partnership with Sparsholt College
Gain practical experience and develop skills in environmental conservation and management whilst gaining a recognised qualification.
Earn professional qualifications, including chainsaw and first aid at work
Work in a scenic countryside setting, with opportunities to immerse yourself in and appreciate nature.
Receive mentorship from experienced wardens throughout the apprenticeship.
Gain training or relevant certifications in habitat management, land conservation, and wildlife monitoring.
Competitive salary and benefits package

We are unable to recruit anyone who does not have a right to work in the UK.

Procedure for applicants:

Applicants should read the Guidance Notes carefully before completing the online application form supported by a personal statement and CV. If you have a preferred working area, please indicate this as part of your personal statement.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a day’s selection process on a Kent Wildlife Trust nature reserve on 17th May 2024, to include practical conservation activities and an interview.

The Kent Wildlife Trust Group is Wild About Inclusion. To us, this means inspiring, empowering and engaging people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and abilities, to change the natural world for the better.

It also means cultivating inclusive workspaces that are free from discrimination, where differences are celebrated, everyone can be themselves and flourish, just like nature!

REF-213 368