Apprentice Conservation Ranger

The Ernest Cook Trust is an educational charity and one of the UK’s foremost providers and funders of Outdoor Learning. Our vision is for an environmentally engaged society with better connections to nature.

The Trust cares for 9,000 hectares of land across the UK. These authentic, living communities are home to our tenant farmers, residential tenants and small enterprises, while also serving as unique open-air classrooms for our Outdoor Learning programmes.

As a land-owning educational Trust, we are uniquely placed to be a model for innovative methods of land management and an exemplar provider of training in the outdoor sector. By sharing our land, knowledge and experience, we inspire a greater love and understanding of the natural world, and are influencers in the debate around the environment, farming and sustainability. 

The Role 

As an Apprentice Conservation Ranger on our Home Estates, you will work closely with our experienced Estate Ranger, engaging in practical tasks that are specific to your apprenticeship. You will gain valuable knowledge and experience in conservation, land and wildlife management, all while receiving comprehensive on-the-job training.

Throughout your apprenticeship, you'll have the opportunity to spend time with various members of our Estates team to broaden your understanding of different roles and activities and attending College to support with coursework, assignments and exams.

By embarking on this apprenticeship, you are helping us support the next generation of countryside workers, aligning with our values of progressive stewardship and cultivating connections within the community and the natural world.

This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate.

Our Home Estates 

The Home Estates comprises Fairford, Hatherop, Filkins and Barnsley Estates and amounts to 3,966 hectares. The farmland is principally let and comprises a mix of conventional, organic and regenerative systems with a range of farming businesses including arable, beef, pigs, dairy and poultry.

The woodland is managed in-hand and comprises 272 hectares. We have an emerging habitat improvement programme for the Fairford Estate and this role will play a vital part in assisting our Estate Ranger to deliver the objectives of the plan. You will be out and about whatever the weather as part of a small but committed team. 

Key Responsibilities 

Your enthusiasm for learning new skills, increasing your knowledge, and embracing new opportunities will be key in this role. As Apprentice Conservation Ranger, you will play a vital part in the following activities:

• Creating and maintaining diverse habitats for wildlife and learning activities
• Monitoring and surveying wildlife to preserve ecosystems
• Controlling vegetation for access and conservation
• Contributing to tree planting and woodland growth
• Maintaining estate access and installing information signage
• Managing woodlands for forest health
• Assisting in management of invasive species, deer and pest/predator control
• Implementing strategic wildlife feeding initiatives
• Collaborating with your colleagues in the wider Estates Team, including the River Keeper and Gardener
• Engaging in public-facing work and building relationships with stakeholders
• Gaining competency of machinery and hand tool skills

   
Main Priorities

• Demonstrating excellent listening skills and following instructions effectively.
• Consistently meeting training deadlines and displaying commitment to completing college assignments and training.
• You will build and maintain positive relationships with colleagues and partners, supporting a collaborative atmosphere.
• Building an awareness of our ongoing responsibility as landowners and a commitment to integrating best practices into everyday tasks.

   
Training provided

As well as the L2 apprenticeship qualification, the successful candidate will be offered the opportunity to undertake the following internal and external training courses as part of their role:

• First Aid
• Tractor driving
• Brush cutter
• Chainsaw: cross-cut and maintenance
• Health & Safety
• Use of IT for communication and record keeping

   
Person Specification
Specific Requirements

• Level 1 Math and English (equivalent to GCSE Grade 2) or above (Apprentices without this qualification will be supported in achieving it)
• Interest in conservation, wildlife, and habitat management.
• A strong work ethic, reliability, punctuality, and pride in doing a job well
• Flexibility and adaptability to various working conditions, weather, and working environments. Willingness to work alone occasionally and in remote locations
• Strong organisational skills for self-study and personal skills development
• Effective communication and the ability to interact with a diverse range of people

   
Skills and Knowledge

• Ability to absorb and understand information and a willingness to follow instructions
• A strong desire to learn and a dedicated work ethic

 
General

• Full clean driving license

   
Any previous experience is helpful, but not essential as you will be receiving comprehensive on-site training from the Estate Ranger and the wider Estates team.

Working at The Ernest Cook Trust 

ABOUT US

As a landowning educational charity, the Trust is uniquely placed to share its woodlands, farms and natural habitats to inspire a greater love and understanding of the natural world, farming and sustainability. We do this for children, young people, their families and communities, particularly those who face barriers to accessing and participating in the outdoors.

We are part of an impressive community of networks and organisations across the UK, working to help create a more environmentally engaged society. Our work is increasingly done in collaborations and partnerships with like-minded organisations, particularly with our funding partners, whose contribution significantly boosts the scale and reach of our work.

Our mission is to improve life chances through a range of Outdoor Learning experiences, enabling underserved young people to learn from nature, empowering them to have a positive impact on the environment. We do this through grant support, direct delivery, research and advocacy.

To discover more about us, visit our website at www.ernestcooktrust.org.uk.

OUR VALUES

The unique spirit of The Ernest Cook Trust is best expressed through our values: 

Cultivating Connections 

At the heart of our work lies the belief that meaningful and lasting change happens through the cultivation of connections. We value the relationships we build with the people and communities we serve, as well as each other and the partnerships we form with like-minded organisations. We understand that these connections create the conditions for people and places to flourish. 

Freedom to Try 

We embrace a culture of innovation and resilience, where both our team members and the individuals we serve have the freedom to try new things. This value encourages a dynamic and adaptable approach, nurturing trust and courage in ourselves and others. 

Progressive Stewardship 

We believe in responsible, forward-thinking management of our outdoor resources, as places where diversity can thrive. By actively caring for the environment, we ensure that the beauty and benefits of the outdoors are accessible to all, changing lives through individual and shared positive experiences.

Recruitment process

Open day

Wednesday 19 June from 2pm to 6pm at Fairford Park, Fairford, Gloucestershire GL7 4JH.

How to apply

Please submit a CV with an accompanying letter to briefly introduce yourself and why you think you are suited to this role. This should be addressed to Joseph Gardom, Conservation & Woodland Manager. Please state where you heard about this role.

Upload your letter and CV here

here

We look forward to hearing from you.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Embracing diversity is an essential part of the work of The Ernest Cook Trust. We are committed to treating everyone as a unique individual, fairly and with respect, irrespective of race, disability, age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, or religion. We are committed to ensuring equality, respect, and safety for all, and prioritising the wellbeing of the children, young people and vulnerable adults we support. Our safeguarding policy can be found here.

The appointment will be subject to satisfactory background checks including Disclosure and Barring Service and relevant online searches to comply with best practices in Safeguarding, and proof of the right to work in the UK.