Assistant Ranger Apprentice

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 be working as a member of the rangering team as they conserve the environment that makes the countryside both distinctive and special and help take care of our protected landscapes.

**This role can lead to an assistant ranger or ranger role and potentially move to a L4 Countryside Ranger apprenticeship after additional experience gained in role.**

For more information about our apprenticeship programme please click here: National Trust Jobs : Apprenticeships.

What it's like to work here:You’ll be working outdoors in all weathers as part of our ranger teams, supporting our strategy to restore a healthy, beautiful and natural environment. Your role will be working to protect and improve the health and wildlife richness of our countryside, preserving all the benefits we get from it and helping our visitors to experience and get closer to conservation of our special outdoor places.

Your training will be delivered via a combination of 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 with some overnight stays to expand your learning and experience.

The Ranger team at the South Downs West look after close to 3,000ha of countryside, with a network Footpaths and Bridleways over a variety of habitats including Lowland Heath, Chalk Grassland, Ancient woodland, productive Coppice (Hazel and Sweet chestnut), Orchards and extensive natural regeneration of ex arable to predominantly wood pasture. Here at Woolbeding the team have recently taken on the management of over 200ha of ex arable farmland. We are also lucky enough to have our own in hand herd of native breeds of cattle and sheep.

What you'll be doing:Working alongside your mentor on tasks specific to your apprenticeship, you’ll develop the skills & knowledge relevant to this apprenticeship standard. (Countryside worker level 2)

You’ll attend, and prepare for, regular review meetings with your training provider, and be accountable for your own progression. You’ll be required to complete mandatory e-learning, courses and training provided.

Who we're looking forIn 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 of the role:

- A minimum of 2 GCSE’s which must include 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 on any other training or education programme (eg: studying towards an apprenticeship or degree)
- Able to travel to 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’lll be enrolled on 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 when offered.

The packageThe National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% 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 such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
- Flexible working whenever possible
- Employee assistance programme
- Free parking at most Trust places

Requirements :Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK
Fixed Term f/t (37.5 hrs pw to 26/02/27)