Countryside Worker Level 2 Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship from September 2025 to February 2027

To carry out practical ‘hands on’ conservation works at Walkmill Community Woodland and other areas throughout Cumbria. To gain relevant qualifications in countryside, environmental and land-based management studies – The Countryside Worker L2 Qualification - in partnership with a training provider (confirmation of college yet to be finalised).

As part of the scheme, you will be expected to attend college classes for a week at a time at set times of the year or one day every fortnight. You will also get the opportunity to work with other rivers trusts in Cumbria as well as the National Trust, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, and the Lake District National Park, among others.

The post holder will:

• Carry out conservation work and projects to maintain and improve Walkmill Community Woodland and the surrounding area for people and wildlife;
• Be responsible, together with other staff, for the care, maintenance and safe use of shared vehicles, tools, plant and equipment;
• Ensure their work sites are left in a better condition through the conservation activities carried out;
• To gain relevant experience sufficient for assessment against recognised qualifications (Apprenticeship in the Countryside Worker Qualification);
• To work positively with their team mates, other staff, partner organisations, volunteers and contractors whilst carrying out conservation activities;
• To assist other staff when required;
• Ensure the highest standards of quality is achieved in all duties carried out;
• Communicate effectively within the team, with other rivers trusts and partner organisations;
• Conduct all activities in a manner to promote good external relations and a positive image of the organisations;
• Be responsible for meeting performance targets as set by the Apprentice Coordinator and College.
• Making presentations as required to Staff, Trustees and other organisations;
• Contributing to other Trusts projects and activities as required;
• Undertaking general clerical duties associated with the post;
• Assisting with other work as appropriate and when available.

Job Specification

You will receive on the job training from the WCRT Apprentice Coordinator (and sometimes other WCRT staff) in relevant tasks including tree planting, tree felling, hedge laying, drystone walling and wetland creation. Course work will be completed when visiting college which will happen in weekly block release or day release during the course. Other training such as chainsaws, brushcutter and pesticides will be delivered at NPTC or Lantra training sites across Cumbria.

Health and Safety

Health and safety are fundamental to this role, and the successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of safety and well-being within the workplace. All duties and activities are to be carried out in accordance with the Trust and Partners’ Health and Safety policies and procedures. Your proactive approach will include identifying potential hazards, conducting thorough safety tool inspections, and addressing risks immediately to prevent incidents. This responsibility is crucial to the success and continuity of the role, and your commitment to safety will directly impact the overall productivity and well-being of the workforce.

Working relationships

Post holder reports to: A Wilder Walkmill Apprentice Coordinator.

Other key working relationships: Walkmill Parish Council and Friends of Walkmill Group; Lake District National Park Authority; Eden Rivers Trust; South Cumbria Rivers Trust; National Trust; Cumbria Wildlife Trust;; Natural England; Environment Agency; Solway Coast NL; Workington Nature Partnership; Cumbria Action for Sustainability; Growing Well.

Person Specification

Experience

The post holder will be expected to have a passion for the environment and be actively seeking a career in the environmental sector. Apprentices should have Level 1 Maths and English, equivalent to GCSE Grade 2 (old GCSE Grade E) or above. Apprentices will be expected to work towards Level 2 Maths and English, whilst participating on the apprenticeship, where this has not been achieved. Preference will be given to those who do not hold any further education qualifications and live on the west coast of Cumbria.

Desirable Skills

• Physically fit as the role will be physically demanding with an average of 4/5 days working outdoors in all types of weather conditions;
• The ability to use machinery and equipment including chainsaws and brushcutters;
• Good verbal and written communication skills and the desire to learn;
• Pro-active with the ability to work on own initiative, independently and as part of a team;
• Ability to organise personal work programmes and meet deadlines;
• General IT skills and desktop publishing;

Personal Qualities

• Committed to the environment and conservation ;
• Dedicated, adaptable and flexible to your approach to work;
• Enthusiastic with an ability to inspire and motivate others;
• Imaginative, inventive and able to turn ideas into action;
• The ability to deal with a wide variety of people in a friendly and professional manner;
• Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.