Apprentice Groundsperson and Biodiversity Officer

Summary

This is a unique opportunity for someone passionate about environmental conservation, landscaping, and sustainable practices. This role encompasses maintaining and enhancing green spaces while also implementing biodiversity initiatives within our parish. For example, introducing the RSPB monitoring system for vulnerable birds to help them thrive.

Annual wage

£11,700 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

The pay may be negotiated and may rise after a probation period has been successfully completed.

Training course

Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)

Hours

Monday to Friday, six hours a day. Shifts to be confirmed.

30 hours a week

Possible start date

Monday 2 September

Duration

2 Years

Positions available

1

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

Level 2 Horticulture or Landscape Construction Operative Apprenticeship Standard
Day release weekly with Brinsbury College

Qualifications:

(Core) Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (Ofqual registered) minimum 1-day course
(Horticulture Operative) Lantra Awards Level 2 Award in Safe Use of Pesticides OR City and Guilds Level 2 Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides
(Horticulture Operative) Lantra Awards Level 2 Award in the Safe Application of Pesticide Using Hand Held Equipment OR City and Guilds Level 2 Award In The Safe Application of Pesticides Using Pedestrian Hand Held Equipment
(Landscaping construction) City and Guilds NPTC Level 2 Certificate of Competence in the Safe Use of Abrasive Wheel Machines or Lantra Abrasive Wheel Machines Course
Functional Skills in maths and English, if required

Where you’ll work

Pulborough Parish College

Swan View,

Lower St,

Pulborough, West Sussex

RH20 2BF

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

CHICHESTER COLLEGE GROUP

Your training course

Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)

Equal to GCSE

Course contents

(Core) Apply health and safety processes and procedures including risk assessments and or construction design management (CDM), manual handling, legislative requirements and organisational policies. Follow safe systems of work and safety information in line with employer requirements or site context (for example clearing their route before transporting materials).

(Core) Apply environmental mitigation measures including storage and disposal of waste, for example sorting materials for recycling or composting, acting in compliance with legal requirements, organisational policies and pollution controls.

(Core) Select, undertake a pre start check, set up, clean, store and safely operate tools, equipment and machinery (including pedestrian controlled and handheld) in line with current legislation and business policies.

(Core) Communicate with technical (for example supervisors or managers) and non-technical audiences (for example clients or the public) using language appropriate to the audience.

(Core) Identify plants commonly grown in the UK by scientific names including genus species and or cultivar.

(Core) Maintain the correct phytosanitary and bio-security procedures for the site, in accordance with legal requirements.

(Core) Identify and report symptoms and or signs of commonly found UK plant pests, pathogens and disorders.

(Core) Maintain plant health for example providing for basic needs such as water, nutrition (either organic or inorganic), light.

(Core) Cultivate, improve and preserve soils by mechanical methods and or by hand including amelioration and mulching (these might be imported or natural).

(Core) Clear unwanted vegetation, selecting techniques to be used (for example weeding).

(Core) Remove unwanted or damaged growth from plants using a pruning cut.

(Core) Plant shrubs and a tree using a simple tree pit.

(Core) Install turf for situation.

(Core) Mow turf using pedestrian controlled powered driven mower.

(Core) Maintain or protect hard surfaces, features or structures for example painting, re-gravelling, removing weeds from paving, drain clearance, cleaning.

(Core) Use digital tools and techniques for research, collaboration, continuous professional development and resolution of problems.

(Landscape construction) Measure and set out an uncomplicated site in preparation for landscape construction activities.

(Landscape construction) Use free hand cutting and or bench cutting of hard landscape materials using abrasive wheels.

(Landscape construction) Repair constructed landscape features (simple and noncomplex) for example re-grouting, re-sanding, damaged fencing.

(Landscape construction) Construct paved feature for example path, patio or shed base. Including setting levels, sub bases, laying bases, finishing.

(Landscape construction) Construct vertical landscape features including fences, ornamental vertical features, and walls.

(Landscape construction) Install drainage in landscaping.

(Landscape construction) Construct horizontal landscape features (excluding paving).

(Horticulture) Propagate plants by cuttings and seed sowing (this might be indoors or outdoors). Including selection of suitable growing media and or soil.

(Horticulture) Provide aftercare to recently installed turf and maintain established turf or species rich meadows including irrigation, maintenance, monitoring health and protection from use.

(Horticulture) Identify if plants are suitable to site, purpose and aesthetics.

(Horticulture) Maintain soft landscapes for example - staking or support, division, seasonal clearance, and re-planting.

(Horticulture) Monitor and control plant pests, pathogens, and disorders using basic control methods (including application of chemicals or organic equivalents).

(Horticulture) Plant herbaceous and seasonal planting (for example bedding, herbs or bulbs).

(Horticulture) Prune plants to achieve healthy growth and form (including natural habit and formal or trained form).