Assistant Ranger Apprentice - Level 2

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR PLACES OF HISTORIC INTEREST OR NATURAL BEAUTY

Hope Valley (S33 6RF)

Closes in 14 days (Monday 22 June 2026)

Posted on 8 June 2026

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Summary

As an Assistant Ranger apprentice, you’ll be working as a member of the rangering team as they help to deliver our conservation and climate change strategies.  You will work to conserve the environment that makes the countryside both distinctive and special and help take care of our protected landscapes.  

Wage

£24,785 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Countryside worker (level 2)
Hours
5 days per week, may work evenings and weekends.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 September 2026

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

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.

Where you'll work

High Peak Estate
Edale End
Hope Valley
S33 6RF

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

BISHOP BURTON COLLEGE

Training course

Countryside worker (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Manage habitats using a range of specialist techniques such as coppicing, hedge laying, river/stream bank stabilisation and establishing native plants, using appropriate tools and equipment. This could also include new and developing sustainable practices such as using natural materials to manage excessive rainfall (in constructing leaky dams and bale dams) and subsequently manage erosion and flood damage.
  • Construct or repair boundaries including different fencing types (such as post and rail, stock fencing), hedging (establishing a new hedge or laying an existing hedge) and dry stone walling depending on the geographic location/landscape and local natural materials.
  • Construct or maintain access ways, for example a path surface using aggregate, stone pitching, slabs, bark, concrete or tarmac. This will include the skills to ensure that the path surface drains properly.
  • Manage vegetation in a range of different situations, for example strimming pathways, using pesticides, managing trees and hedgerows, eradicating invasive species in order to conserve native flora and fauna.
  • Construct and /or maintain site furniture for access and interpretation. For example, bridges, gates, stiles, boardwalks, signs/waymarks or information boards using sustainable materials where possible. This will involve both following standard methods and also undertaking site specific design. For example, installing a gate on a sloping field will involve modifying the standard method, while every river or stream crossing while require a different design.
  • Use a range of hand tools and powered tools safely such as hammers, panel saws, levels, drills, strimmers or chainsaws, hold the relevant certification for powered equipment and undertake the routine maintenance of the tools used.
  • Problem solving: be resourceful in finding solutions to problems that may arise in day to day work and know when to ask a supervisor for advice.
  • Identify a range of British flora and fauna native to the specific local area e.g. commonly seen birds, mammals, insects, herbs, flowers, trees or fungi to determine the appropriate habitat management needed.
  • Undertake surveys which feed in to site management plans and work plans, for example, survey habitats and species, numbers of visitors, the condition of Rights of Way or structures/furniture.
  • Write a simple dynamic risk assessment and be able to use it on site. Use the risk assessment as the basis of working safely; understanding the hazards on the site and involved in the wide range of practical tasks undertaken by Countryside Workers. Know how to reduce these risks to an acceptable level for themselves, the public and colleagues through using safe working practices and wearing personal protective equipment.
  • Communicate effectively in a range of situations e.g. through face to face interaction, electronic communication, telephoning or presenting to members of the public, contractors, colleagues or landowners.

Training schedule

Your training will be delivered via a combination of mandatory weeklong college blocks and online learning, with all expenses and travel paid. There may also be opportunities to travel to other National Trust locations to expand your learning and experience. You’ll also be able to join other training events and learn from industry colleagues internally and externally. You’ll attend regular review meetings with your training provider and be accountable for your own progression.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade E/2)
  • Maths (grade E/2)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Team working
  • Physical fitness

About this employer

We protect and care for places so people and nature can thrive. We look after hundreds of houses and close to a million objects, along with vast areas of coastline, countryside and green spaces, for everyone’s benefit. With our staff, members, volunteers and supporters, we’re the biggest conservation charity in Europe. Everyone can get involved, everyone can make a difference.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

• 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

After this apprenticeship

On successful completion you will be taking your first steps towards a future career in rangering.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

BISHOP BURTON COLLEGE

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000035648.

Apply now

Closes in 14 days (Monday 22 June 2026)

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.