Ranger Apprentice
Broads Authority
Norwich (NR7 0SL)
Closes in 19 days (Monday 13 July 2026)
Posted on 24 June 2026
Contents
Summary
An exciting opportunity to work alongside our dedicated and skilled team to assist with patrolling and undertaking construction and practical maintenance projects to help maintain and enhance the broads, rivers and waterways.
- Wage
-
£15,392 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
National Minimum Wage for Apprenticeships for 12 months followed by 3 months at National Minimum Wage, paid as a monthly salary.
£8.00 x 37 hours = £296.00 per week.
- Training course
- Countryside worker (level 2)
- Hours
-
Monday - Thursday, 9.00am - 5.00pm (30 minute lunch break) and Friday, 9.00am - 4.30pm (30 minute lunch break).
37 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 21 September 2026
- Duration
-
1 year 3 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
An exciting opportunity to work alongside our dedicated and skilled employees.
Duties include:
- Assist with patrolling
- Construction and maintenance projects
- Maintain and enhance the broads, rivers and waterways
- Assist in providing sustainable countryside and waterway projects
Where you'll work
Broads Authority
The Dockyard
Griffin Lane
Norwich
NR7 0SL
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
SUFFOLK NEW 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
- Countryside Worker Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard
- English and maths (if required) Level 2
More training information
As part of the apprenticeship the following additional training will be provided:
- RYA Level 2
- Brushcutter
- Chainsaw certification
- PA1 & PA6AW
- Emergency First Aid
- Driver Awareness Training (for apprentices who hold a driving licence)
- VHF radio
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
GCSE in:
- English or Equivalent (grade Grade A-C or 9-3)
- Maths or Equivalent (grade Grade A-C or 9-3)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Presentation skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
- Patience
- Physical fitness
- Conscientious
- Committed
- Enthusiastic
- Motivated
Other requirements
- This apprenticeship involves working outdoors in all weather conditions all year round
About this employer
The Norfolk and Suffolk Broads is Britain’s largest protected wetland and third largest inland waterway, with the status of a national park. It’s also home to some of the rarest plants and animals in the UK. The Broads Authority was set up in 1989, with responsibility for conservation, planning, recreation and waterways.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
- Following completion of the apprenticeship the apprentice would be able to apply for any Ranger vacancies that arise, as well as any other suitable roles
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
SUFFOLK NEW COLLEGE
Lucy Pointer
hr@broads-authority.gov.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000039018.
Apply now
Closes in 19 days (Monday 13 July 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.