Countryside Ranger Apprentice Pebblehead Heaths Conservation Trust

What you will do in your working day

The Countryside Ranger Apprentice will work with the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust team across their nature reserves.

Covering both internationally significant heathland, and newly created intertidal wetland, these reserves provide an ideal location to learn about the ecology and management of diverse habitats and wildlife. The Countryside Ranger Apprentice will support and complete tasks as agreed by the Reserves Manager and Rangers, including habitat management, infrastructure maintenance, ecological monitoring, and visitor engagement. Typical tasks and responsibilities are outlined below:

• Habitat management tasks could include scrub clearance and tree felling, cutting firebreaks, swailing, managing invasive species and assisting with livestock used for conservation grazing.
• Maintenace tasks could include inspecting car parks, installing fencing, installing signage, repairs to paths and steps, and basic repairs to bird hides and benches.
• Monitoring work could include bird surveys such as nightjar and Dartford warbler surveys, butterfly surveys, wetland bird counts, recreational disturbance surveys, carbon monitoring, and fish monitoring.
• These reserves are well used by  local people so ensuring that communities are able to connect with the landscape, while minimising negative impacts on the reserves, is an important part of our work. The apprentice will work alongside the team being proactive in explaining the need for responsible recreation to visitors.
• They will also assist with planning and delivery of education and engagement events designed to help people connect with the reserves and take positive action for nature.
• Volunteers play an important part in caring for the reserves. The apprentice will learn how to lead and manage volunteers carrying out conservation tasks, ensuring that volunteers are able to fulfil their potential and contribute to the care of the reserves.
• Act as an ambassador for the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust, acting with professional conduct while interacting with partners, stakeholders and the public.
• Carry out all work in line with health and safety policies and risk assessments.
• Receive on the job training, formal certification for appropriate equipment, and will be well supported by the Pebblebed Heaths team.

A training budget for sector relevant training and certificates will be available. Courses will be booked based on the requirements of the apprentice and their particular areas of interest as agreed in a training plan to compliment the college course. The apprentice is expected to complete the Level 4 Countryside Ranger Apprenticeship Standard through Bridgwater & Taunton College by the end of the appointment.

This role is aimed at supporting someone from the local area in progressing a career in conservation. This role is part funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.  

The training you will be getting

Level 4 Apprenticeship Standard - Countryside Ranger:

Level 4 Countryside Ranger - Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours

• LANTRA Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work
• C&G/NPTC 0014-26 L2 Award in the Safe Use of Brush-cutters and Trimmer
• Edexcel Level 2 Functional Skills English and Maths (Exemptions Apply)

The training will be delivered as a block release at the Cannington Campus of Bridgwater and Taunton College.

What to expect at the end of your apprenticeship

At the end of the apprenticeship, the apprentice should have had a well-rounded experience to develop a career in conservation.

There will also be opportunities to work alongside our conservation partners and to attend events arranged by Countryside Management Association to help with networking across the local conservation sector.