Countryside Worker Apprentice

Are you keen to start your conservation career? Join our team on our Countryside Worker
Apprenticeship!

• Fixed Term contract for 16 months due to start in September 2024
• Apprentice salary of £12,480 per annum, which equates to circa £6.40 per hour. After one
  year’s service your salary will increase to the adult National Minimum Wage, currently £22,308
  per annum (£11.44 per hour), for the remainder of the contract.
• Excellent benefits – including life assurance and a health cash plan, see
  the full list below.
• Your new place of work is in a beautiful location, be surrounded by nature on your
  lunchbreak.

Love where you work!

Established in 1943, our network of Learning Locations provides day and residential outdoor
education courses for all ages. We aim to create outstanding opportunities for everyone to
learn about nature.

We value each of our team members and understand that every role is vital to deliver our
mission, so, we provide great benefits* to reward and support you while you work with us.

What you’ll be doing

This opportunity allows you to study and work towards a Level 2 Countryside Worker
apprenticeship qualification. Alongside your studies you will assist our National Nature
Reserve Ranger with the day-to-day management and conservation of Slapton Ley National Nature
Reserve and centre grounds.

It will involve on and off the job training, professional development, and assessment, with 20%
of your time being allocated to study and practical development. You will also undertake two
weeks of training with our apprenticeship training provider, Bridgwater & Taunton College,
at their Cannington Campus.

What experience will you gain?

• Experience working on a nationally important National Nature Reserve
• Learn practical skills and undertake habitat management and conservation activities within
  woodland, wetland, and coastal ecosystems.
• Conserve and manage wildlife and habitats in line with our 10-year management plan.
• Be able to support with the delivery of community and education activities, including
  conservation walks, talks and practical tasks
• Assist with the supervision of volunteers working within the Reserve and wider estate.

Where you’ll be based

Field Studies Council Slapton is located within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty close to Field Sites in Dartmoor National Park. We maintain two residential centres
(Slapton Ley and Start Bay) in the coastal village of Slapton, as well as Slapton Ley National
Nature Reserve.

Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve (NNR) has both national and regional importance and attracts many thousands of visitors each year for its wildlife, educational opportunities,
amenity and stunning landscape setting within the South Devon National Landscape.

Follow this link to find out more about the reserve and our management plan.

Who we’re looking for

Experience is not necessary. We just need you to have enthusiasm for the countryside and
environment, and a positive approach to working outdoors and undertaking practical tasks in all
weathers.

In addition you will have:

• A great work ethic where aptitude and attitude are key
• A natural pride in the work you produce
• A flexible and adaptive approach able to perform using your own initiative both
  independently and as a team player
• A professional manner in all that you do
• An empathy with the aims and objectives of Field Studies Council
• A committed and proactive approach to personal development; motivated to learn new skills
  and overcome new challenges

* Your benefits whilst working with us will include:

• Holidays – 28 days + bank holidays
• Pension
• Sick Pay
• 24hr Counselling Helpline Service
• Life Assurance
• Health Cash Plan
• Training & Development

Does this sound like something you would love to do? Come and be part of the
team! We look forward to your application.

If you have any queries regarding this vacancy, please call Kieran Shaw-Flach (NNR Ranger) on
07815765502.

The closing date for receipt of your completed application is 7 July 2024.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we’re in receipt of sufficient applications.
Please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Interviews are scheduled to take place at Field Studies Council Slapton in the week commencing
14 July 2024

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by email.