South Devon National Landscape
Follaton House, Plymouth Road,
Totnes TQ9 5NE

 

Tel: 01803 229330

 

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Working for us

 

Being a member of the South Devon National Landscape team gives you the opportunity to contribute directly to the work we do looking after this special place, working towards a common goal of protecting and restoring our designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for everyone to enjoy.

 

If you are innovative, enthusiastic and have a flexible ‘can do’ attitude, then keep checking this page for opportunities and  an eye on our social media channels.

Countryside Apprentice (3 posts) Full time, 37 hours.

 

 

 

 

We are looking for 3 apprentices as part of the countryside Life on the Edge (LotE) project. LotE Level 2 apprentices will be working to helping create, restore and conserve important habitats on the South Devon coast, all working towards securing a future for 30 rare and threatened invertebrates which call South Devon home. Species include Mediterranean oil beetle, Long-horned bee and the rarest bee in Britain, the Six-banded nomad bee. They will work towards a Level 2 Countryside Worker qualification, with our partner training provider.

 

Through a programme of structured learning, both at college and on the job with South Devon Ranger teams, Life on the Edge Apprentices will gain experience and build a portfolio and given the opportunity to gain a Level 2 Apprenticeship.

 

Working alongside project partners, the National Trust, apprentices will be hosted by local ranger teams at two locations; Southdown farm and Coleton Fishacre who look to conserve and enhance the spaces for people and for nature. Working at National Trust sites, ranging over 90km along the entirety of the South Devon Coast, these LotE apprenticeship opportunities will have a fantastic insight into the world of nature conservation, whilst improving access and inspiring others about nature.

 

The work will be varied – alongside the ranger teams it will range from practical estate work, surveying plants and insects, and engaging with the public at events. The scheme will also benefit from the wider Life on the Edge project with opportunities to be involved with wider project activity with other project delivery partners.

 

 

Webinar

 

All interested candidates are encouraged to join an online webinar session to learn more about the Life on the Edge project, this apprenticeship scheme and ask any questions in a short Q&A session. This will be held on Zoom at 1830 on Tuesday 27 August 2024.  Please get in contact [email protected] for the link.

 

We are only able to accept applications from individuals over the age of 18 years old.

 


For an informal discussion please contact Nicky Bailey, Life on the Edge Volunteering and Learning Officer on 01803 229334 or email [email protected]

For further information on the project see https://www.southdevon-nl.org.uk/projects/life-on-the-edge/

 


Closing date – Tuesday 3 September 2024

Interviews will be held via an Apprentice Selection Day which will be on Monday 9 September 2024 at Coleton Fishacre.

 

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job details

 

  • Salary  £22.737 (pay ward pending)

 

  • Contractual hours  37

 

  • Basis  Full Time

 

  • Region  South West

 

  • Package  Local Government Pension Scheme, 18 Month Apprenticeship

 

  • Job category/type  Apprenticeship, Assets, Building Maintenance

 

Date posted  21.9.24
Job reference  SS116T001

Job description

 

Role Profile

 

During this 18 month apprenticeship you can expect to learn techniques and expand theoretical knowledge on the following topics and themes:

 

 

  • Manage habitats using a range of specialist techniques such as coppicing, hedge laying, and establishing native meadows, using appropriate tools and equipment.
  • 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.
  • Manage vegetation in a range of different situations, for example strimming pathways, using herbicides, managing trees, hedgerows and meadows, 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.
  • 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.
  • Assist with volunteer tasks and public events as part of the Life on the Edge programme.
  • 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.

 

 

NB:   The list of duties is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive; there will be other duties and requirements associated with the post and you may be required to undertake such other duties as may reasonably be required of you

 

About You (Person Specification)

 

Qualifications

 

Essential:

  • English and Maths GCSE’s – Grade D/Level 3 or above.

Desirable:

 

  • Driving licence

 

 

Knowledge /Experience

 

 

Essential:

  • A keen knowledge of nature conservation and species recovery.

Desirable:

  • An understanding of Countryside Management in a rural sector environment.

 

 

Skills /Abilities

 

Essential:

  • Ability to deliver high standard of work to an agreed standard.
  • Ability to build effective working relationships.
  • Experience of utilising communication skills
  • Aptitude to learn from others and follow a structured learning programme

 

Desirable:

 

  • Ability to effectively motivate colleagues at all levels to work collaboratively
  • Ability to work with teams across the organisations in the project.
  • Ability to work with a range of people adapting actions to meet their needs

 

 

General/Other

 

Essential

  • Good timekeeping skills and able to prioritise time effectively.

 

This exciting role is an amazing opportunity to work in one of the UK’s finest coastal landscapes – it is highly designated and includes Special Areas of Conservation, National Nature Reserves, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and forms an important part of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, South Devon Heritage Coast and South West Coast Path National Trail.

 

 

Interested?

 

For an informal discussion please contact Nicky Bailey [email protected]

Life on The Edge: Volunteer & Learning Coordinator  

 

 

Interviews:     Interviews will be held via an Apprentice Selection Day which will be on Monday 9 September 2024 at Coleton Fishacre.

 

Closing date:   Midnight Tuesday 3rd September

 

                    

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