North York Moors National Park Authority

Job Description

Post Countryside Worker Apprentice

Post Number Various

Grade Year 1 - £9,539 per annum (includes annual travel allowance and supplement)Year 2 – national minimum wage for your age (plus an annual supplement of £1,173 – paid monthly)

Section Park Services

Responsible to Apprentice Supervisor

Work Base Castleton / Helmsley

Purpose

1. To undertake a practical traineeship leading to a nationally recognised qualification and to be part of a team providing a field service for a wide range of estate and public rights of way work based primarily on the North York Moors National Park and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

2. The Countryside Worker Apprentice will take part in ecology, maintenance and restoration projects within the Northern and Southern areas of the North York Moors National Park and on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway as a part of their training activities. In addition, the Apprentice will take part in general site maintenance and repair, assist in public open days/special events and occasional railway operations.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Working in a team with the National Park Authority and local organisations to identify & record habitat/species.

2. Completing ecology improvement/sustaining activities within the 18 mile railway’s land corridor

3. Signposting, way marking and maintenance of footpaths and bridleway surfaces

4. Construction and repair of footbridges, stiles, gates, fences, litter bins and signs

5. Dry stone walling, laying cobbles, paved ways and concreting

6. Construction and repair of culverts, drain laying

7. Fencing, hedging, ditching and drainage maintenance

8. Tree planting, bracken spraying, heather burning, grass cutting and weed control

9. Use of powered tools and equipment including chainsaws

10. Communicating with visitors, community groups and other visitors to the National Park and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

11. Adhering to all health and safety rules and regulations.

12. Be prepared to go back into school to talk to students about the benefits of joining an apprentice scheme.

13. The post holder must maintain a clean & safe environment as well as ensuring the Health and Safety of other paid staff and volunteers within their remit.

North York Moors National Park Authority

Person Specification

Post Countryside Work Apprentice Post Number Various

Essential Desirable

Qualifications

No formal qualifications necessary.

Willingness to train and study for an Environmental Conservation qualification.

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Experience and Knowledge

Interest in general countryside & flora/fauna √

Communication Skills

Good interpersonal skills and the ability to get on well with other members of the team.

Able to communicate well with other staff and the general public.

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Personal Attributes

Respectful approach to all including Volunteers, Employees, & Suppliers

Able to work under instructions and rules

Clean and tidy person who interacts well with the public

Self motivated and works using own initiative in dealing with unforeseen circumstances

Self-awareness, flexible and confident.

Enthusiastic & positive thinking with a ‘can-do’ attitude.

The skills of an effective Team Worker and Finisher

Able to work alone or as part of a team.

Able to share knowledge and demonstrate tasks.

Ability to remain calm when dealing with difficult situations

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Keen to Learn and to make a contribution to a dynamic group

Strong interest in learning practical conservation/field skills

Willingness to work hard to complete the practical parts of the apprenticeship

A level of physical fitness appropriate to the post

A keen interest in and a firm commitment to, countryside conservation and the aims of the National Park & the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

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North York Moors National Park Authority

Countryside Worker Apprentice

Park Services

We know that not everyone is suited to following full-time education which is why the Apprenticeship Programme is available for people who are looking to work whilst training at the same time.

For us, our Scheme is a great opportunity to bring more young people into the North York Moors National Park and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and bring with them, new and fresh ideas that can benefit the service we provide

For you, this Scheme is an important stepping-stone if you’re keen on a career working within the environmental sector. It’s a chance to get the kind of real experience and genuine support that can help you decide exactly where you want to go next.

Your placement will provide you with a wide range of learning and development opportunities, the kind that can really enhance your skills. And whilst on the Scheme, we’ll also expect you to be committed to undertaking and completing a Level 2 qualification in Environmental Conservation at Askham Bryan College.

This is a fixed term full time contract for 2 years and will be based in the National Park area and on land adjacent to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

Like all our Apprentices, you will be paid a training allowance of £9,539 per annum. Your pay will increase to the minimum wage for your age group as you go into year two. We’ll also be spending money on your training to make sure that you have a set of skills that will be attractive to other employers when you leave us.

The apprenticeships will be based at the Authority’s Depot’s at either Castleton or Helmsley. Hours of work are 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

You will have 2 weeks annual leave at Christmas, 1 week at Easter and 1 week in August plus a further 5 days leave for you to use as you require it.

Selection and Interviews

Application forms can be e-mailed to Donna Magson (recruitment@northyorkmoors.org.uk) by 9.00 am Friday 24 July 2020

It is anticipated that interviews will be held on Wednesday 5 August 2020 Please note that we will use the e-mail address that you provide on your application form for all correspondence. This helps us to acknowledge receipt of your application and communicate with you regarding progress with selection in a timely manner. Let us know if you would prefer us to contact you by telephone or letter.