Apprentice Arborist

This learning and development role will provide the opportunity to gain knowledge, skills and experience to become a qualified Arborist. The apprenticeship will last typically 18 months, culminating in a Level 2 Arborist Apprenticeship qualification upon successful completion. You will work as part of a team of professionals across 3,200 hectares of sustainable multi-purpose forest to deliver the highest forestry and arboricultural standards.

You will support the team by undertaking a range of activities including chainsaw and aerial tree work. This role is practical involving working at significant heights almost entirely outdoors in all weathers. It will involve using safety critical equipment including chainsaws, pesticides, brush cutters, clearing saws and woodchippers. You will be expected to comply with health and safety legislation and safe working practices and undertake on and off the job training to a set programme.

Working alongside a team of professionals on tasks specific to your apprenticeship, you will develop the skills and knowledge relevant to the apprenticeship standard. The apprenticeship will be delivered through a blended learning model involving a balance of taught online activities, webinars and tutorials covering theoretical knowledge requirements and on campus workshop time to hone your practical skills.

Candidate Profile

• We are looking for people who can demonstrate their communication and problem-solving skills and are able to work well in a team and demonstrate attention to detail.
• Experience is not essential, but any practical or manual work experience would be helpful.
• Demonstrate interest in countryside management, forestry, The Crown Estate and Windsor Great Park.
• Show commitment to maintaining health and safety standards.
• Willing and able to work at significant heights and outdoors in all weathers.
• Show commitment to completing the apprenticeship programme.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.
• Demonstrate strong customer service focus and work well as part of a team.
• Demonstrate The Crown Estate values and behaviours consistently including working together, being honest and respectful, taking responsibility, looks for better ways of working.
• Take a flexible and adaptable approach to supporting the team.

Eligibility Criteria

• GCSE in English and Maths at Grade 4 or above.
• Aged 16 or over and have completed year 11.
• Not in full time education.
• Have the right to work in the UK.
• Able to travel to Berkshire College of Agriculture (BCA), Maidenhead SL6 6QR one day every other week.

Other Requirements

• Able to travel to Windsor Great Park – our working hours are 7.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
• Security clearance in addition to standard BPSS checks must be maintained for this role.
• The role holder must be able to work two weekends each year to support the wider Estate. Overtime or time off in lieu will be offered.
• The role holder must be able to undertake a largely manual role working outdoors in all weathers.

Benefits

• Salary aligned to the Living Wage
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• 28 days holiday per annum plus bank holidays
• Private health care
• Life assurance
• Choice of two pension schemes
• Discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes
• Rental deposit scheme
• Employee Assistance programme
• Cycle to work loan

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you have a disability or long-term condition and need us to make any adjustments, changes or do anything differently during the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting Roxy Flack via email on roxy.flack@thecrownestate.co.uk.