Apprentice Arborist in Old Windsor

At The Crown Estate, we actively manage a diverse portfolio across England, Wales and Northern Ireland to create lasting and shared prosperity for the nation. We manage the whole of the Windsor Estate, encompassing some 15,800 acres, where our role as long‑term custodians is nowhere more apparent. Windsor is one of the country’s most unique and important environmental and ecological sites, an ancient Royal landscape of forests, grasslands, lakes and gardens with 1,000 years of history including historical monuments, rare wildlife and National Collections of plants and Champion Trees. The estate includes farms, a vineyard, commercial forestry and residential and commercial lettings, welcoming 6 million visitors each year, placing it among the UK’s top visitor attractions.

What you'll be doing:

• Work as part of a team across 3,200 hectares of sustainable, multi‑purpose forest to deliver the highest forestry and arboricultural standards.
• Undertake a range of activities including chainsaw and aerial tree work.
• Use safety‑critical equipment such as chainsaws, pesticides, brush cutters, clearing saws and woodchippers.
• Work at significant heights and outdoors in all weathers.
• Comply with health and safety legislation and safe working practices.
• Complete on‑ and off‑the‑job training to a set programme.
• Develop skills and knowledge relevant to the Level 2 Arborist Apprenticeship standard.
• Support the team on tasks specific to the apprenticeship program.

About you:

• Demonstrate strong communication and problem‑solving skills, teamwork, and attention to detail.
• Have practical or manual work experience (not essential).
• Show interest in countryside management, forestry, The Crown Estate and Windsor Great Park.
• Commit to maintaining health and safety standards.
• Be willing and able to work at significant heights and outdoors in all weathers.
• Commit to completing the apprenticeship programme.
• Display a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.
• Show strong customer service focus and work well as part of a team.
• Demonstrate the Crown Estate values and behaviours, including working together, honesty, respect, responsibility, and continuous improvement.
• 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:

• Travel to Windsor Great Park – working hours are 7:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday.
• Maintain security clearance in addition to standard BPSS checks.
• Work two weekends each year to support the wider estate; overtime or time off in lieu will be offered.
• 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 and shopping discount codes.
• Rental deposit scheme.
• Employee Assistance programme.
• Cycle to work loan.

EEO Statement: 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 adjustments, changes or anything different during the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting Roxy Flack via email at roxy.flack@thecrownestate.co.uk.