Location: Loch of Strathbeg
Length of role: 15 months Fixed Term
Terms: 5 days (37.5 hours) a week - Full Time
Salary: £24,571 - £26,231 Per Annum

Your role will be to:
Help save nature as part of the RSPB! Learn a mixture of new techniques and traditional rural skills. Preserve landscapes, habitats and species for future generations. This apprenticeship will equip you to work in the conservation sector, expanding your knowledge of the countryside. You’ll build an awareness of environmental good practice and responsible use of outdoor sites.

What you will learn:
Modern Apprenticeships are work-based pathways to recognised industry qualifications. You'll learn essential skills for the rural sector, including machinery use, land management, and environmental conservation.
You will gain hands-on experience and training in:
•    Habitat creation and restoration
•    Construct or repair boundaries e.g. fencing
•    Building or maintaining access ways e.g. path surfacing
•    Installing or maintaining site furniture for access and interpretation
•    Using hand and powered tools safely (e.g. hammers, saws, drills, brushcutters), maintaining tools and holding relevant certifications
•    Animal, bird and plant identification skills
•    Writing risk assessments, working safely, and first aid training
•    Giving talks or leading guided walks
•    Training and supervising volunteers
•    Balancing the conservation of the countryside with public access and enjoyment
•    Keeping records and writing reports

What You’ll Get:
•    An apprenticeship qualification upon successful completion
•    Good holiday allowance
•    Full support, training, and professional development opportunities
•    A friendly and supportive line manager
•    An opportunity to network and learn about the wider sector
•    Equipment and PPE provided

Who you are
You need:
•    Passion for the countryside and environment
•    A strong work ethic: reliable, punctual, and proud of your work
•    Interest in learning practical habitat management
•    Good written communication skills
•    Curiosity and drive to learn new skills and work collaboratively
•    Experience with Microsoft Word and email, or willingness to learn
•    Willing to monitor pest control e.g. analysing camera footage 

The RSPB 
The RSPB is a charity committed to protecting nature. We bring together people who want to make a difference for wildlife, restoring habitats, and preventing species extinction. In this role, you’ll learn how to protect special places, monitor wildlife, and support others in discovering the wonders of this nature reserve.

Conditions:
•    Most training happens on the job, offering real-world experience
•    Much of the work is outdoors, with some time in the office or visitor centre
•    Tasks may be physically demanding and carried out in Scottish weather
•    Some irregular hours are expected, including early mornings, late evenings, and weekends

Essential and Desirable Skills 
Please write about all of these in your application. Give examples of when or how you hope to demonstrate them.

• Essential Skills
  Enthusiasm to gain practical experience of conservation land management
  o    A keenness to learn how to operate and maintain various tools, vehicles, and machinery
  o    Willingness to be a good team player
  o    Willing and able to work outdoors in remote locations, handling the challenges they present
  o    Ability to use your own initiative to solve problems in the field
  o    Good personal time management skills
• Desirable Skills 
  o    A strong interest in nature conservation
  o    Ability to learn how to keep records, manage data, and use IT programs

Additional Requirements:
•    You’ll be aged 16-19 years old at the start of the apprenticeship
•    Able to travel to RSPB Loch of Strathbeg daily

We are particularly looking for candidates in the Aberdeenshire area.
For further information, please read the How to Apply for this Role document or contact margaret.cook@rspb.org.uk.
We reserve the right to close this position early.
_______________________
As part of this application process, you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete an application form, including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.
_______________________
We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer.

The RSPB is a licensed sponsor. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.