Apprentice Countryside Ranger - Gift to Nature

Job Posted: 7 April 2026

• Contract Term: Apprenticeships
• Location: Newport, Isle of Wight
• Contract Type: Full time
• Salary: £8 per hour
• Industries: Apprenticeships Horticulture

Here at The Isle of Wight College, we’re proud to work alongside a wide network of dynamic employers across a variety of industries.

We’re excited to share a new opportunity — a Horticulture Apprenticeship working for Gift to Nature, as an Apprentice Countryside Ranger, now open for applications in Shide.

This is a fantastic chance to gain hands-on experience while developing valuable skills in the countryside and environmental sector.

Gift to Nature is a well-known countryside management project based in Shide, near Newport. It’s part of the local charity Natural Enterprise and plays a key role in looking after the Island’s natural environment.

?? What they do

Gift to Nature focuses on protecting and improving the Isle of Wight’s countryside and green spaces. Their work includes:

• Managing nature reserves, and open spaces across the Island
• Protecting wildlife habitats and species (from red squirrels to rare insects)
• Improving public access to nature, including trails and outdoor activities
• Running community events, workshops, and guided walks
• Supporting landowners and organisations with environmental advice

They now help manage a large portion of the Isle of Wight Council’s countryside estate, alongside their own sites.

This is an exciting opportunity to gain a wide range of experience and knowledge while helping a local charity to achieve its aims in managing and developing its current (32) and future portfolio of countryside sites

Key Responsibilities and Tasks to Include:

The Gift to Nature (G2N) Apprentice Countryside Ranger will be a key member of the G2N team. Working alongside the Senior Ranger and Ranger to help manage and develop the G2N portfolio of sites.

Daily tasks will include:

·         Undertaking day-to-day site inspections and management work alongside colleagues to keep the G2N sites safe to use and enhance the visitor experience. Mainly using hand and small power tools

·         Assist the Ranger team to deliver the G2N site improvement programme

·         To engage with members of the public, providing guidance, information and sharing knowledge. Operating as an important Natural Enterprise G2N Ambassador.

·         Ensure Natural Enterprise operates as an environmental exemplifier at all times

Essential Skills, Qualities & Key personal attributes to include:

·         A strong ‘can do’ attitude

·         Willingness to learn and be part of a team but also work on one’s own

·         A love for the natural environment and good principles of biodiversity

·         At all times present a professional image

·         Ability to be self-motivated and work in a flexible and resourceful manner

·         Have and maintain a full UK driving licence

Desirable (but not essential)

·         Basic gardening skills or qualifications would be desirable to support your application

Working Hours:

·         37 hours per week

·         Typically, Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm

Wage:

·         £8 per hour to begin with

Qualifications required:

·         GCSE grade C/4 or above in English & Maths (or equivalent qualification)

·         Willingness to work towards these subjects as Functional Skills if not previously achieved the equivalent grade

Apprenticeship Standard:

·         Level 2 Horticulture Apprenticeship

·         24-to-30-month apprenticeship programme

·         Alongside your practical daily work, you’ll take part in off-the-job training hours—dedicated time within your working week to develop your knowledge, skills, and behaviours through any new/online learning and attendance at The Isle of Wight College

·         Weekly attendance at The Isle of Wight College from September

If you're looking to begin a career in a fast-paced industry within a truly unique environment, we’d be delighted to hear from you!

Please do not contact the company directly, all applications must be made through www.isleofwightjobs.com

Additional information:

The current National Minimum Wage (NMW) rate for apprentices is £8.00 per hour. This applies to both 16-18-year-old apprentices and those aged over 19 in the first year of their Apprenticeship. The Minimum Wage for Apprentices applies to time spent on the job plus time spent training. For more information visit: www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates

Once qualified and dependant on needs of the business at the time of apprenticeship completion, there will be the potential to grow within the company and become part of a skilled workforce as a permanent employee as a Full Gift to Nature Ranger.

Your details will be processed in accordance with GDPR.

So, if this sounds like the next, or indeed first step you want to take with your career, then please apply with a cover letter and CV telling us why you feel you would be the ideal person to take on this brilliant opportunity!!