Woodland Trainee, N. Yorkshire

YDMT, Clapham, near Settle, N. Yorkshire

Location: Clapham, Nr Settle, N. Yorkshire
Salary: £19,838
Closing date: 5/6/23

Woodland Trainee at Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust

We're looking for an enthusiastic and energetic trainee to learn about and help us deliver our woodland work in the Yorkshire Dales.

Woodland Trainee | 12-months | Full-time 35 hours per week | £19,838 + expenses + training and clothing allowance  

Based at our offices in Clapham, near Settle, with travel across the Yorkshire Dales and surrounding areas 

Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) is a small charity doing big things to help to protect and enhance the People, Landscape and Wildlife of the Dales and the surrounding areas. We're looking for someone with enthusiasm and energy who has a strong interest in trees and woodlands to join us as a trainee. We'll support you to learn about and help deliver a range of projects, including our programme of woodland creation and activities. 

About Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust

Since 1996 YDMT has delivered diverse and inspirational projects worth over £30 million to the region. Our vital work has helped to plant over 1.5 million trees and secure the future of more than 800 hectares of wildflower hay meadow, creating fantastic habitats for our wildlife. We’re passionate about inspiring people from disadvantaged backgrounds and future generations to care for this special part of the world.

About the Woodland Trainee role 

The woodland traineeship will start in July 2023 for 12 months, providing full-time work-based training focusing on YDMT's woodland work. 

In this role you'll join our woodland team, learning about and helping us to deliver new woodland creation schemes and a programme of woodland activities.

A key element of this traineeship will be to engage with a number of targeted groups from local communities with the aim of developing a network of community tree nurseries. You will also deliver activities that help connect groups experiencing disadvantage with the natural environment in the Yorkshire Dales, and empowering them to take positive action to improve the environment.

You will have the opportunity to gain a range of certificated skills and have access to training vital for a successful career in the woodland or environmental sector.  This will include working to achieve the ABC Level 2 Certificate in Forestry  or the ABC Level 2 Certificate in Arboriculture through The Horticultural Correspondence College, with dedicated time each week to progress your studies and help and advice always on hand.  

Read the full Woodland Trainee Job Description for more information about this role.   

Other opportunities

We'll support you to develop your strengths and interests as you explore the many aspects of our work here at YDMT. You will have the chance to work alongside our fundraising, communications and administration teams, learn new skills and gain experience of working in a dynamic environmental charity, all supported by our staff team. And with a generous training package of up to £2,500, you'll be well-placed to start an exciting career in the environmental sector. 

What we're looking for 

An interest in woodlands and trees, connecting people with the natural world, conservation, biodiversity or exploring environmental issues will help you in this post. Any experience in these areas - either through paid or voluntary work or lived experience - would also be beneficial.

Skills and experience we’re looking for:

A wide range of people-based skills, open minded, patient, confident.

Enthusiasm and passion for the outdoors and environmental issues with a particular interest in trees and woodlands.

Interest in connecting people with the natural world, conservation and environmental issues, and an understanding of the importance of this for the communities we work with.

Able to work collaboratively as part of a team, and independently with a minimum of supervision (but know when to ask for help).

Aptitude for practical work and working outdoors.

Creative and able to develop your ideas.

Basic IT skills, use of email, word, excel, google, outlook and social media.

Organised and attention to detail.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills. At least Grade 4 in English and Maths is preferable, but we offer some flexibility, and would support you towards these or similar qualifications if necessary.

Do you need a driving license?

Ideally, yes. Most of our work sites are in remote locations, away from main public transport routes, therefore this role is more suited to a person who holds a full driving license and is willing to drive as part of the role. This is flexible however, and can be discussed with the successful applicant.

What’s in it for you?

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to begin a career in the woodland of environmental sector.

Through this unique paid traineeship, you will:

Have a 12-month employment contract with a salary of £19,838 per year plus expenses.

Gain valuable experience of being part of a busy projects team in a thriving small charity.

Develop a comprehensive set of skills you can use elsewhere.

Undertake a course that delivers a good theoretical knowledge of forestry leading to an industry recognized qualification endorsed by the Royal Forestry Society.

Complete a logbook recording the work you have undertaken and skills developed to enable you to complete future job applications more easily.

Access to bespoke development training (worth up to £2,500) in addition to all the on the job training we’ll give you to help you undertake this role and develop your career.

Have mentoring and support from a project manager, project officers and other YDMT staff.

25 days annual leave holiday plus bank holidays and 3 additional trust days, pension contribution, and access to our Employee Assistance Programme, health benefits package, well-being support programme, and more.

Expenses, including your travel whilst on work business, will be fully reimbursed.

Allowance towards the purchase of outdoor clothing needed for the role.

…and you’ll be helping us to connect more people with the natural world, enhance and improve the landscape, and inspire and empower more people to take positive action to improve the environment.

Find out more and apply:  https://www.ydmt.org/woodland-trainee-job

Closing date for applications: Monday 5th June

Interviews: Thursday 15th June 

To apply please send us your completed application form by email to carol.douglas@ydmt.org by Monday 5th June.