Apprenticeship training course

Water environment worker (level 3)

Maintaining, repairing and carrying out minor works on a variety of water environment assets.

• Qualification level: 3 ; Equivalent to A level.
• Typical duration: 18 months
• Apprenticeship category: Agriculture, environmental and animal care
• Maximum funding: £12,000 ; Maximum amount government will fund ; for apprenticeship training.
• Also known as:
  • Assistant Rangers
  • Field team member
  • Waterways worker
• Skills:
  Skills an apprentice will learn

  • Work safely and effectively, identify hazards, assess risk and comply with internal and external control measures. Dynamically assess risk and challenge unsafe activities when carrying out their duties, for their protection and that of others (e.g. contractors, members of the public), and take the necessary actions to minimise potential risks
  • Take proactive steps to manage their personal wellbeing, especially when working in high risk environments such lone working, confined spaces, in or near water. Implement lone working device in accordance with own organisation’s procedure.
  • Communicate HSW controls and safe working systems that are to be followed by you and others when working outdoors, e.g. pre-briefing before work commences
  • Select and use a range of maintenance tools, plant, equipment and resources so that asset maintenance plans can be delivered in safe manner whilst also protecting the environment, e.g. start-up checks, correct use of plant, etc. taking into account the working conditions and water environment status
  • Report relevant asset information which contributes to ensuring assets are well maintained in a timely manner
  • Apply soft engineering principles and practices to reduce erosion and manage stabilisation and safety of shorelines and the area surrounding watercourses, while enhancing habitat, improving aesthetics and saving money
  • Design, plan and build boundaries and apply sound principles and best environmental practices to preserve the natural environment within the context of the legal framework
  • Communicate clearly and effectively with the public, land owners, contractors and colleagues to deliver business outcomes, e.g. explaining their work to a landowner, provide feedback to contractors and colleagues to improve ways of working and responding to queries from members of the public. Vary their communication style to fit differing situations e.g. handling a complaint, describing their work
  • Use technology solutions available to communicate with others internally, e.g. email, social media etc.
  • Comply with environmental practices and procedures e.g. prevent cross contamination of invasive species, follow sustainability and waste management practices, plan work to adhere to legislation
  • Operate in a way which reduces pollution of our waterways and land nearby
  • Manage habitats using a range of specialist techniques such as coppicing, hedge laying, river/ stream bank stabilisation and establishing native plants, using appropriate tools and equipment. This could also include new and developing sustainable practices such as using natural materials to manage excessive rainfall (in constructing leaky dams and bale dams) and subsequently manage erosion and flood damage
  • Manage vegetation in a range of different situations, for example strimming pathways, using pesticides, managing trees and hedgerows, eradicating invasive species in order to conserve native flora and fauna
  • Enhance the organisation’s reputation by the way in which they work with contractors and other partners to deliver their work. Promote the work of the organisation in a positive light, referring to others when necessary
  • Plan and deliver projects using best practice project management techniques, including management of risks and resources, time management and value for money and the natural environment, e.g. work on a river bank could also create a habitat for wildlife
  • Demonstrate appropriate tool and material selection to carry out their duties safely, taking into account the ground/ working conditions
  • Adapt working practices to take account of new, improved ways of working, especially with regard to safe working practices, such as new materials available, lessons learned from health and safety incident reviews, and new environmental practices
  • Work with their line manager to develop their performance objectives and supporting activities. Demonstrate evidence towards achieving their objectives, using their organisation's systems and processes
  • Actively seek opportunities to develop themselves, seeking feedback from peers, attending training and putting into practice, with evidence-gathering, etc.

Full information on Water environment worker (level 3) is available from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

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