Work Experience with Chiltern Rangers

Here at Chiltern Rangers, we welcome work experience students in Years 10 and above.  We also offer placements to over 18s who are looking to further their experience in the world of conservation.

If you are interested in practical, community-based conservation and environmental activities then work experience at Chiltern Rangers is for you. It’s ideal for those pursuing careers in conservation, tree surgery and outdoor working.

Chiltern Rangers work with a huge number of community groups, schools and volunteers and if you are interested in a career such as adult social care, policing, teaching, social work or working with special needs people etc. then our work experience would also be a great option.

How do I get a place?

Our work experience placements encourage you to learn and develop during the time you are with us.  You will be a ‘Junior Ranger’ and will hopefully get an insight into what this work thing is all about.

The first thing we will need to do is make sure we have a space for you so please email info@chilternrangers.co.uk or call us on 01494 474486 to let us know what dates you are thinking of joining us.  Once we have agreed your work experience dates we will need you too:

• Complete either an Under 18 application form or an Over 18 application form
• Visit us for an informal interview and a tour of our depot

And that’s pretty much it until you join us on your first day!

 What does our work experience involve?

Our work regularly involves helping local people engage in practical, community-based conservation projects at a range of woodlands and nature reserves in the Chilterns and surrounding areas.  As a Junior Ranger, you will be shadowing our team of rangers and will get involved with some of the following:

• Thinning trees and cutting back scrub (including controlled bonfires in winter to burn the arisings)
• Step building, footpath & fencing repairs
• River cleaning
• Litter picking
• General work tasks as necessary – e.g. washing tools & kit after use, sweeping up the depot, preparing the volunteer tea kit, washing vans & general clearing up.
• Monitoring/surveying of trees/plants/butterflies and more may be undertaken, particularly during spring/summer placements.
• Only hand tools will be used and training will be given.

What else do Chiltern Rangers offer?

 Not In Education, Employment or Training (NEET)

We work with a variety of organisations to help engage with young people Not In Education, Employment or Training. We aim to boost job prospects, life skills and confidence as well as producing improvements to local woodlands.  Call us on 01494 474486 or email info@chilternrangers.co.uk for more information.

Work placements

If our work experience offer doesn’t cater for your needs we are able to offer a variety of other options that are particularly useful for University/College students or those looking for a career change. We can offer one or two day a week long term placements, summer holiday placements or a bespoke placement to suit your needs.

All of our work-based placements are offered as part of a holistic approach to education which favours some students.  They include a preplacement interview which is great experience and preparation for those about to enter the work place for real for the first time.  Call us on 01494 474486 or email info@chilternrangers.co.uk for more information.

 For more information and to see how you can become involved with Chiltern Rangers, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01494 474486 or by email.  We look forward to talking with you.