Join our team as an Apprentice Community Forester
We’re looking for an Apprentice Community Forester to join the team at Raise: Cumbria Community Forest. This is a great opportunity to begin a career in forestry while helping shape the future of our landscapes and communities.
The role:
Location: Remote working, with one day a week in our shared office at Torpenhow, plus travel across Cumbria
Hours: Full time - 4 days with Raise and 1 day college coursework
Salary: Minimum of Apprentice National Minimum Wage
Contract Length: 21-month apprenticeship (October 2025 - August 2027)
As part of our team, you’ll get involved in creating new woodlands, planting urban trees, and supporting community projects across Cumbria. You’ll build practical experience in woodland design, management, and monitoring, as well as project administration and partnership working. Alongside your role, you’ll work towards a Level 3 Forestry Crafts qualification, in partnership with Myerscough College.
What you’ll be doing:
Supporting woodland creation projects - from gathering information and preparing reports to joining colleagues on site visits and meetings.
Learning how to design and manage woodland creation schemes in line with the UK Forestry Standard.
Helping to monitor and maintain planting projects through site inspections, surveys, and record keeping.
Working with the team and partner organisations to deliver community and volunteer activities.
Assisting with project administration, data entry, and reporting.
About you:
We’re looking for someone enthusiastic, reliable, and ready to learn. You don’t need lots of experience - just an interest in trees, woodlands, and the environment, plus the motivation to get stuck in. You’ll need:
At least 4 GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A-C), including Maths and English (or equivalent qualifications).
Basic ICT skills (email, Word, Excel).
A willingness to learn, ask questions, and work as part of a team.
The ability to travel independently to our office in Torpenhow and sites across Cumbria.
It would be a bonus if you’ve already volunteered or worked on outdoor or environmental projects, or if you have an awareness of climate change issues or mapping software - but none of this is essential.
Why join us?
Raise is a neurodivergent-led organisation, reimagining what woodlands can be: more inclusive, more creative, and more connected to how people truly experience the world. By joining us, you’ll be part of a team working to tackle the climate crisis, restore biodiversity, and make nature accessible to everyone.
We welcome applications from everyone, and especially encourage applicants who identify as neurodivergent.
How to apply
Please send your CV and a short covering statement (maximum one page, or a 3-minute video if you prefer) to info@raisecumbria.co.uk. In your statement, let us know why you’re interested in the role and how your skills and experience match the person specification.
If you have any questions, or would like an informal chat before applying, you’re very welcome to get in touch at the same address.
Closing date: 17th September 2025
Interviews: 23rd September 2025
This apprenticeship is made possible with funding from the Ernest Cook Trust.