Novice in pretty rough conditions (4)
I believe the answer is:
tyro
'novice' is the definition.
(term for a beginner)
'in pretty rough conditions' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'TYRO' is hidden within 'pretty rough conditions'.
(Other definitions for tyro that I've seen before include "Initiate" , "'Beginner, novice (4)'" , "Learner" , "New" , "Apprentice" .)